Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1419

Light Sensor Detail Information

Light Sensor, order code LS-BTA, $53.00
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
-Primary Test: Make sure that the sensor is not picking up the 60 or 120 Hz flicker from fluorescent or other lamps. Eliminate all artificial light sources (except battery powered flashlights) and try the experiment.
-Secondry Test: Test the light sensor positioned as you plan to use it. Set the sampling at 1000 points/second for 0.1 second. If the flicker is the problem, you will see a drastic variation in the light intensity with a period of 60 or 120 Hz (50 or 100 Hz outside North America).
-Secondary Test: Set the sample rate to a number not a factor of 60. Using 30, 20, or 10 samples/s is worse then using 17, 23, 27 samples/s.)

PUBLIC TIL ENTRIES
-TIL 1143: The Light Sensor reading fluctuates, but the light appears steady
Public List of TIL Entries for LS-BTA

SPECIFICATIONS
-new order code: LS-BTA
-old order code: LS-DIN
-Resolution, 10-bit (CBL or CBL 2): 0�600 lux: 0.8 lux, 0�6000 lux: 8 lux, 0�150000 lux: 200 lux
-Resolution, 12-bit (LabPro, Go! Link, ULI, or Serial Box): 0�600 lux: 0.2 lux, 0�6000 lux: 2 lux, 0�150000 lux: 50 lux

CALIBRATION
-Calibrate? No. The sensor is set to the stored calibration before shipping.
-If you wish to calibrate the sensor, there are two options. One method requires a calibrated light meter and is similar to the procedure used to calibrate any other Vernier probe. The other method requires no extra equipment and is based on the known sensitivity of the Light Sensor. Refer to the detailed instructions on page 4 for the sensor booklet.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
-TI Light Probe, order code TILT-BTA, $13.00

Created by: jrandall on May 07 2005
Last updated by: gstahmer on August 17 2005