Zero (tare) the sensor
At the beginning of an experiment, the measurement from the
sensor may not be zero when the force or acceleration is
actually zero. This is a normal behavior that is corrected when
you zero (or tare) the sensor using PASCO Capstone or
SPARKvue. For information on zeroing the sensor, check the
PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue online help and search for
"Zero sensor".
IMPORTANT: Zeroing of the acceleration
sensor should only be done if you are only
measuring the acceleration on a single axis, as
zeroing the acceleration sensor will cause the
other two acceleration measurements to no
longer be accurate.
Set up the hardware
Connecting bumper and hook attachments
Screw the bumper or hook attachment into the threaded hole on
the front end of the sensor, as shown below. This will connect
the attachment to the force sensor, allowing force values to be
properly recorded.
Direction of acceleration sensitivity
The acceleration sensing units inside the sensor are oriented so
that the lines of greatest sensitivity follow the x, y, and z arrows
indicating the direction of acceleration.
Figure 1. The axes of greatest acceleration sensitivity.
In the orientation shown in Figure 1, the x-axis direction is
'along' the axis of the sensor. The y-axis direction is
perpendicular to the axis of the sensor and parallel to the label
on top of the sensor. The z-axis direction is perpendicular to the
label on top of the sensor.
Calibration
The Wireless Force-Acceleration Sensor is calibrated at the
factory. Further calibration is not usually necessary, especially if
you are measuring a change in force, acceleration, or rotational
motion, rather than absolute values of any of these quantities.
However, it is possible to calibrate the sensor using PASCO
Capstone or SPARKvue. For information on this procedure, see
the Capstone or SPARKvue online help.
Mounting the sensor
Mounting the sensor on a rod
Slide the sensor onto a rod and secure it in place with the Rod
Clamp Thumbscrew, as shown below.
Mounting the sensor on a PASCO cart
1. Insert the included Cart/Track Thumbscrew through the
hole in the sensor labeled Cart.
2. Place the sensor onto the top surface of the PASCO cart.
Screw the thumbscrew into the threaded hole on the top of
the cart, securing the sensor in place.
Mounting the sensor on a Track Bracket
1. Mount the Force Sensor Track Bracket (ME-6622) into the
T-slot on a PASCO track.
2. Position the Wireless Force-Acceleration Sensor
underneath the Force Sensor Track Bracket, with the label
facing up. Ensure that the thumbscrew on the bracket is
directly over the hole in the sensor labeled IDS Bracket, as
shown in the figure on the next page.
Product Guide | 012-14710D
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