• Go Direct Photogate
• Accessory Rod
• Micro USB Cable

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

1. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

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

1. For Bluetooth^® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0⁺ radio.
2. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Chromebook

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis
No interface required	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1 2

Compatibility Notes

1. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

iOS

	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

1. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
2. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results.
3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

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

1. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
2. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth^® connection for best results.
3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.

Python

	Software
Interface	Python
No interface required	Full support

Javascript

	Software
Interface	Javascript
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. A wireless Bluetooth^® connection can be made with Go Direct sensors on any platform running a browser with WebBluetooth support. However, only a few operating systems have been tested and testing has been limited.

LabVIEW

	Software
Interface	NI LabVIEW
No interface required	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. For Bluetooth^® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0⁺ radio.

Connect the included Micro USB Cable to the Go Direct Photogate and then to any USB device for two hours.

You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Photogates using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Photogate indicates charging status.

Charging	LED indicator next to the battery icon is orange while sensor is charging.
Fully charged	LED indicator next to the battery icon is green when sensor is fully charged.

Turning on the sensor	Press the power button once. LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon flashes red when unit is on.
Putting the sensor in sleep mode	Press and hold the power button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. LED indicators are off when sleeping.

See the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-vpg

Connecting via Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Ready to connect	LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon flashes red when sensor is awake and ready to connect to software.
Connected	LED indicator next to Bluetooth icon flashes green when sensor is connected to software via Bluetooth.

Connecting via USB

Connected and charging	LED indicator next to the battery icon is solid orange and the LED indicator next to the Bluetooth indicator is off when sensor is connected to software via USB and the unit is charging.
Connected, fully charged	LED indicator next to the battery icon is solid green and the LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon is off when sensor is connect to software via USB and is fully charged.
Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth	LED indicator next to the battery icon is solid orange and the LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon flashes green when the sensor is connected to software via Bluetooth and the unit is charging.

Use the Identify feature to flash the LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon on the sensor to which you are connected. In Graphical Analysis, Identify is accessed from Sensor Information. In LabQuest App, Identify is accessed by tapping the sensor meter, then tapping Go Direct.

1. Power button
2. Charging LED indicator
3. Bluetooth LED indicator
4. Laser gate LED indicator
5. Laser gate photodiode
6. Gate 1 LED indicator
7. Sensor ID number
8. Gate 2 LED indicator
9. Gate 1 photodiode
10. Gate 2 photodiode
11. Bar tape guide
12. Daisy-chain accessory port
13. Micro-USB port
14. Gate 2 infrared emitter diode
15. Gate 1 infrared emitter diode
16. 1/4-20 mounting nut
17. Battery door
18. Pulley bracket attachment point
19. Ultra pulley attachment points

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user manual. Go Direct Photogate has multiple sensor channels that provide a variety of data options for measuring the motion of an object. The sensor channels include

• Object Velocity
• Object Acceleration (multiple flags)
• Gate 1 – Gate State
• Gate 2 – Gate State
• Laser Gate – Gate State
• Remote Gate – Object Velocity
• Remote Gate – Object Acceleration
• Gate 1/Remote Gate – Timing
• Laser Gate/Remote Gate – Timing

The object-based sensor channels are unique to Go Direct Photogate. These sensor channels make use of the double-gate design for measurement of velocity and acceleration. The object-based channel measurements do not depend on the geometry of the object or its direction of motion through the gate.

Object Velocity

This channel is the default sensor channel of Go Direct Photogate. The channel reports the velocity of an object as it passes through the arms of Go Direct Photogate. This is similar to using a pair of traditional photogates in Pulse-Timing mode.

Velocities are calculated by finding the time interval associated with the successive blocking of the two internal gates. This time interval is referred to as the pulse time. The ratio of the distance between the internal gates (2.0 cm) and the pulse time is reported as the magnitude of the object’s velocity. An object that first blocks Gate 1 then blocks Gate 2 will report positive velocities. An object that first blocks Gate 2 then blocks Gate 1 will report negative velocities. Velocity measurements can be displayed with units of m/s (default), cm/s, or ft/s.

The default data-collection mode for Object Velocity is Time-based. While collecting data, velocities and their associated time values are recorded. The reported time value, referred to as the velocity mid-time, is determined by averaging the times used for the pulse-time calculation. You can make multiple velocity measurements in the same data set; however, it may be necessary to adjust the experiment duration in order to collect your desired data.

