It is recommended to zero the acceleration sensor when
collecting data in one-dimension (such as the acceleration
of a cart on an inclined plane). However, the sensor
should not be zeroed when collecting data in all three
axes simultaneously. This will result in the sensor
reporting invalid acceleration measurements whenever
the sensor changes direction.
The default measurement range is ±16 g. For high-g
acceleration measurements, the range chan be changed
to ±100 g, ±200 g, or ±400 g. Increasing the
measurement range will decrease the accuracy and
resolution of the sensor. When recording data, select the
small range required to provide the most precise and
accurate acceleration data.
IMPORTANT: When exposing the sensor
to collisions or impacts, it is important to
orient the battery so that the power
button’s side of the sensor is OPPOSITE
the point of impact. If the collision occurs
on the side facing the power button, the
force of the battery accelerating into the
contact springs might permanently deform
the springs, preventing a good contact
with the battery.
Altitude
Altitude is measured by detecting changes in barometric
pressure. Since barometric pressure can vary due to
weather conditions, the sensor is best used to measure
changes in altitude instead of absolute altitude. The
sensor is most useful when measuring significant
changes in altitude, such as riding a roller coaster or
launched as a projectile.
Mounting Options
PASCO carts
Align one of the holes in the sensor casing with a
threaded hole in the accessory tray of the cart. Fasten
with the included thumbscrew. Be sure to pay attention to
the direction of the x-axis of the sensor when mounting.
Figure 2. Mount the sensor to a PASCO cart using the included
thumbscrew.
Hook and loop strap
Insert each end of the strap through the slots between the
sensor and the casing. Use the strap to mount the sensor
to an object such as a human arm. Two indentations in
the casing accommodate for mounting to a rod (such as
the rod included with the ME-8969 Pendulum Accessory
or ME-3420 Rotational Inertia Accessory).
Rotating Platform
The sensor can be mounted to the track of the ME-8951
Rotating Platform. Secure the sensor to the track using
the thumbscrew and square nut included with the 300 g
square mass. Be sure to pay attention to the direction of
the x and y axes of the sensor when mounting.
The acceleration chip is located underneath the printed
axis system on the sensor (see Figure 3). This position
should be taken into account when measuring
acceleration due to rotation.
Figure 3. Sensor mounted to the ME-8951 Rotating Platform.
Truss Set Member
The threaded hole on the sensor casing can be used to
attach the sensor to a PASCO Truss Set Member. Other
objects (such as masses) can be attached to the sensor
using 6-32 screws.
Figure 4. Sensor mounted to a PASCO Truss Set Member.
Wireless 3-Axis Acceleration/Altimeter | PS-3223
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