5
Computer Software and Hardware Requirements
The Wireless Dynamics Sensor System must be used with Logger
Pro
®
version 3.4.5
or newer. The WDSS requires the following computer setup:
Windows
: Windows XP, Service Pack 2 or newer is required. For Bluetooth radio
you need a Microsoft-compatible Bluetooth radio nub (also called a dongle) or built-
in Bluetooth radio that is Microsoft compatible. The Bluetooth radio transmitter
must be set up to use the Microsoft Bluetooth drivers. If it has been set up for use
with other drivers, the WDSS will not work. You will have to remove those drivers
and install the Microsoft drivers. Note that removing other drivers may cause
problems if you are using the computer with other Bluetooth devices.
If your computer does not have built-in Bluetooth, we recommend using a Bluetooth
radio (dongle) that plugs into the USB port of your computer. If you purchase a
Bluetooth dongle for use with this product do not install any software that comes
with it. You have to make sure that the adapter has the "Designed for Microsoft
®
Windows
®
XP" logo. This identifies hardware that meet or exceed certain quality
standards of compatibility with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.
A list of compatible devices can be seen at
http://testedproducts.windowsmarketplace.com/results.aspx?text=bluetooth
Macintosh
: OS 10.3 or newer operating system is required. Built-in Bluetooth radio
or a Bluetooth nub that is Macintosh compatible is also required.
Intel processor Macintosh computers (new in 2006) require Logger
Pro
3.4.6 or
newer.
LabQuest Software and Hardware Requirements
WDSS requires a LabQuest running version 1.5 or newer along with a supported
Bluetooth radio.
Bluetooth Devices
Bluetooth devices, including the WDSS, connect via radio to the computer. The
range of Bluetooth communication is typically about 10 meters. The maximum
workable distance between your computer and the WDSS will depend on a number
of factors. Any solid object will block some of the waves. Walls and objects
containing metal will greatly reduce or totally block the signal. The range also
depends on the Bluetooth hardware in your computer.
We will use the following terminology to describe how Bluetooth is used when
connecting to the WDSS:
•
Connected
means that a particular computer running Logger
Pro
and the WDSS
have established Bluetooth communication.
•
Available
means the WDSS is present, but not connected to any nearby
computer.
6
•
Not Available
means a WDSS is present, but it is connected to another nearby
computer. A WDSS that is connected to one computer cannot be seen by other
computers.
Vernier Bluetooth devices have been given easy-to-recognize names to help with the
setup. They are named using physicists’ names followed by a number. For example,
one may be named Newton22.
Connecting your Bluetooth WDSS to LabQuest
1. Insert a supported Bluetooth radio to LabQuest.
2. Turn on the WDSS.
3. Choose WDSS Setup from the Sensors menu in LabQuest App.
4. Tap Scan to look for WDSS devices.
5. Select the desired WDSS by name and tap OK.
6. Select which of the five sensors you want for datacollection and tap OK.
Connecting your Bluetooth WDSS to a Computer
To connect the WDSS to your computer and Logger
Pro
, follow theses steps:
1. Turn on the WDSS. Note the name on the label of the device.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is activated on your computer. Some computers have
Bluetooth built into them. If that is the case, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Start Logger
Pro
.
4. Choose Connect Interface and then Wireless from the Experiment menu. Choose
Scan for Wireless Device. There will be a short delay while Logger
Pro
attempts
to establish a connection. If the WDSS is not found, try scanning again. A dialog
box will appear showing your WDSS on the list of available devices. Choose
your WDSS device.
5. After you have made the connection, the icon of the WDSS and live readouts
from its sensors will appear on the Logger
Pro
toolbar. You should have two
green LEDs on the WDSS.
6. If your WDSS does not connect, make sure it has battery power and that it is
within Bluetooth range. If that does not solve the problem, refer to the
Troubleshooting
section of this manual.
Connecting Your Bluetooth WDSS After Initial Setup (computer)
After you have completed the steps above, and your Bluetooth WDSS is connected
to your computer, the connection process can be somewhat simplified. As long as
Logger
Pro
is running, it will remember the name of the WDSS devices it has
