Most Vernier Go Direct sensors work with the free Vernier Graphical Analysis.  GDX spectrophotometers work with the free Spectral Analysis program.  Go Direct Mini GC™, Go Direct Polarimeter, and Go Direct Cyclic Voltammetry System work with the free Vernier Instrumental Analysis app.  Even so, sometimes people want to write their own programs for special projects or to teach coding. We have always tried to support that. With the GDX sensors we have tried to provide “do-it-yourself” programming support on all of these platforms:  Python, JavaScript, LabVIEW, Arduino, and Scratch. Here is a brief summary of the requirements for these.

Note:  There are a few GDX sensors that involve either fast data collection or complex calculations that are more difficult to write your own programs for. Here are some notes about those:

All GDX spectrophotometers are very difficult to write “do-it-yourself” programs for.

The GDX-SND sensor can take data at very high rates for displaying waveforms and it is not easy to collect those data with a “do-it-yourself” program. Its decibel reading channels should offer no problems.

GW-HR is not really a GDX sensor. If you want to write a program to collect heart rate data, you can do it using the heart rate channel of GDX-EKG.

Scratch
This popular block based programming language makes coding accessible to even the youngest students. Combine coding with input from the classroom via the Go Direct® Force and Acceleration Sensor (GDX-FOR) to bring the real world into your coding activities. Compatible with Mac or Windows computers, running  Scratch Link app, or the Scratch app on a Chromebook.

For links and getting started information please visit https://scratch.mit.edu/vernier

Python
Connect mulitple Go Direct sensors via Bluetooth or USB. For additional information visit https://www.vernier.com/engineering/python/

JavaScript
Web apps with Go Direct sensors work in Chrome browser, using Web Bluetooth. Getting started guide and examples can be found at https://vernierst.github.io/godirect-examples/javascript/godirect-js-faqs.html

LabVIEW
LabVIEW and our Go Direct sensors have a very solid connection. For instance, you can use our Go Direct Accceleration sensor to investigate pitch and roll in a model airplane. If you are a LabVIEW programmer, download our drivers, express VIs, and sample programs.

SAM Labs SAM Studio
SAM Labs has incorporated several of our sensors into the SAM Studio programming canvas of their website. This allows you to code in a Blockly-based environment using our sensor data and interacting with other equipment such as micro:bit and SAM LABS education tools.

Learn more about SAM Labs: https://www.vernier.com/sam-labs/

Arduino

We have an Arduino library to make reading our GDX sensors fairly easy. The library is named GDXLib. You can install it while using the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment). More info on this process is at Can I use your Go Direct(GDX) sensors with an Arduino?

Microsoft Excel
The other brand new feature you may want to explore is the ability to collect data into Excel directly. Requires Windows 10 computer, Microsoft Excel Data Streamer, Excel, and the latest version of Vernier Graphical Analysis™ app.

For more information visit this page for some ideas and instruction: https://www.vernier.com/stem/microsoft-education/

See also:

Can I use Vernier LabQuest sensors with non-Vernier software or interfaces?
Do you have an SDK or API for your sensors?
What programming environments do you support for using your sensors for projects and teaching coding?

Published: July 30, 2019. Updated: October 11, 2021.