Go Direct® Sensor Cart User Manual
Order Code: GDX-CART-G
Go Direct Sensor Cart can be used for hands-on kinematics and dynamics demonstrations but can also be used as a force or acceleration sensor. Hang a mass and spring from the force sensor to study simple harmonic motion, or attach the cart to a turntable to study centripetal acceleration.
Each dynamics cart includes
- Encoder wheel to report position
- 3-axis accelerometer to measure independent acceleration
- 50 N force sensor to measure push and pulls
- Mass trays for changing total mass
- Plunger for collision and impulse studies
- Low friction wheels for uniform motion
- Anti-roll peg
The Go Direct Sensor Cart can be used in a variety of experiments:
- Collect position, velocity, and acceleration data as the cart rolls freely up and down an incline.
- Observe collisions between two carts, test for the conservation of momentum, or measure energy changes during different types of collisions.
- Investigate the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
- Examine the energies involved in simple harmonic motion.
- Measure a cart’s momentum change and compare it to the impulse it receives.
Go Direct Sensor Cart connects directly to your mobile device, Chromebook™, or computer using our free Vernier Graphical Analysis® app.
Go Direct Sensor Cart is available in green and yellow in order to facilitate classroom discussions about collisions. The two colors are designed to be distinguishable by many color-blind viewers.
Data column names have a suffix of Y or G so that you can tell the carts apart in a data table. When only one cart is used, disregard the suffix.
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 Sensor Cart
- Hook
- Flat-top rubber bumper for force sensor
- Anti-roll peg
- 4 empty collision tabs
- Micro USB Cable
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 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 Full support 1 2 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®
Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-cart
Bluetooth Connection
- Charge your Sensor Cart for at least 8 hours before first use.
- Turn on your Sensor Cart by pressing the power button once. The Bluetooth® 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. The Bluetooth LED will blink green when it is successfully connected. 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.
- The active channel is listed in the Connected Devices Sensor Channels list. To change channels, select the check box next to the Sensor Channel(s) you would like to activate.
- Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.
Charging the Sensor Cart
Connect the Go Direct Sensor Cart to the included Micro USB Cable and any USB device for eight hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Sensor Carts using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG).
| Charging |
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid while sensor is charging. |
| Fully charged |
Green LED next to battery icon solid when sensor is fully charged. |
Powering the Cart
| Turn on the cart |
Press button once. Red LED indicator next to Bluetooth icon flashes when unit is on. |
| Put the cart 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 Cart
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-cart
Connecting via Bluetooth
| Ready to connect | Red LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect. |
| Connected | Green LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth. |
Connecting via USB
| Connected and charging | Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is charging. LED next to Bluetooth is off. |
| Connected, fully charged | Green LED next to battery icon is solid when sensor is connect to Graphical Analysis via USB and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off. |
| Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth |
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when sensor is connected to charger via USB and the unit is charging. Green LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth. |
Identifying the Sensor
You can make the Bluetooth LED flash red and green by clicking Identify in Sensor Information. This is useful to distinguish between two identical sensors.
Using the Sensor Cart
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.
Channels
Go Direct Sensor Cart has five measurement channels. The channel names are
- Position
- Force
- X-axis acceleration
- Y-axis acceleration
- Z-axis acceleration
Position
The default channel that is active when the cart is first connected is position. Graphical Analysis calculates velocity and acceleration data from the position information. The position reading changes as the encoder wheel turns. If the cart is picked up and moved to a different location without rolling the encoder wheel, the position reading does not change. The behavior is like the mouse on a computer.
Force
The default channel that is active when the sensor is connected is force. The force channel measures pushes and pulls along the main axis of the sensor body. Use the hook attachment for pulling and the bumper attachment for pushing. Pulls are registered as positive forces and pushes are registered as negative forces, unless sensor readings are reversed in Graphical Analysis.
Do not twist or remove the hex barrel of the force sensor. Removal will damage the load cell.
Acceleration
There are three acceleration channels, measured by a single chip, which is located under the 3-axis icon on the label. The icon shows the positive direction for each axis, with the x-direction of acceleration parallel to the pulling force on the force sensor and the z-direction straight up through the label. Each direction of acceleration can be measured separately.
If you choose to activate all three acceleration channels at once, you can create a calculated column for the total acceleration magnitude.
Track Usage Notes
The Sensor Cart can be used with or without a track. Using the cart on a tabletop or floor allows very easy experiment setup, but a track allows more careful experiments, including collisions, to be performed.
The Sensor Cart is compatible with many common dynamics tracks, including the Vernier Combination 1.2 m Track and Optical Bench.
Anti-Roll Peg
The cart includes an anti-roll peg. The peg rides in the center groove of a Vernier Track, allowing the cart to roll freely. When the cart is placed on a table, the peg keeps the cart from rolling. If you want to use the cart on a table or floor, remove the peg by pulling and twisting.
