6
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 sensor has infrared LED emitters on one arm and photodiodes on the other
arm. An object blocks the infrared beam as it passes through the gates. Times
associated with the photodiode state-changes are used to calculate motion data
for the objects.
For a good discussion of how photogates work in general, see “Photogates: An
instrument evaluation,” Eugene P. Mosca and John P. Ertel,
Am. J. Phys.
57 (9),
840–844 (1989).
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see
www.vernier.com/til/4197
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with
your Go Direct Photogate, contact Vernier Technical Support at
[email protected] 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
Picket Fence
PF
Cart Picket Fence
PF-CART
Ultra Pulley Attachment
SPA
Bar Tape
TAPE
Laser Pointer
LASER
Laser Pointer Stand
STAND
Go Direct Photogate Timing Cable
VPG-CB-GDX
Go Direct Time of Flight Pad Cable
TOF-CB-GDX
Time of Flight Pad
TOF-VPL
Replacement Battery
GDX-BAT-300
Micro USB Cable
CB-USB-MICRO
USB-C to Micro USB Cable
CB-USB-C-MICRO
Accessory Rod
ACC-ROD
Specifications
Infrared source
Peak at 880 nm
Gate width
77.5 mm
Internal gate separation
20 mm
Distance from internal gates to
bottom of photogate arms
~10 mm
Distance from internal gates to sides
of photogate arms
~5 mm
Gate 1, Gate 2, and Laser Gate LED
indicators
Off for unblocked gate
On for blocked gate
Battery
300 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable
Battery life (single full charge)
~10 hours continuous data collection
Battery life (long term)
~300 full charge cycles (several years
depending on usage)
Safety
Laser Safety Note:
When using the Laser Gate mode, do not align the external
laser gate by sighting by eye. Follow all safety precautions indicated by the
laser manufacturer.
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct Photogate contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system 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 and Maintenance
To store Go Direct Photogate 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 at least two 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 Photogate is not water resistant and should never be immersed in
water.