Objects with multiple flags, such as a picket fence, will report velocity measurements for each flag as the object passes through the gate. It is not necessary to have one flag completely pass through both gates before the subsequent flag enters the gate, such as happens when using a Vernier Cart Picket Fence. Corresponding blocked events for the two internal gates are used when reporting velocities for multi-flagged objects.

For objects that have multiple flags, the average of the multiple velocity measurements can be used to represent the average velocity of the object. The slope of the best-fit line through the Velocity vs. Time data can be used to calculate the average acceleration of the object as it passed through the gate.

Object Acceleration (multiple flags)

This sensor channel reports the acceleration of objects having two or more flags that break the internal photogate beams while passing through the gate. This is similar to using a pair of traditional photogates in Gate-and-Pulse-Timing mode.

Accelerations are calculated using velocity and velocity mid-time values calculated for each flag as described in the Object Velocity section. The ratio of the difference in successive flag velocity measurements and the difference in their associated velocity mid-time values is reported as the object’s acceleration. The acceleration values can be displayed with units of m/s² (default), cm/s², or ft/s².

The default data-collection mode for Object Acceleration is Time-based. While collecting data, accelerations and their associated time values are recorded. The reported time value, referred to as the acceleration mid-time, is determined by averaging the velocity mid-time values used for the acceleration value calculation. You can make multiple acceleration measurements in the same data set; however, it may be necessary to adjust the experiment duration in order to collect your desired data.

Objects with more than two flags, such as a picket fence, will report acceleration measurements for each successive pair of flags as the object passes through the gate. It is not necessary to have one flag completely pass through both gates before the subsequent flag enters the gate, such as happens when using a Vernier Cart Picket Fence. Corresponding successive flag-velocity measurements for the two internal gates are used when calculating accelerations for multi-flagged objects.

For objects that have more than two flags, the average of the multiple acceleration measurements can be used to represent the average acceleration of the object.

Tips for using Object-Based Sensor Channels

• To ensure you get accurate velocity and acceleration measurements, your object should start outside the arms of the photogate and pass completely through the gate without reversing the direction of motion partway through the gate. When this is not followed, the reported data may not accurately reflect the object’s motion.
• We do not recommend using these sensor channels with pulleys, wheels, or bar tape as these objects cannot be made to start completely outside the gates.
• Velocity measurements are only displayed when the second gate is blocked within one second of the first gate being blocked.
• Acceleration measurements require an object to have two or more “flags” break the internal photogate beams while passing through the gate.
• Accelerations are only displayed when, for each flag, the second gate is blocked within one second of the first gate, and when the second flag blocks its first gate within one second of the first flag unblocking its second gate.
• Sensor meters for object-based sensor channels will update as objects pass through the Go Direct Photogate; however, measurements are not stored in the software unless you are actively collecting data.
• The default data-collection mode for object-based sensor channels is Time‑based. No values are recorded for these sensor channels when using Photogate Timing modes.

Gate-State sensor channels report the same data that our traditional photogates report. You can use these sensor channels along with object-based sensor data collection to explore and verify velocity and acceleration calculations. The gate‑state channels can be used with Photogate Timing modes for additional data-collection options including replication of traditional photogate data-collection experiments. The channels can also be used on their own in time-based mode if you want to require students to do hand calculations using photogate data.

Gate 1 – Gate State

This sensor channel reports changes in gate state and associated times for Gate 1.

Gate 2 – Gate State

This sensor channel reports changes in gate state and associated times for Gate 2.

Laser Gate – Gate State

This sensor channel reports the gate state changes and the associated times for the Laser Gate. Selecting this channel activates the Laser Gate on the Go Direct Photogate. This channel cannot be used with other sensor channels except Laser Gate/Remote Gate – Timing.

To use the Laser Gate, a visible-light pen laser (not included) must be pointed at the Laser Gate photodiode (located below the icon) on the Go Direct Photogate. The Laser Gate LED indicator will be solid blue when the laser is not aligned or when the gate is blocked. The Laser Gate LED indicator will be off when the Laser Gate sensor channel is selected, the laser is aligned, and the gate is unblocked.

