Go Direct® Respiration Belt User Manual
Order Code: GDX-RB
Go Direct Respiration Belt uses a force sensor and an adjustable nylon strap to measure respiration effort and rate. An LED indicator provides feedback so belt tension can be optimized for best results. Respiration rate is reported within the software, which makes comparison studies betweens subjects or experiments easy to do. The sensor can also be used measure steps and step rate. The following are some activities and experiments that can be performed using the Go Direct Respiration Belt:
- Study how respiration rate changes after exercise or holding of breath.
- Study how respiration effort changes after exercise or holding of breath.
- Compare resting respiration parameters of athletes and non-athletes.
- Use the built-in pedometer to compare step rate while walking and running.
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 Respiration Belt
- 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 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 the Go Direct Respiration Belt to the included USB Charging Cable and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Respiration Belts using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Respiration Belt indicates charging status.
| Charging |
Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid while the sensor is charging. |
| Fully charged |
Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is fully charged. |
Powering the Sensor
| Turning on the sensor |
Press button once. Red LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when the 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 next to Bluetooth icon stops flashing when sleeping. |
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
Connecting via Bluetooth
| Ready to connect | Red LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect. |
| Connected | Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth. |
Connecting via USB
| Connected and charging | Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is charging. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off. |
| Connected, fully charged | Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected 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 the battery icon is solid when the sensor is charging. Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes. |
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
Place the Go Direct Respiration Belt around the chest or abdomen of the subject. The sensor does not need to rest on the skin; it can be worn over clothing. Secure the sensor to the subject using the strap and clips provided. For best results, position the sensor box so it is located just below the sternum of the subject. The tension indicator light is located in the bottom left corner of the sensor label, just below the checkmark. If the light is not on, tighten the strap until the light turns green. Loosen the strap if the light turns red. A red light indicates too much tension.
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of the user manual.
Channels
Go Direct Respiration Belt has four measurement channels:
- Force
- Respiration Rate
- Steps
- Step Rate
Force
Force is a default channel that is active when the sensor is connected. The force channel measures respiration effort. This is the force exerted by the chest during respiration. Inhalation will be observed as an increase in force. Exhalation will be observed as a decrease in force.
Respiration Rate
Respiration Rate is the other default channel that is active when the sensor is connected. This channel detects inhalations and calculates the number of breaths per minute (BPM). The sample window for the calculation is 30 seconds. The advance interval is 10 seconds. The value will update every 10 seconds.
Steps
The Steps channel reports the number of steps that are detected by the sensor. You should zero this channel before collecting data.
Step Rate
The Step Rate channel steps per minute (SPM). The sample window for the calculation is 10 seconds. The advance interval is 10 seconds. The value will update every 10 seconds.
Videos
Calibrating the Sensor
Force
The channel is factory calibrated. You should never have to perform a new calibration for the Go Direct Respiration Belt. If you would like to calibrate the sensor, use a one-point calibration. Place the sensor on a flat surface with the label facing upward. Enter 0 N as the known force.
Respiration Rate
The channel is factory calibrated.
Steps
The channel is factory calibrated.
Step Rate
The channel is factory calibrated.
Specifications
|
Range |
0–50 N |
|
Resolution |
0.01 N |
|
Response time |
50 ms |
|
Respiration rate |
|
|
Step rate |
|
|
Maximum chest circumference |
140 cm |
|
Wireless specification |
Bluetooth 4.2 |
|
Maximum wireless range |
30 m |
|
Battery |
300 mA Li-Poly |
|
Battery life (single full charge) |
~24 hours |
|
Battery life (long term) |
~500 full charge cycles (several years depending on usage) |
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
The Go Direct Respiration Belt 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-300).
Storage and Maintenance
To store the Go Direct Respiration Belt 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 Respiration Belt 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
The Go Direct Respiration Belt uses a force sensor connected to a nylon strap to measure respiration effort (the force exerted by the chest during respiration). The sensor has two straps. The long strap is adjustable and is attached to a plastic loop on the sensor box. The short strap is attached to a second loop that is connected to a force sensor inside the sensor box. The force sensor measures the amount of force that is applied to the small strap. The straps are placed around the chest of the subject and then connected to each other using the clip. The chest cavity expands with each inhalation. This applies tension to the small strap which is measured by the force sensor. During exhalation, the tension decreases on the strap, so a decrease in force is observed.
Troubleshooting
For best results, position the sensor box so it located just below the sternum of the subject. Make sure the tension indicator light is green before collecting data.
The ideal sampling rate for the sensor depends on the task the subject will be performing. The default sampling rate should be used if the subject is at rest, or will be sitting or standing. A sampling rate of 4 samples per second or slower should be used if the subject is walking.
Only the Force and Respiration Rate channels are enabled by default. Use software controls to enable the steps and step rate channels if desired.
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4066
Repair Information
If you have watched followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Respiration Belt, 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 |
|
| Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery |
GDX-BAT-300 |
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-rb/#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.