Dynamics Cart and Track System with Motion Encoder (DTS-EC)
Dynamics Cart and Track System with Motion Encoder (DTS-EC-LONG)

Specifications and User Guide

Troubleshooting

• Primary Test: Does the blue light on the encoder cart light? If not, batteries may need to be replaced.
• Secondary Test: Confirm that the encoder strip pattern on the cart, track, and receiver all line up on the same side of center. When the cart is in motion, the blue light on the receiver will flicker as the cart passes over bars on the track. The receiver must be connected to an interface for the light to function.
• Tertiary Test: Are you using a version of the software that was released after the Encoder System was first shipped? For Logger Pro, version 3.8.6.2 or newer is needed. For Original  LabQuest, use version 1.7.2 or newer; for LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3, use version 2.3.3 or newer. Graphical Analysis 4 version 4.5 or newer, first available in August, 2018. Updates are available at www.vernier.com/downloads

Note that the LabPro cannot Auto-ID the Motion Encoder. As a result you must open a file, found in the Probes and Sensors folder, or set up the encoder manually. LabQuest family interfaces do automatically ID the Motion Encoder.

Warning: The Motion Encoder Receiver is not compatible with the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Lab Cradle. Connecting the Receiver to the Lab Cradle will render the Cradle inoperative, requiring repair by Texas Instruments.

Tech Tip Video

Additional Troubleshooting

• Motion Encoder System only shows position without velocity or acceleration, and units are in mm.
• What do I purchase to add a second encoder cart to my Motion Encoder System?
• Motion Encoder zero drifts when used with LabQuest App on AC power.
• I cannot use Motion Encoder System on DIG/SONIC 2 of LabPro.
• Motion Encoder System does not Auto ID.
• Motion Encoder does not measure distances over 1.2 meters.
• Can I use the Motion Encoder Cart or Motion Encoder Fan Cart with a TI-Nspire Lab Cradle?
• Motion Encoder Cart turns on but does not register motion.
• Motion Encoder System readings only increase or only decrease.
• Will the Motion Encoder Cart and Receiver work with a Pasco track?
• Will the metal cart MEC fit into a new plastic cart?
• How do I use two motion detectors or two motion encoders at once to study collisions?
• How do I use the plunger on my plunger cart?
• Motion Encoder does not maintain its zero point between runs.
• How do I collect data using a Motion Encoder and a photogate simultaneously?
• How do I get good impulse momentum data for an inelastic collision using Motion Encoder?
• Encoder Cart only reads to about 10 cm.
• Why won't my Logger Pro experiment file work with the Motion Encoder system?

Specifications

• Measurement Range
  1 m range for 1.2 m track
  2 m range for 2.2 m track
• Accuracy and Resolution: 1 mm
• Optimum data-collection rate: 15–30 Hz

Calibration

This sensor does not require calibration.

Related Products

• Motion Encoder Cart and Receiver (DTS-MEC)
• Motion Encoder Cart (DTS-CART-MEC)
• Motion Encoder Cart Upgrade Kit (DTS-MEU)
• Motion Encoder Long Track Strip (METS-LONG)
• Encoder Fan Cart (CART-FEC)