BB01 User Manual
Figure 3: Remote sensor components.
2.2. Component Description
2.2.1. Ball Position Sensor
The track of the BB01 linear transducer module on which the metal ball is free to roll consists of a steel
rod in parallel with a nickel-chromium wire-wound resistor forming the track. The resistive wire is the
black strip that is stuck on the plastic which is fastened onto the metal frame. The position of the ball is
obtained by measuring the voltage at the steel rod. When the ball rolls along the track, it acts as a wiper
similar to a potentiometer resulting in the position of the ball.
WARNING:
Regular cleaning of the beam is recommended to ensure proper operation of the ball and
beam experiment. Clean both the beam and the steel ball using rubbing alcohol.
2.2.2. Remote Sensor
Similarly to the BB01, the SS01 has a wiper potentiometer sensor that detects the position of the ball.
3. Ball and Beam Specifications
Table 2, below, lists and characterizes the main parameters associated with the BB01. See Figure 4 for
an illustration of the Ball and Beam dimensions and the variables
α
,
θ
, and
x
that are associated with
the system. Some of the parameters listed in Table 2 are used in the mathematical model. See Appendix
A for more information on the BB01 linear transducer used to measure the ball position.
Symbol
Description
Matlab
Variable
Value
Unit
Variati
on
Mass of ball and beam module
0.65 kg
Calibration base length
50 cm
Document Number 709
♦
Revision 2.1
♦
Page 3