Plunger
The cart includes a spring-loaded plunger for collisions. To use the plunger, simultaneously press the horizontal button above the plunger and press the plunger in until it locks. To release, press on the pin from the top of the cart. The plunger force can be adjusted. To adjust the plunger release force, rotate the plunger while it is extended. An uncalibrated scale is visible on the underside of the cart. Use this scale to return to a previous setting. The plunger cart is capable of superelastic collisions. To enable this mode, use a small screwdriver to unlock the dark gray plastic plug below the main plunger. Depress the plug using the screwdriver and rotate one-quarter turn counterclockwise to unlock. The plug will extend about 2 mm. Lock the plunger as before to prepare for a superelastic collision. In a collision, the plug will strike first and trigger the release of the plunger. To disable superelastic collision mode, use a small screwdriver to depress and rotate the plug one-quarter turn clockwise. It will lock in the flush position.
Available Sensor Cart Accessory Kit (order code GDX-CART-AK)
An accessory kit for the Vernier Go Direct Sensor Cart is available. The kit is recommended for more advanced users. It includes
- Hoop spring bumper (heavy)
- Hoop spring bumper (light)
- Magnet tabs (4)
- Hook-and-pile tabs (4 pair)
- Masses (4 hex)
- Magnetic disk bumper for force sensor (2)
- Additional metal hook and nut for force sensor (3)
- Additional flat-top rubber bumper (3)
- Additional anti-roll pegs (3)
Calibrating the Sensor Cart
Position in m
The position channel does not need to be calibrated, nor can it be calibrated. The position channel can be zeroed. This is useful to establish a zero position on a track. Do not pick up the cart after zeroing to avoid disturbing the zero. The position sensor can also be reversed. This is useful when using two carts in collision mode with force sensors facing one another. To put the two carts on the same coordinate system, reverse the direction of the position and force sensors on one cart, and zero the cart positions with the carts in contact.
Force in N
This sensor is factory calibrated. If you would like to calibrate the force sensor yourself, use a two-point calibration: no force applied and a known force applied. It is easiest to simply hang a mass from the hook. We recommend a 1 kg mass. Do not exceed the maximum of 50 N during calibration.
The force sensor can be zeroed. This is useful after calibration to remove the weight of the hook. The force sensor can also be reversed so that push is positive.
X, Y, and Z Acceleration in m/s2
This sensor is factory calibrated.
Specifications
|
Position resolution |
0.25 mm, displaying to nearest 1 mm |
|
Nominal mass |
280 g excluding accessories |
|
Accessory port |
Available for future expansion |
|
Force response time |
1 ms |
|
Force range |
±50 N |
|
Acceleration range |
±160 m/s2 |
|
USB specification |
USB 2.0 full speed |
|
Wireless specification |
Bluetooth v4.2 |
|
Maximum wireless range |
30 m (unobstructed) |
|
Dimensions |
|
|
Battery |
650 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable |
|
Battery life (single full charge) |
~10 hours continuous data collection |
|
Battery life (long term) |
~300 full charge cycles (several years depending on usage) |
Safety
The wheels are spring-loaded so that they will retract when excessive force is applied, as when stepping on the cart.
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
The Go Direct Sensor Cart 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
To store the Go Direct Sensor Cart 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 to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Water Resistance
The Go Direct Sensor Cart is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water.
If water 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.
How the Sensor Works
Position
The position channel uses an optical encoder system. As the sensing wheel rotates, the position of attached disc with radial markings is detected by a pair of optical sensors. From counting the events and their sequence, the angle turned as well as its sense of rotation can be determined. The angle is converted to a change in position using the diameter of the sensing wheel. Since the wheel does not turn if the cart is not on a surface, the reading will not change if the cart is repositioned by lifting.
A result of the design is that there is no natural zero for the sensor. The position when the cart is first connected to software is thus used as a zero. The position channel can be zeroed in software as desired.
Velocity and acceleration are calculated in software from the position and time data.
Force
The force channel uses strain gauge technology to measure force based on the bending of a beam in a load cell.
Accelerometer
The accelerometer is a microelectromechanical device (MEMS device) consisting of a cantilever and a test mass. As the mass is accelerated, the cantilever bends, generating a signal proportional to the acceleration. Three orthogonal axes provide three channels of acceleration information.
Additional Information about Acceleration
Since the accelerometer is sensitive to both acceleration and the Earth’s gravitational field, interpreting accelerometer measurements is complex. A useful model for understanding accelerometer measurements is a spring-based scale with a reference mass (or object) attached to the scale. If the scale is pointing upward (the usual orientation for such a device) the weight of the mass causes the spring to compress, and you get a non-zero reading. If you were to turn the scale upside down, the spring will be extended, instead of compressed, and we get a reading of the opposite sign. If you turn the scale so it points sideways, and keep it motionless, then the spring will just be at its relaxed length, and the reading will be zero. If you accelerated the scale toward the mass, then the spring would compress. If you accelerate the scale away from the mass the spring would stretch. In each case the scale is reading a value corresponding to the normal force on the mass. This reading can be made relative by dividing out the mass, giving units of N/kg, which is the same as m/s2.
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4131
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Sensor Cart, 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 |
|---|---|
|
GDX-CART-AK |
|
|
DTS-GDX |
|
|
Dynamics Cart and Track System with Go Direct Sensor Carts and Long Track |
DTS-GDX-LONG |
|
GDX-BAT-650 |
|
|
CB-USB-MICRO |
|
|
CB-USB-C-MICRO |
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-cart/#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.