3 Setting up an experiment
Using sensor adapters
Performing a 1-point slope-only calibration
In the Calibrate Sensor: Enter Values screen, complete these steps:
1. Apply a known quantity to the sensor.
For example, place a dissolved oxygen probe in a bottle known to contain 9.1 mg/L of
dissolved oxygen.
2. Under Calibration Point 2 touch the Standard Value: box and enter the known value.
For example, enter the known dissolved oxygen concentration.
3. Under Calibration Point 2 touch Read From Sensor.
The value measured by the sensor is transferred to the Sensor Value: box.
4. Touch OK.
Calibration is complete.
Using sensor adapters
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Connecting a sensor through a Digital Adapter or Photogate Port
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Connecting a sensor through an Analog Adapter
Connecting a sensor through a Digital Adapter or Photogate Port
The Digital Adapter (PASCO part PS-2159) allows digital switch-type sensors such as pho-
togates and smart pulleys to be connected to a PASPORT interface and used with SPARK SLS. It
also allows the use of a
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Motion Sensor (CI-6742A) or Rotary Motion Sensor
(CI-6538).
The Photogate Port (PS-2123) is a type of adapter that supports switch-type sensors, but not
the Rotary Motion Sensor or Motion Sensor.
Complete these steps to connect and configure a sensor with a Digital Adapter or Photogate
Port:
1. Connect the adapter to your PASPORT interface.
2. Connect a digital sensor to the adapter.
You can connect a switch-type sensor to either port of the adapter.
If you are connecting a Motion Sensor or Rotary Motion Sensor, connect the yellow plug
to Port 1 and the black plug to Port 2.
A list of digital sensors and sensor configurations appears.
3. Optionally, connect a second switch-type sensor to the other port of the adapter.
4. In the list, touch one of the sensors or configurations to select it and touch OK.
You may need to touch the arrows to scroll the list.
5. If SPARK SLS prompts you to enter one or more measurements specific to your equip-
ment, enter the value or values and touch OK.
The measurements that you enter will be used to compute data such as the velocity of
an object passing through a photogate.
Connecting a sensor through an Analog Adapter
The Analog Adapter (PASCO part PS-2158) allows analog
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sensors to be
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