PASCO ME-9821 Centripetal Force Pendulum - Manual (Page 14)

®
Model No. ME-9821 Centripetal Force Pendulum
13
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Recommendations
No angular position
or velocity reading
appears in my
software. Check the clearance between the Rotary Motion Sensor
(RMS) and the table clamp. You must leave enough room
to allow the pulley on the RMS to completely rotate through
an entire 360-degree revolution. Also check all interface
and power connections (i.e USB links, USB power supply,
DIN connectors, etc.) to the Rotary Motion Sensor. If you
are using DataStudio, ensure you have checked the
angular position and velocity options in the setup window
or Sensor Properties dialog (for
ScienceWorkshop
sensors).
Pendulum moves in
three or more
directions. Ensure the Force Sensor is completely over the adapter
rod and that the thumbscrews are tight. Check to verify
that the pendulum is screwed tight into the bottom of the
Force Sensor.
Force Sensor
wobbles with the
pendulum. Expect some movement as the shaft rotates. The Force
Sensor must be free to move in unison with pulley on the
Rotary Motion Sensor. If the Force Sensor rocks or shakes
on the adapter rod, tighten the thumbscrew on top of the
Force Sensor.
Unknown angle of
release makes it
difficult to complete
calculations. In DataStudio or your other software, make a graph of
angular position. View the angle of release in DataStudio
or use an angle indicator. If necessary, you can steady the
pendulum to wait for the software’s reading to stabilize.
No force reading
appears in my
software. Check all interface and power connections (i.e. USB links,
DIN connectors, etc.) to the Force Sensor. Always tare the
Force Sensor prior to releasing the pendulum. Use the
Tare button on the Force Sensor and choose the zero or
tare option in your data collection software (if available). If
using DataStudio, check your setup. (See Appendices B
and/or C for instructions.)
Force readings
appear to be
inaccurate. Tare the Force Sensor with the pendulum in a stationary
position. If necessary, you can also calibrate the Force
Sensor using DataStudio and masses of known weights.
In your data collection software, check your setup for the
Force Sensor (see Appendices B and/or C for instructions).
Rotary Motion
Sensor does not
mount in vertical
alignment with
Force Sensor. For best results, use a table clamp and place a steel
mounting rod in a horizontal position. Orient the clamp on
the Rotary Motion Sensor into a vertical position and slide
the clamp over the steel rod. Tighten the screw to the
clamp on the Rotary Motion Sensor.