PASCO CI-6537 Force Sensor - Manual (Page 6)

Force Sensor Model No. CI-6537
6
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Mounting the Force Sensor on the IDS Force Sensor Bracket
The Force Sensor can be mounted on the CI-6545 Force Sensor
Bracket.
1. Place the bracket on top of the sensor so the thumbscrews align with
the threaded holes in the top of the sensor accessory tray.
2. Turn each thumbscrew clockwise until it is tight.
3. Mount the Force Sensor Bracket on the T-slot on the side of the IDS
Track.
For more information, see the Force Sensor Bracket instruction sheet.
Taring the Force Sensor
To tare (zero) the sensor, press the Tare button on the side of the
sensor and then release it.
When the Tare button is pressed, the voltage from the sensor will be set
to approximately zero volts. You can also tare the sensor while a force
is applied to the sensor. For example, if you want to measure the
change in force during an experiment, set up the experimental
equipment as needed, and tare the sensor at the beginning of the
experiment before taking data. The sensor can maintain its “zeroed”
condition for over thirty minutes.
You can verify the tare procedure by monitoring the force using
DataStudio.
Calibration (Optional)
Calibrating the Force Sensor is not required; the CI-6537 Force Sensor
is factory calibrated. However, you must tare the Force Sensor before
taking measurements. Always zero (tare) the Force Sensor in the
exact orientation in which it will be used.
The sensor is designed to produce approximately zero volts when it is
“zeroed.” A change in force of one newton causes a change in output
voltage of 160 millivolts (0.160 V). Therefore, the sensor does not
need to be calibrated. Instead, the voltage can be converted directly
into force. For example, after the sensor is “zeroed,” an output voltage
of 0.160 volts equals a force of one newton, a voltage of 1.60 volts
equals a force of 10 newtons, and so on. In the same way, a voltage of