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LabQuest Mini User Manual

Order Code: LQ-MINI

LabQuest Mini (Model 2)

LabQuest Mini is a multi-channel, data-collection interface that can be used to collect data from Vernier sensors on various platforms, such as Windows® and macOS® computers and Chromebook™ computing devices. LabQuest Mini supports a wired (USB) connection only.

The LabQuest Mini interface contains three analog ports (CH 1–CH 3), two digital ports (DIG 1 and DIG 2), and a micro USB connection.

 

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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

  • LabQuest Mini (Model 2) interface

  • Computer connection cable (USB-A to USB Micro)

Getting Started

Follow these general procedures when using LabQuest Mini. For instructions on getting started with a specific sensor, see www.vernier.com/start/lq-mini

  1. Install software appropriate for the data-collection platform you are using.
  2. Connect a supported sensor to LabQuest Mini.
  3. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the USB port on LabQuest Mini.
  4. Connect the other end of the cable to a USB port on your computer or Chromebook. The LED will glow orange.
  5. Start the software. The LED will change to green. You are now ready to continue your experiment.

Compatible Platforms, Software, and Sensors

Computers and Graphical Analysis (76 sensors)

Supported Sensors

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires a Motion Detector Cable to connect to a DIG port on the interface
  2. Requires a BNC electrode
  3. Requires a Heart Rate Receiver to connect to an interface
  4. Connect this sensor via Bluetooth® for best results.
  5. The Data Tagging feature typically used with this sensor is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis; Graphical Analysis Pro activation is required.
  6. Requires an additional signal source, such as LabQuest running the Power Amplifier app or a computer running the Power Amplifier Function Generator Software, to control the Power Amplifier output
  7. Software does not support baseline adjustment.
  8. Use with an electrode such as a pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, or ORP Sensor.
  9. This interface/software combination can only collect force data; displacement measurements are not supported.
Computers and Logger Pro (81 sensors)

Supported Sensors

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires a Motion Detector Cable to connect to a DIG port on the interface
  2. Requires a BNC electrode
  3. Requires a Heart Rate Receiver to connect to an interface
  4. Requires an additional signal source, such as LabQuest running the Power Amplifier app or a computer running the Power Amplifier Function Generator Software, to control the Power Amplifier output
  5. Sensor does not auto-ID; manual setup is required.
  6. Requires a Gas Pressure Sensor
  7. Use with an electrode such as a pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, or ORP Sensor.
Computers and Logger Lite (69 sensors)

Supported Sensors

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires a Motion Detector Cable to connect to a DIG port on the interface
  2. Requires a BNC electrode
  3. Requires a Heart Rate Receiver to connect to an interface
  4. Requires an additional signal source, such as LabQuest running the Power Amplifier app or a computer running the Power Amplifier Function Generator Software, to control the Power Amplifier output
  5. Requires a Gas Pressure Sensor
  6. Software does not support baseline adjustment.
  7. This interface/software combination auto IDs the VSMT Force sensor; displacement measurements require a Logger Lite file found at www.vernier.com/til/3621/
Chromebook and Graphical Analysis (76 sensors)

Supported Sensors

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires a Motion Detector Cable to connect to a DIG port on the interface
  2. Requires a BNC electrode
  3. Requires a Heart Rate Receiver to connect to an interface
  4. Connect this sensor via Bluetooth® for best results.
  5. The Data Tagging feature typically used with this sensor is not available in the free version of Graphical Analysis; Graphical Analysis Pro activation is required.
  6. Requires an additional signal source, such as LabQuest running the Power Amplifier app or a computer running the Power Amplifier Function Generator Software, to control the Power Amplifier output
  7. Software does not support baseline adjustment.
  8. Use with an electrode such as a pH Sensor, Conductivity Probe, or ORP Sensor.
  9. This interface/software combination can only collect force data; displacement measurements are not supported.
NI LabVIEW (78 sensors)

Supported Sensors

Compatibility Notes

  1. Requires a Motion Detector Cable to connect to a DIG port on the interface
  2. Requires advanced programming for data collection
  3. Requires a Heart Rate Receiver to connect to an interface
  4. Requires an additional signal source, such as LabQuest running the Power Amplifier app or a computer running the Power Amplifier Function Generator Software, to control the Power Amplifier output
  5. Sensor does not auto-ID; manual setup is required.

For more information about compatible devices and software, see www.vernier.com/lq‑mini/#platforms

Providing Power

Power for LabQuest Mini is supplied by the USB port of the computer or Chromebook to which it is connected. LabQuest Mini does not need batteries or an external AC power supply.

In rare cases, underpowered computer USB ports can prevent your LabQuest Mini from working as designed. In those situations, we recommend using a powered USB hub with your LabQuest Mini.

Connecting Sensors

Connecting Sensors

LabQuest Mini supports two types of sensors—analog and digital. Connect sensors to the appropriate port on your LabQuest Mini.

Analog Sensors

Examples of analog sensors are temperature probes, pH sensors, and force sensors. Up to three analog sensors can be connected to LabQuest Mini. The three ports for analog sensors (CH 1–CH 3) are located on the top side of the unit. These ports accept British Telecom-style plugs with a right-hand connector.

Digital Sensors

Examples of digital sensors include motion detectors, photogates, and rotary motion sensors. Up to two digital sensors can be connected to LabQuest Mini. The two ports for digital sensors (DIG 1 and DIG 2) are located on the bottom side of the unit. These ports accept British Telecom-style plugs with a left-hand connector.

Note: Most sensors are automatically identified allowing the software to set up a default experiment. If you are using a sensor that does not auto-ID, you will need to manually identify the sensor in the software when supported.

LED Behavior

State Meaning

Off

Not connected to USB host or no power from USB host

●

Powered by USB; not communicating with software

●

Connected to USB host; ready for data collection

●

USB host failed to enumerate or USB port underpowered

Specifications

Resolution

12 bit

USB specification

2.0 full speed

Maximum sample rate (computers)

  • 100,000 samples per second (one sensor)
  • 10,000 samples per second (two or more sensors)

Maximum sample rate
(Chromebooks)

10,000 samples per second

Minimum sample rate

0.00125 samples per second (800 seconds/sample)

Size

6 cm × 10 cm × 2.6 cm

Weight

80 g

Care and Maintenance

Water Resistance

LabQuest Mini is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water. If water gets in the device, immediately disconnect all sensors and cables. Allow the unit to dry thoroughly before using it again. Do not attempt to dry it using an external heat source.

Storage

Do not store LabQuest Mini in a chemical closet or in areas of concentrated chemical gasses.

How the Interface Works

The LabQuest Mini interface is more than just a physical adapter between two different connectors. It is hardware that allows Vernier sensors to interact with computers and Chromebooks. LabQuest Mini contains dedicated electronics for precise sampling of sensor events. LabQuest Mini timestamps these events so measurements from multiple sensors can be analyzed simultaneously. To allow data to flow smoothly, LabQuest Mini manages the communication link between the sensors and the computing platform.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/2133

Repair Information

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your LabQuest Mini, 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

 

Optional Accessories Order Code

Micro USB-C Cable

CB-USB-C-MICRO
Replacement Parts Order Code

Micro USB Cable

CB-USB-MICRO

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/lq-mini/#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.

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.

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