Note: It may be easier to adjust the laser first for the desired path, and then place the gate so that it aligns with the laser beam (Laser Gate LED indicator turns off).

Tips for using Gate-State Sensor Channels

• When gate-state channels are the only channels selected, the default data‑collection mode is set to Photogate Timing.
• Gate-state values for blocking events are reported as 1.
• Gate-state values for unblocking events are reported as 0.
• Use gate-state sensor channels for experiments involving linear or angular motion timing (position, velocity, and acceleration measurements), pendulum timing, and object timing (time between gates).
• The times associated with blocking events are used in the pulse-time calculations for Object Velocity and Object Acceleration channels.
• The Projectile Launcher Photogate Timing option cannot be used with Go Direct Photogates as the sensor channels are not configured the same as on a Projectile Launcher.
• When using a Vernier Ultra Pulley Attachment (not included), you must use the Gate 2 – Gate State sensor channel as the pulley does not block Gate 1.

The Remote Gate sensor channels are used when a Go Direct Photogate is daisy‑chained to a second Go Direct Photogate or to a Time of Flight Pad. Using these channels require accessory cables not included with the Go Direct Photogate.

When two Go Direct Photogates are daisy-chained together, you can connect either of the photogates to your device via USB or Bluetooth^® wireless connection. Once the first gate is connected, the second gate becomes the “Remote Gate” of the connected photogate. The Remote Gate or the Time of Flight Pad are set up using the connected sensor’s Remote-Gate sensor channels.

Remote Gate – Object Velocity

This sensor channel reports Object Velocity values for the Remote Gate when two Go Direct Photogates are daisy-chained together. See Object Velocity for details on the reported data.

Remote Gate – Object Acceleration

This sensor channel reports Object Acceleration values for the Remote Gate when two Go Direct Photogates are daisy-chained together. See Object Acceleration (multiple flags) for details on the reported data.

Gate 1/Remote Gate – Timing

This sensor channel reports the time between successive blocked events for Gate 1 of the connected gate and Gate 1 of the daisy-chained Remote Gate or Time of Flight Pad. This pulse time does not depend on the order the gates are blocked and is reported at the time the second gate is blocked.

Laser Gate/Remote Gate – Timing

This sensor channel reports the time between successive blocked events between the Laser Gate of the connected gate and Gate 1 of the daisy-chained Remote Gate or Time of Flight Pad. This pulse time does not depend on the order the gates are blocked and is reported at the time the second gate is blocked.

Selecting this sensor channel activates the Laser Gate on the Go Direct Photogate. This channel cannot be used with other sensor channels except for Laser Gate – Gate State. See Laser Gate – Gate State for instructions on setting up a Laser Gate.

Tips for using Remote-Gate Sensor Channels

• The default data-collection mode for Remote-Gate sensor channels is Time-based. No values are recorded for these sensor channels when using Photogate Timing modes.
• Objects with multiple flags will report multiple timing values. The average of the multiple timing measurements can be used to represent the average time for the object to pass between the two gates.
• You cannot use the Laser Gate on a daisy-chained Remote Gate. To collect data using two Go Direct Photogates both in Laser Gate mode, connect both sensors directly to your device.
• You cannot get the gate-state data from a daisy-chained Remote Gate. To collect data using two Go Direct Photogates both in Gate-State modes, connect both sensors directly to your device.

Go Direct Photogates can be used for several experiments in the books Physics with Vernier, Advanced Physics with Vernier — Mechanics, and Physics Explorations and Projects. See these books for detailed experiments. Here are some brief examples of things you can do with a photogate.

Note: Additional equipment not included with the Go Direct Photogate may be required to do these experiments.

