PASCO CI-6730A Flow Rate Sensor - Manual (Page 2)

Flow Rate Sensor 012-08624A
2
Interface 500
1 2
GAIN=1,10:ISOLATED GAIN = 1,10: REF TO GND GAIN = 1: REF TO GND
A s C
ON
ANALOG CHANNELS B n
DIGITAL CHANNELS
ScienceWorkshop ™
P R E S S T O L O G
®
Flow Rate Sensor Operation
➤Note: The PASCO 500 computer interface is
recommended for outdoor studies of flow rate. Before
collecting data in the field, ensure that the 500 interface
contains four fresh AA batteries.
1. Connect the 500 interface to your computer with the
supplied cables. (Follow the connections instructions
provided with the 500 interface and/or installation
instructions in the DataStudio online help.)
2. On the back of the interface, use the On/Off button to
turn on the interface.
3. Plug the Flow Rate Sensor into one of the digital ports
of the computer interface.
Plug into a digital
channel port
4. Start DataStudio. From the Sensors list, drag and drop
the Flow Rate icon to the digital port icon that
corresponds to the digital port you are using on the
computer interface.
5. If the flow rate is expected to be less than 1 ft./s,
decrease the sample rate to 2 seconds per sample. (To
change the sample rate, double click the sensor icon.
In the dialog box, select the General tab and change the
sample rate. Click OK.)
6. On the Setup toolbar, click the Logging button and
follow the prompts. Disconnect the 500 interface for
remote data logging. (For more information on remote
data logging, see “Remote Data Logging” in the table of
contents of the DataStudio online help.)
7. At the field site: Insert the propeller of the Flow Rate
Sensor into the body of water to be measured.
8. To record data, press the LOG button on the interface.
To end data collection, press the LOG button again.
(Note: Do not turn off your interface or you will lose all
of the data you recorded.)
9. Reconnect the interface to your computer. To retrieve
Figure 1:
Inserting the Flow Rate Sensor’s digital plug
into a digital port on the computer interface
Sensor Usage Tips
SAFETY TIPS: When using the Flow Rate Sensor
outdoors, follow standard water and outdoor safety
precautions. The Flow Rate Sensor is recommended for
use in streams and lakes (avoid turbulent waters or rivers).
Always inform students of potential hazardous conditions
in the area. Do not use the sensor in high winds, adverse
weather or avalanche conditions, near potential land or
mudslides, or when standing on unstable ground. Before
using the sensor, survey the area. When inserting the Flow
Rate Sensor into water, stand on stable ground or in
shallow water. Keep the Flow Rate Sensor away from
water that has lots of debris or potential obstacles. If the
propeller or sensor becomes lodged in a high velocity
current or near a drop off, do not attempt to remove the
sensor. In high risk situations, only allow a water patrol
officer or public safety official to remove the sensor.
• Always hold the pole vertically and keep the propeller
in the direction of the current flow, facing upstream.
• For higher water velocities (around >1 m/s), a sample
rate of 2 samples/sec is recommended.
• When taking a reading, keep the handle steady.
• If the flow rate reading suddenly falls to zero
midstream, check the propeller for debris. When sand
or other particles become lodged in the propeller, the
propeller stops turning and the reading drops to zero.
• Erratic readings may occur with turbulent water flow.
If measuring flow from a stream or creek, keep the
housing in a stable position, away from rocks and
turbulence. If measuring in low depths, you can rest
the housing on the stream bed for a more stable
reading.
your collected data into a DataStudio display, press the
Connect button on the Setup toolbar.
10. To view a graph of a data run, drag a run icon from the
Data window to a Graph display.
➤Note: To express the velocity in terms of meters/
second, miles/hour, or knots, create the appropriate
calculation in the DataStudio’s Experiment Calculator.
• Do not connect the propeller housing to pipes or
other tubing.
• When not using the Flow Rate Sensor, store the
sensor in a dry environment to avoid corrosion. If
necessary, periodically lubricate the propeller with
silicone oil.