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VSMTĀ Force Sensor User Manual

Order Code: VSMT-FORCE

The VSMT Force Sensor is a "do-it-yourself" force sensor. Integrate it into your own experimental devices to measure forces up to 1000 N. It is set up to measure forces in tension.

The VSMT Force Sensor is rated to 1000 N and will connect to our standard suite of interfaces using a BTA connector.

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

  • Load cell
  • Threaded eye-bolt
  • Quick link for connecting hardware

Compatible Software and Interfaces

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull support 2Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
  2. Sensor does not auto-ID; manual setup is required.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidā„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidā„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier ArduinoĀ® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 2
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
  2. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1Full support 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.

Getting Started

  1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).
  2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite, LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to continue your experiment.

If you are collecting data using a Chromebookā„¢, mobile device such as iPadĀ® or Androidā„¢ tablet, or a Vernier wireless sensor or interface, please see the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/vsmt-force

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of the user manual.

Calibration

You should not have to perform a calibration when using the VSMT Force Sensor. The VSMT Force Sensor comes pre-calibrated, and you can simply use the appropriate calibration value that is stored in the data-collection program. If you want to improve the calibration, recalibration is allowed. Follow the same procedure used in calibrating most Vernier sensorsā€”a two point calibration. One of the points is usually with no force applied. Select the calibration option in the program you are using and remove all force from the sensor. Enter 0 as the first known force. The second point can be set by lifting an object of known mass with the VSMT Force Sensor. Enter the weight of the object for the second calibration point. This must be determined with a properly calibrated scale. For best results the sensor should be calibrated in the same orientation in which it will be used.

Specifications

Operational range

0 to 1000 N

Safety range (maximum force without damage done to sensor)

0 to 1300 N

12-bit resolution

1 N

Stored calibration values
  • slope: 241.9 N/V
  • intercept: ā€“107.6 N

Safety

The VSMT Force Sensor is capable of measuring (and therefore storing) significant forces. When structures fail under stress they can release that energy very quickly. Note: Care should be taken to protect people and property from damage due to the potential release of this energy. Vernier recommends the use of safety glasses to protect eyes from flying debris when using the VSMT Force Sensor.

It is also important to connect any hardware securely. Threaded parts should be attached so that a sufficient amount of the threaded component is engaged.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/3344

Repair Information

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your VSMT Force Sensor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437.

Warranty

Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship as delivered to the customer. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse or improper use. Due to the nature of this device this warranty extends only to the initial delivery of the equipment.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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