• Experiment: Measure the acceleration due to the gravity of an object in freefall using a Vernier Picket Fence.
  Sensor channel: Object Velocity or Object Acceleration
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Determine the launch speed of a projectile launched horizontally.
  Sensor channel: Object Velocity
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Find the launch speed and time of flight of a projectile using a Go Direct Photogate and a Time of Flight Pad.
  Sensor channel: Object Velocity, Gate 1/Remote Gate Timing
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Time an object passing between two Go Direct Photogates (not daisy-chained).
  Sensor channel: Gate 1 – Gate State, Gate 2 – Gate State, or Laser Gate – Gate State (on both photogates)
  Mode: Photogate Timing – Time Between Gates or Pulse Timing
• Experiment: Time an object passing between two daisy-chained Go Direct Photogates.
  Sensor channel: Gate 1/Remote Gate Timing
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Find the period of a pendulum.
  Sensor channel: Gate 1 – Gate State, Gate 2 – Gate State, or Laser Gate – Gate State
  Mode: Photogate Timing – Pendulum Timing
• Experiment: Measure the “hang time” of a jumper using a Laser Gate at floor level where the jumper blocks the beam while on the floor. (The time interval of interest is the unblock to block time and would be calculated by hand.)
  Sensor channel: Laser Gate – Gate State
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Measure accelerations of an Atwood or modified-Atwood machine using an Ultra Pulley Attachment.
  Sensor Channel: Gate 2 – Gate State
  Mode: Photogate Timing – Linear Motion or Motion Timing
• Experiment: Investigate the relationship between impulse and momentum using a Go Direct Photogate and a Go Direct Force and Acceleration sensor.
  Sensor channel: Object Velocity
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Explore conservation of momentum during collisions using two Go Direct Photogates (not daisy-chained).
  Sensor Channel: Object Velocity (on both photogates)
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Explore conservation of momentum during collisions using two daisy-chained Go Direct Photogates.
  Sensor Channel: Object Velocity and Remote Gate – Object Velocity
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Study the relationship between centripetal force and acceleration using a Centripetal Force Apparatus, a Go Direct Photogate, and a Go Direct Force sensor. (Mass must be rotating before starting data collection.)
  Sensor Channel: Gate 1 – Gate State or Gate 2 – Gate State
  Mode: Photogate Timing – Angular Motion or Motion Timing
• Experiment: Measure the acceleration of compressed-air rockets using photogate bar tape.
  Sensor channel: Gate 1 – Gate State or Gate 2 – Gate State
  Mode: Photogate Timing – Linear Motion or Motion Timing
• Experiment: Verify the calculations of the Object Velocity channel.
  Sensor channel: Object Velocity, Gate 1 – Gate State, Gate 2 – Gate State
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Verify the calculations of the Object Acceleration channel.
  Sensor channel: Object Acceleration, Object Velocity, Gate 1 – Gate State, Gate 2 – Gate State
  Mode: Time-based
• Experiment: Collect Gate State data for by-hand calculation of photogate data.
  Sensor channel: Gate 1 – Gate State, Gate 2 – Gate State, and Laser Gate – Gate State channels only
  Mode: Time-based

The following are various mounting and use options for Go Direct Photogate. Ring stand, right angle clamp, dynamics track, photogate bracket, pulley, pulley bracket, and bar tape are not included with the sensor.

Infrared source	Peak at 880 nm
Gate width	77.5 mm
Internal gate separation	20 mm
Distance from internal gates to bottom of photogate arms	~10 mm
Distance from internal gates to sides of photogate arms	~5 mm
Gate 1, Gate 2, and Laser Gate LED indicators	Off for unblocked gate On for blocked gate
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)

Laser Safety Note: When using the Laser Gate mode, do not align the external laser gate by sighting by eye. Follow all safety precautions indicated by the laser manufacturer.

Battery Information

Go Direct Photogate 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 Go Direct Photogate 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 at least two 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

Go Direct Photogate 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.

The sensor has infrared LED emitters on one arm and photodiodes on the other arm. An object blocks the infrared beam as it passes through the gates. Times associated with the photodiode state-changes are used to calculate motion data for the objects.

For a good discussion of how photogates work in general, see “Photogates: An instrument evaluation,” Eugene P. Mosca and John P. Ertel, Am. J. Phys. 57 (9), 840–844 (1989).

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4197

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Photogate, 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.

Item	Order Code
Picket Fence	PF
Cart Picket Fence	PF-CART
Ultra Pulley Attachment	SPA
Bar Tape	TAPE
Laser Pointer	LASER
Laser Pointer Stand	STAND
Go Direct Photogate Timing Cable	VPG-CB-GDX
Go Direct Time of Flight Pad Cable	TOF-CB-GDX
Time of Flight Pad	TOF-VPL
Replacement Battery	GDX-BAT-650
Micro USB Cable	CB-USB-MICRO
USB-C to Micro USB Cable	CB-USB-C-MICRO
Accessory Rod	ACC-ROD

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.