2
Tester as described in the Getting Started section. Turn the displacement wheel
counter clockwise and the force sensor travels down, applying a force to the
structure or beam via the tackle. The GDX-VSMT force sensor registers the force
while the GDX-VSMT displacement sensor tracks how far the structure has been
deflected, bent, or stretched.
Zeroing the Sensors
Zero both of the sensors before any data collection. The VSMT displacement
and force sensors should be zeroed with the tackle just in contact with the
structure or beam immediately before applying a force.
If a structure is attached to the GDX-VSMT force sensor by means of a rigid
connection (e.g., a threaded rod), the tackle is supported by the force sensor.
Zero the force sensor with the tackle attached so that the sensor will register
only the force actually applied to the structure.
If a structure is attached to the GDX-VSMT force sensor by means of a non-
rigid connection (e.g., U-bolt, quick link and chain) then the weight of the
tackle is an additional force that is applied to the structure. If necessary for your
investigation you can account for the weight of the tackle by adding a new
calculated column.
Force Sensor Overload Warning
If the force applied to the force sensor exceeds its rated load of 1,000 N
(225 lbs) a red light will appear on the face of the sensor electronics box. This is
the indication that no additional force should be applied in order to avoid
damaging the sensor.
Specifications
Range
Force 0–1000 N
Displacement ~ 0–7 cm
Resolution
Force 0.1 N
Displacement 1 µm
Battery
300 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable
Battery life (single full
charge)
~10 hours continuous data collection
Battery life (long term)
~300 full charge cycles (several years depending
on usage)
Safety
Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester is capable of storing energy as it applies
force to structures being tested. When structures fail under stress they can release
that energy very quickly. Vernier recommends the use of safety glasses when
using the VSMT to protect eyes from flying debris.
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-vsmt
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect
Red LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when
sensor is awake and ready to connect.
Connected
Green LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when
sensor is connected via Bluetooth.
Connecting via USB
Connected and charging
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via
USB and the unit is charging. LED next to
Bluetooth is off.
Connected, fully charged
Green LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connect to Graphical Analysis via USB
and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is
off.
Charging via USB,
connected via Bluetooth
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connected to charger via USB and the
unit is charging. Green LED next to Bluetooth
icon flashes when sensor is connected via
Bluetooth.
Identifying the Sensor
You can make the Bluetooth LED flash red and green by clicking Identify in
Sensor Information. This is useful to distinguish between two identical sensors.
Using the Product
Connecting your structure/material to be tested securely to the device is critical
to the safe and proper use of Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester
(GDX-VSMT). The VSMT Tackle Kit comes with a variety of components that
are used to secure the structure/material to the Tester cross bars and connect to
the GDX-VSMT force sensor. All structures and materials are generally
supported by the crossbars that can be adjusted from 0 cm to over 40 cm. The
bars can be secured in place by tightening the hex head screws.
The primary methods of attaching the tackle to the structure/material are to use a
U-bolt in combination with quick links (and chain, as needed), or by using a
threaded rod and load plate.
Once the structure or beam is secured in place with the appropriate tackle,
launch Graphical Analysis 4 and connect the Go Direct Structures & Materials
