Go Direct® Wide-Range Pressure Sensor User Manual
Order Code: GDX-WRPL
Measure absolute pressures up to 690 kPa (100 psi) with excellent accuracy. The improved Go Direct® Wide-Range Pressure (order code GDX-WRPL) can measure changes in liquid, gas, or vapor pressure. Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure (order code GDX-WRP) can measure changes in gas or vapor pressure. It can be used to monitor pressure changes in gas-law experiments in chemistry and physics. Vapor pressure of various liquids can be monitored using this sensor. Its metal fittings provide for versatile, airtight connections. The following is a partial list of activities and experiments that can be performed using this sensor:
- Investigate the relationship between pressure and volume, Boyle’s law.
- Measure vapor pressure of liquids.
- Study the effect of temperature on gas pressure, Gay-Lussac’s law.
- Study the effect of temperature and concentration on the rate of decomposition of H2O2.
- Use the liquid-compatible Wide-Range Pressure to measure liquid pressure in agriculture experiments related to fluid pressure and hydraulic lift.
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 Wide-Range Pressure with Chrome-plated Brass Quick Disconnect Tube Fitting with 1/8" NPT thread insert attached
- Micro USB Cable
- Chrome-plated Brass Quick Disconnect Tube Fitting with 1/8" hose barb insert
- Plastic tubing (2-foot section)
- Plumber’s tape (to ensure a tight seal)
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 Incompatible LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 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
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.
- 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 Wide-Range Pressure to the included Micro USB Cable and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Wide-Range Pressures using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure 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 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 LEDs stop 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
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.
To switch quick disconnect fittings, simultaneously press the metal tab on the quick fitting adapter that is on the pressure sensor side of the connection while pulling the attachment away from the adapter. Once the desired attachment is removed, snap the replacement attachment into the adapter until you hear a click sound.
If you wish to purchase different quick disconnect inserts or replacements, many are available and compatible with the sensor. For several options, visit www.vernier.com/til/13798
Calibration
You do not have to perform a new calibration when using the Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure. The sensor is calibrated prior to shipping. If you would like to perform your own calibration, follow the steps described here. A one-point calibration at atmosphere is adequate for most applications.
To perform a one-point calibration,
- Connect Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure to a device and launch the software.
- Initiate the calibration procedure.
- Enter the actual pressure as the known value.
- When the relative stability reading stabilizes, click Keep.
-
Click Apply to complete the calibration process. This calibration is automatically saved to the sensor. To restore the default calibration, click Reset to Defaults.
Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure has been calibrated to read station pressure. Station pressure is the true atmospheric pressure at your location, or station. If you prefer it to read sea level pressure for conducting weather studies, you can perform a one-point calibration to correct for elevation, using the sea-level corrected pressure value for your location obtained from a reputable source (NOAA, Weather Underground, etc.). Sea level pressure is the pressure after the station pressure has been adjusted to its equivalent pressure at sea level. This is commonly done to normalize pressures at various altitudes for weather forecasts.
Pressure in Liquids: Depth Measurements
If you measure the pressure at the end of a long plastic tube forced underwater, you can indirectly measure depth. Connect the tubing to the stem of Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure and then put the end of the tube under water. The pressure reading will increase 8.105 kPa (0.0800 atm or 60.79 mmHg) for every meter below the surface of the water. Note: If you measure depth in this way, the depth you are measuring is to the top of the water in the tubing.
Specifications
Pressure range
|
0 to 690 kPa (0 to 100 psi, 0 to 6.8 atm, 0 to 5171 mmHg) |
Maximum pressure that the sensor can tolerate without permanent damage |
900 kPa |
Compatibility |
Gas compatible: Dry gases Liquid & Gas compatible: Dry gases and Parylene C liquid compatibility |
Accuracy using factory calibration |
±2 kPa |
Accuracy using one-point custom calibration at atmosphere |
±1 kPa |
Internal volume of sensor with 1/8" NPT thread insert attached |
0.786 mL |
Internal volume of sensor with 1/8" hose barb insert attached |
0.623 mL |
Care and Maintenance
Clean sensor with a soft, damp cloth.
Battery
Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure contains a small lithium-ion battery. The sensor 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
To store Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure 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
Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure 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 active sensor in this unit is a pressure transducer that has a membrane that flexes as pressure changes. This sensor is arranged to measure absolute pressure. One side of the membrane is a vacuum, while the other side is open to the atmosphere. The sensor produces an output voltage that varies in a linear way with absolute pressure. It includes special circuitry to minimize errors caused by changes in temperature.
Included with the sensor are accessories to allow you to connect it to a reaction container or instrument. Check to be sure that each of these items is included:
- Chrome-plated Brass Quick Disconnect Tube Fitting with 1/8" NPT thread insert
- Chrome-plated Brass Quick Disconnect Tube Fitting with 1/8" hose barb insert
- Two-foot section of plastic tubing: This soft tubing is designed to fit over the hose barb connector. Its standard size allows you to connect to a variety of third-party instrumentation or adapters.
- Plumber's tape: This 1/2" sealing tape should be wrapped around the threading on the pressure sensor. Wrap only once and to the right, as the threading runs. This will help ensure an airtight seal.
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting tips and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/13798
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Wide-Range Pressure, 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-300 |
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-wrpl/#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.