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Differential Voltage Probe User Manual

Order Code: DVP-BTA

The Differential Voltage Probe is designed for exploring the basic principles of electricity. Use this probe to measure voltages in low voltage AC and DC circuits. With a range ±6.0 V, this system is ideal for use in “battery and bulb” circuits.

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

Compatible Software and Interfaces

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMateTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1IncompatibleFull support 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  4. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

Quick Start

  1. Plug the sensor into the interface (LabQuest 3, LabQuest Mini, etc.).
  2. Connect the interface to your device.
    • If using USB, connect to the USB port on your computer.
    • If using Bluetooth® wireless technology, click your interface type and then select your device.
  3. Prepare for data collection:
    • Vernier Graphical Analysis®: Launch the app, if necessary, and click Sensor Data Collection.
    • LabQuest® App: Choose New from the File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.

Need Additional Information?

Visit the following link:

www.vernier.com/start-lq-sensor

Note: Vernier products are for educational use only.

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.

The Differential Voltage Probe is designed to be used like a voltmeter. The leads should be placed across a circuit element. The differential input range is –6 volts to +6 volts. Over‑voltage protection is provided so that slightly higher voltages will not damage the sensor. You should NEVER use high voltages or household AC with this probe.

Videos

Calibration

You should not have to perform a new calibration when using the Differential Voltage Probe in the classroom. We have set the sensor to match our stored calibration before shipping it. You can simply use the appropriate calibration file that is stored in the data-collection program from Vernier.

If you choose to calibrate the Differential Voltage Probe for increased accuracy, use the standard, two-point calibration procedure. Another option to consider instead of calibrating is “zeroing” the sensor. This is done by shorting out the leads of the sensor, then choosing the Zero option in the data-collection software. This option adjusts the calibration offset but does not adjust the calibration gain.

Specifications

Differential Voltage Probe input voltage range

± 6.0V

Maximum voltage on any input

±10 V

Input impedance (to ground)

10 MΩ

Linearity

0.01%

Resolution

3.1 mV

Supply voltage

5 VDC

Supply current (typical)

9 mA

Output voltage range

0–5 V

Transfer function

Vo = –0.4 (V+ –V) + 2.5

Default calibration values

  • slope: –2.5 V/V
  • intercept: 6.25 V

How the Sensor Works

The Differential Voltage Probe measures the potential difference between the V+ clip (red) and the V clip (black). The voltage probes have differential inputs. The voltage measured is with respect to the black clip and not circuit ground. This allows you to measure directly across circuit elements without the constraints of common grounding. The voltage probes can be used to measure negative potentials, as well as positive potentials.

The output of this system is linear with respect to the measurement it is making. A built-in amplifier allows you to measure positive and negative voltages on any of our interfaces. Since many lab interfaces can read voltages only in the range of 0 to 5 volts, the amplifier offsets and amplifies the incoming signal so that the output is always in the range of 0 to 5 volts. If an input is zero volts, for example, the amplifier will produce an output of 2.5 volts. The output varies from this 2.5 volt level, depending on the input.

Troubleshooting

If the Differential Voltage Probe is not operating as expected, check the following:

  • Are the leads properly and securely connected? The probe is designed to be used like voltmeter leads. It should be placed across a circuit element.
  • Is the sensor voltage fluctuating? Try a DC power source, such as a battery. When measuring DC voltages with power supplies, some power supplies do not provide a steady DC signal. If the sensor reading is correct when using a battery, the problem may be the power supply.

For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1428

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Differential Voltage Probe, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/dvp-bta/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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