PASCO PS-2140 Temperature_Sound Level_Light Sensor - Manual (Page 2)

Temperature/Sound Level/Light Sensor
Measurements and Operation
Collecting Data
1. Plug the Temperature/Sound Level/Light Sensor into a PASPORT interface.
Connect the PASPORT interface to a USB-compatible computer.
2. Place the sensor in the experimental setting or condition.
3. In DataStudio, open a Graph display and click the Start button to begin
recording data (See “DataStudio tasks” on Card 1B).
4. To end data collection, click the Stop button.
CARD 2A
To activate a specific
measurement, click
to place an “x” in the
box next to the
desired
measurement.
Calibration Procedure
Note: By default, the sound, ambient temperature, and light measurements
display when you first plug in the sensor. At any time, you may activate or
deactivate the display of any of the four measurements through DataStudio’s
PASPORT Setup window (Figure 2).
ambient temperature -
(mounted in side case)
measures the ambient
temperature (°C or °F).
probe temperature -
measures the temperature
(°C, F, K)
of a PASCO
probe connected to the side
port.
light - measures light
intensity (lux) in the
visible range of the
electromagnetic
spectrum.
sound -
measures sound
on the weighted
dBA scale.
Calibration of the Temperature/Sound Level/Light Sensor is not generally required. If
you plan to take measurements with an external temperature probe, you may
calibrate the temperature probe with DataStudio. The ambient temperature, light, and
sound parameters
are not set up for calibration.
To calibrate the probe temperature (in DataStudio):
1. Plug the Temperature/Sound Level/Light Sensor into a PASPORT interface.
2. Plug the temperature probe into the external side port of the sensor.
3. In DataStudio, click the Setup button to open the PASPORT Setup window.
4. In the PASPORT Setup window, scroll to the Temperature/Sound Level/Light
box and click the Calibrate button.
WARNING: Do not place any part of the Temperature/Sound Level/Light box in
water or other liquids. Placing the sensor box in liquids will permanently damage
the sensor.
5. Place the temperature probe in the 0°C water (or your first point). (NOTE:
The software is set to use 0°C and 100°C as the two points for calibration.
You may choose to enter your own values and use a thermometer as a
reference.) In the Calibration window, click the Set button.
6. Repeat steps 5-6 for the 100°C water (or your second point).
7. Click OK to save the calibration values.
Figure 1
Figure 2
To stop the sensor from recording
a specific parameter, click in the
box to remove the “x.”
Sensor Usage Tips
• The sensor can be used with most PASPORT temperature probes (i.e.
PS-2131, PS-2135, PS-2153).
• DataStudio software, version 1.8.5, contains workbook activities for use with the
Temperature/Sound Level/Light Sensor. When you plug the sensor into a USB
Link or PowerLink interface, a list of the workbook activities appears in the
PASPORTAL window.
• When using the Temperature/Sound Level/Light Sensor with an Xplorer for
prolonged monitoring (greater than 55 minutes), ensure that the Xplorer
contains new or charged batteries. To maximize battery life, connect the Xplorer
to a computer or Xplorer Power Adapter (PS-2530).
• Do not point the sensor directly at the sun for more than a few minutes.
• If connecting two or more Temperature/Sound Level/Light sensors to a
PowerLink, use channels 1 and 3 on the PowerLink. Placing the sensors too
close together may block either sensor’s external temperature port.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the sensor, do not place the
sensor in liquids, freezers, ovens, or fire. When placing the
sensor near electrical appliances, follow standard electrical
safety precautions in the classroom. PASCO does not cover the costs of
sensor replacements due to negligent or destructive use in the
classroom.
• Studying general physical laws and concepts in science, such as light
absorption, sound acoustics, radiation, conduction, and convection
• Single parameter studies: comparing the light intensity emitted from the sun
at different times of the day; comparing the sound level emitted from various
sources (car horn, radio, voice, etc.); comparing the temperature of different
appliances, skin temperature of animals, etc.
• General physics studies exploring how sound, light, and heat relate to
energy
• Environmental, greenhouse, and ecological studies
• Comparing environmental conditions among various species of plants,
animals, or other microorganisms
• Comparing temperature, light, and sound from different electrical appliances
CARD 2B
Suggested Applications