PASCO ME-6800 Projectile Launcher (Short Range) - Manual (Page 5)

Projectile Launcher
ME-6800, ME-6801
®
1
Introduction
The PASCO Projectile Launcher has been designed for projectile motion experiments and demonstrations. The
only addition equipment required is a C-clamp for mounting the Launcher to a table or sturdy horizontal surface.
The features of the Projectile Launcher include:
• Launch at Any Angle: Balls can be launched from any angle from zero to ninety degrees measured from hor-
izontal (zero degrees). The angle is easily adjusted using thumbscrews and the built-in protractor and
plumb-bob give an accurate way to measure the angle of inclination.
• Three Range Settings: Each version of Projectile Launchers has three range settings. The Short Range Pro-
jectile Launcher ranges are approximately 1.2 m, 3 m, and 5 m when the launch angle is 45°. The Long Range
Projectile Launcher ranges are approximately 2.5 m, 5 m, and 8 m. The Long Range Launcher has a stronger
spring and is useful for large classroom demonstrations.
• Fixed Elevation Independent of Launch Angle: The Projectile Launcher pivots at the muzzle end so the
elevation of the ball as it leaves the barrel does not change as the angle is varied. The base has two positions
for mounting the Launcher. The top set of slots is used when you want to change the launch angle and the bot-
tom two slots are used when you want to fire a ball horizontally into a target such as a catcher on a PASCO
Cart or into a Ballistic Pendulum.
• Repeatable Results: The piston keeps the ball from rubbing on the inside of the barrel as it travels, so there is
no spin on the ball as it launches. When the base is secured to a table with a C-clamp, there is very little recoil.
The trigger is pulled with a string to minimize jerking.
• Barrel Sights and Safety Precautions: There are sites built-in to the barrel for
aiming the Projectile Launcher. View the sites by looking through the back end
of the barrel. WARNING: Never look down the front of the barrel because it
may be loaded. Safety glasses are provided, so use them. Look for the yellow
indicator through any of the five slots on the top of the barrel because the yel-
low indicator shows the position of the piston. If the indicator is between the
first and second slots (relative to the muzzle end), the piston is not cocked.
• Computer Compatible: One or two photogates can be attached to the Projec-
tile Launcher using the ME-6821A Photogate Mounting Bracket. When used
with a PASCO interface and data acquisition software, the photogates can mea-
sure the muzzle speed of the ball. Use a photogate and the ME-6810 Time of Flight Accessory to measure the
time of flight of the ball
• Compact Storage: When the barrel of the Launcher is aligned vertically with the base, the Launcher takes up
minimal space. The included ramrod and the base have hook-and-pile material that allows the ramrod to be
stored on the base.
Wear Safety Glasses