Introduction – Vernier DataMate Guidebook User Manual
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DataMate Guidebook
3
Introduction
This guidebook provides step-by-step instructions for collecting real world data using
LabPro
1
–a portable, handheld data collection device–with a Texas Instruments graphing
calculator and Vernier sensors
2
. DataMate supports all analog sensors and the Motion
Detector. (Most users never need another program. For special probes, such as photogates,
rotary motion sensors, radiation monitors, and drop counters, or special features, such as
graph matching, we also have other calculator programs. Installing and using supplemental
programs is explained in the section titled Supplemental Programs.)
By following this guidebook, you will:
•
identify the necessary equipment
•
connect the equipment
•
load the data collection program, DataMate, on your calculator
•
collect data by following the tutorials
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORTED CALCULATORS
To collect data with LabPro and a calculator, the following materials are needed:
•
LabPro System: LabPro interface, AC power supply, calculator link cable, DataMate
calculator program, calculator cradle, user’s manual, and voltage sensor.
•
A TI-73, TI-73 Explorer, TI-82, TI-83, TI-83 Plus, TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, TI-84 Plus,
TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, TI-86, TI-89, TI-89 Titanium, TI-92, TI-92 Plus, or Voyage 200
graphing calculator.
Because of their Flash ROM capabilities, we recommend the TI-73, TI-73 Explorer, TI-83
Plus, TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, TI-84 Plus, TI-84 Plus Silver Edition, TI-89, TI-89
Titanium, or Voyage 200 calculators. If you are using version 2 of the AMS software for
the TI-89 or TI-92 Plus, you must update to version 2.04 or newer.
•
Sensors: Sensors can be divided into two basic types—analog and digital. Examples of
analog sensors are temperature probes, pH sensors, force sensors, etc. Up to four analog
sensors can be connected to LabPro. An example of a digital sensors is a motion detector.
Up to two digital sensors can be connected to LabPro.
Optional (but recommended)
•
Four AA batteries for remote data collection.
•
Graphical Analysis, Logger Pro, TI Connect™, and/or
TI-GRAPH LINK
™ software.
1
LabPro can also be used as a computer interface using Logger Pro® software. Further LabPro resources,
the LabPro Manual and LabPro Technical Reference Guide, are available on the LabPro CD.
2
The CBL 2
can also be used with Vernier sensors to collect data with Texas Instruments graphing
calculators. The directions contained herein apply to both interfaces, except where noted.