Go Direct® O2 Gas Sensor User Manual
Order Code: GDX-O2
Go Direct O2 Gas measures gaseous oxygen concentration and air temperature. This sensor has a wide measurement range, which is ideal for studying human and cellular respiration. A 250 mL Nalgene bottle is included for running controlled experiments with small plants and animals.
Go Direct O2 Gas can be used in a variety of experiments:
- Test catalase activity under various conditions.
- Measure oxygen consumption at rest and after exercise.
- Measure the change in O2 gas produced during photosynthesis.
- Compare the rates of cell respiration in germinating and non-germinating peas.
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.
What's Included
- Go Direct O2 Gas
- Micro USB Cable
- 250 mL Nalgene Bottle w/Lid
Compatible Software
Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.LabQuest
Interface LabQuest App LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 LabQuest (discontinued) Incompatible Compatibility Notes
Computers
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support 1 LabQuest 3 Full support 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 2 3 Compatibility Notes
Chromebook
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 Compatibility Notes
iOS
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 1 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 2 3 Compatibility Notes
Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support Incompatible LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 3 Compatibility Notes
Python
Software Interface Python No interface required Full support Javascript
Software Interface Javascript No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
LabVIEW
Software Interface NI LabVIEW No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Quick Start: Vernier Graphical Analysis® and Bluetooth®
- Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
- Turn on your sensor. The LED will blink red.
- Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
- Select your sensor from the list. The sensor ID is located on the sensor label near the bar code. Note: If you don’t see a list of available sensors, click WIRELESS. After selecting your sensor, click Pair.
- This is a multi-channel sensor. Click SENSOR CHANNELS and select the channel(s) you want to use.
- Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.
Using other Vernier data-collection apps or want to connect via USB?
Visit www.vernier.com/start-go-direct
Note: This sensor also works with LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3; it does not work with the original LabQuest.
Charging the Sensor
Connect Go Direct O2 Gas to the included Micro USB Cable and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct O2 Gas Sensors using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct O2 Gas indicates charging status.
| Charging |
Blue LED on steady while sensor is connected to the Micro USB Cable or Charge Station. |
| Fully charged |
Blue LED is off when charging is complete. |
Powering the Sensor
| Turning on the sensor |
Press button once. Red LED indicator flashes when unit is on. |
| Putting the sensor in sleep mode |
Press and hold button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED indicator stops flashing when sleeping. |
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
| Connected and charging | Blue and Green LED solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and unit is charging. (Green LED is obscured by the blue one.) |
| Connected, fully charged | Green LED solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is fully charged. |
| Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth |
Blue LED is solid and green LED is flashing, but the green flashing LED looks white because it is overwhelmed by the blue. |
Identifying the Sensor
When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of the user manual.
Note: For best results, keep the sensor upright as much as possible during use. Reading may drift if used in a horizontal position.
Channels
Go Direct O2 Gas has three measurement channels:
- O2 Gas
- O2 Gas - rTC
- Temperature
O2 Gas
This channel measures the oxygen concentration in the air. Units can be changed from percent (%) to parts per thousand (ppt), parts per million (ppm), or or mg/m3. See www.vernier.com/til/3846 for more information. There is built-in temperature compensation on this channel that is most effective for slow temperature changes. For rapid temperature changes, consider using the O2 Gas - rTC channel. O2 Gas is the default channel that is active when the sensor is connected.
O2 Gas - rTC
This channel measures oxygen gas concentration, but in addition to the built-in temperature compensation, it uses the on-board thermistor to apply a rapid temperature correction to the oxygen gas reading. This channel should only be used in experiments where starting conditions will be at room temperature and where rapid changes in temperature are likely to occur. Units can be changed from percent (%) to parts per thousand (ppt), parts per million (ppm), or mg/m3. See www.vernier.com/til/3846 for more information. This channel is not active by default when then the sensor is connected.
Temperature
This channel measures air temperature and is used for rapid temperature compensation. Units can be changed from °C to °F or K. This channel is not active by default when the sensor is connected.
Videos
Calibrating the Sensor
O2 Gas
The sensor is factory calibrated. For many experiments, it will not be necessary to calibrate. However, for best accuracy, the sensor can be calibrated using a one-point calibration using a known concentration of atmospheric oxygen. Enter a value of 20.9% oxygen or a corrected value from the table in the Effect of Humidity section of this user manual. Once finished, the sensor should read 20.9% (or the value entered in the table).
O2 Gas - rTC
The channel is factory calibrated. For many experiments, it will not be necessary to calibrate the sensor when using this channel. However, for more accurate measurements, the channel can be calibrated using the instructions in the O2 Gas section of this user manual.
Temperature
The temperature sensor is factory calibrated and cannot be calibrated by the user.
