Vernier Software and Technology
Vernier Software & Technology
Tech Info Library

Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor Troubleshooting and FAQs

Go Direct® Force and Acceleration Sensor, order code GDX-FOR, $99
Specifications and User Guide

- Primary Test: Press the power button on the sensor to turn it on. (The red LED should flash.) Start the Graphical Analysis app on your device and select the sensor from the list of available sensors. (The green LED will start flashing.) Does the sensor read near zero when no force is applied? Does the sensor read a positive value when pulling, and a negative value when pushing? When placed on a flat surface with the label up, do the accelerations in the x and y directions read approximately zero, and does the acceleration in the z direction measure -9.8 m/s2?
-Force Sensor Test: Point the hook downward. With nothing attached, note the force reading. Then hang a 500 g mass from the hook and note the new reading. Is the difference approximately 4.9 N?
-Was the force sensor properly zeroed? In general, before collecting data you should zero the force sensor in the orientation in which you want to use it, with no force applied. This additional step makes force measurements more accurate.
-Were the accelerometers properly zeroed? For more accurate acceleration readings, zero the x- and y- directions of acceleration while the sensor rests horizontally on its top or bottom surface. Zero the z-direction of acceleration while the sensor rests horizontally on one of the long, rounded sides. Narrow “feet” on the rounded sides make this step easier.

TIL 589: How can I change the sign of the force reading? (Make either push or pull positive or negative)
TIL 2581: What replacement parts are available for the Force Sensor?
TIL 1862: What is the threading on the bumpers and hooks for Vernier Force Sensors?
TIL 3658: Which version Dual-Range Force Sensor do I have?
TIL 3974: How do I connect the Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor to a plastic Vernier dynamics cart?

- Force range: ± 50 N
- Accelerometer range: ± 156.8 m/s^2
- Gyroscope range: ± 34.9 rad/s
- Maximum wireless range: 30 m, unobstructed

-Calibrate? No. The sensor is set to the stored calibration before shipping.
-If you wish to calibrate the sensor, you will conduct a two-point calibration.
First point: Remove all force from the sensor and hang it (or hold it) with the hook pointing down. Enter 0 N as the first known force.
Second point: Apply a known force to the sensor by hanging a mass from the hook on the end of the sensor. Enter the weight of the mass (Note: 1 kg applies a force of 9.8 newtons). We recommend using at least a 5 N weight for the second calibration point. Do not exceed 50 N of force during calibration.
If yo wish to calibrate the acceleration sensors, see:
     TIL 418: How do you calibrate an accelerometer?

Sensor dimensions:
-Length: 7.6 cm, not including hook/bumper or hex rod attachment
-Width: 5.7 cm
-Height: 3.3 cm

Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor uses Bluetooth low energy technology and can only be used wirelessly with devices that support Bluetooth low energy technology running the appropriate software. Otherwise, connect the sensor to your device using the included USB cable.

This sensor requires Graphical Analysis software on iOS, Android, Chrome, Windows, or Mac.

Replacement Rod for the Dual-Range Force Sensor, Photogate, or the WDSS, order code ACC-ROD, $4
Go Direct® 300 mAh Replacement Battery, order code GDX-BAT-300, $9
Micro USB Cable, order code CB-USB-MICRO, $5
Micro USB to USB-C Cable, order code CB-USB-C-MICRO, $9
Dual-Range Force Sensor Replacement Parts Kit, order code DFS-RPK, $24

Air Track Adapter, order code ATA-DFS, $65
Force Table Adapter, order code FTA-DFS, $35
Adapter for Pasco Cart, order code PCA-DFS, $6

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