Effect of Humidity
Because the oxygen concentration varies with the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, you may want to adjust your atmospheric oxygen calibration value to improve accuracy when using the sensor. The accepted value of 20.9% for atmospheric oxygen levels is calculated in dry air (0% relative humidity). If you know the relative humidity of the location at which you are calibrating, you can substitute one of the values in the table below in place of 20.9%. You can also use the formula below to calculate the corrected oxygen level for calibration. Oxygen concentration decreases linearly as humidity increases. The formula that describes this relationship is
y = –0.008x + 20.9, where y = corrected oxygen concentration and x = measured relative humidity.
|
Relative humidity (%) |
0 |
25 |
50 |
75 |
100 |
|
Oxygen (%) |
20.9 |
20.7 |
20.5 |
20.3 |
20.1 |
Specifications
|
Oxygen Sensor |
|
|
Type |
Electrochemical cell |
|
Range |
0–100% (0–1000 ppt) O2 |
|
Accuracy (at standard pressure 760 mm Hg) |
±1% O2 |
|
Resolution |
0.01% O2 |
|
Response time |
~12 seconds to 90% of final value |
|
Warm-up time |
Less than 5 seconds to 90% of final value |
|
Pressure effect |
|
|
Gas sampling mode |
Diffusion |
|
Temperature Sensor |
|
|
Type |
Thermistor |
|
Accuracy |
±1°C |
|
Resolution |
0.1°C |
|
Wireless specification |
Bluetooth 4.2 |
|
USB specification |
2.0 |
|
Maximum wireless range |
30 m unobstructed |
|
Battery |
650 mA |
|
Battery life (single full charge) |
~8 hours |
|
Battery life (long term) |
~500 full charge cycles (several years depending on usage) |
|
Normal operating temperature range |
20 to 40°C (above 35°C will shorten battery life) |
|
Operating humidity range |
0 to 95% RH |
|
Dimensions |
Sensor tube: 38 mm length, 28 mm OD; total length: 155 mm |
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct O2 Gas contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-650).
Storage and Maintenance
Important: Go Direct O2 Gas must be stored upright when not in use. Failure to store upright will shorten the life of the sensor and void the warranty.
To store Go Direct O2 Gas for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready for use.
Exposing the sensor to temperatures below –15°C or over 45°C will damage the sensor. Additionally, temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce the battery's lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Note: It is recommended that you wash the Nalgene bottle by hand. Most dishwashers will melt plastic bottles.
Water Resistance
Important: Go Direct O2 Gas is neither waterproof, nor is it water resistant and should never be immersed in water.
If any liquid gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source.
Note: Damage due to liquids is not covered under warranty.
How the Sensor Works
Go Direct O2 Gas measures the oxygen concentration in the range of 0 to 100% using an electrochemical cell. The cell contains a lead anode and a gold cathode immersed in an electrolyte. Oxygen molecules entering the cell are electrochemically reduced at the gold cathode. This electrochemical reaction generates a current that is proportional to the oxygen concentration between the electrodes. A thermistor inside the electrochemical cells adjusts the output current to control for slow changes in cell temperature. An amplifier converts the current to a digital signal.
The sensor also measures air temperature using a thermistor located in the base of the sensor shaft. When the temperature increases, the resistance of the thermistor decreases. A circuit in the sensor measures the resistance value at a particular temperature and converts the resistance using the Steinhart-Hart equation. Our programs perform this conversion to provide readings in °C (or other units). This thermistor is also used to adjust the output of the O2 Gas - rTC channel, providing rapid temperature compensated measurements of oxygen gas concentration.
Troubleshooting
- Very important: Do not place the sensor into any liquid. The sensor is intended only for measuring gaseous, not aqueous, O2 concentration.
- Important: Go Direct O2 Gas must be stored upright when not in use. Failure to store upright will shorten the life of the sensor and void the warranty.
- The sensor is sensitive to high humidity. Do not use in a condensing environment.
- The temperature sensor is very sensitive. Holding the sensor in your hand can cause an increase in temperature readings and change the O2 gas value on the O2 - rTC channel. For best results, hold the sensor by its base, close to the charging port.
- The sensor has built-in temperature compensation but the sensor can still be sensitive to rapid and/or large changes in temperature. The sensor is designed to operate best between 20 and 40°C. This does not prohibit the sensor from being used in temperatures outside this range. Just allow enough time for the sensor to stabilize at the desired air temperature. For more accurate results, the sensor can be calibrated at the temperature used.
- The recommended sampling rate is 1 sample per second or slower for this sensor. This allows the sensor to average a set of measurements before reporting a value. Gas must diffuse through the holes in the sensor tube before the sensor detects any changes in concentration. Because diffusion of gases is a slow process, there can be a delay in response time.
- To collect data in a controlled environment, we recommend that you use the 250 mL Nalgene collection bottle that is included with your sensor. Place the tip of the sensor into the opening of the bottle and push the sensor into the bottle.
- To collect data in a controlled environment and also use our one of our CO2 gas sensors, we recommend purchasing either the BioChamber 250 (250 mL capacity) or the BioChamber 2000 (2 L capacity). Each BioChamber has a second, grommetted opening so that you can insert two probes at once.
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4127
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct O2 Gas, 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 (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.
Accessories/Replacements
| Item | Order Code |
|---|---|
|
CB-USB-MICRO |
|
|
CB-USB-C-MICRO |
|
|
GDX-BAT-650 |
|
|
BC-250 |
|
|
BC-2000 |
|
|
CO2-BTL |
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-o2/#support
General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty
Disposal
When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.
Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org
Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.
The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.
Contact Support
Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.