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Dual-Range Force Sensor User Manual

Order Code: DFS-BTA

The Dual-Range Force Sensor is a general-purpose device for measuring pushing and pulling forces. It can be used as a replacement for a hand-held spring scale or mounted on a ring stand. It can also be mounted on a dynamics cart to study collisions. Forces as small as 0.01 N and as large as 50 N can be measured. The Dual-Range Force Sensor can be used for a variety of experiments, including

  • Studying force and impulse during collisions
  • Studying simple harmonic motion
  • Monitoring frictional force
  • Studying Hooke’s law
  • Monitoring the thrust of model rocket engines
  • Measuring the force on a dynamics cart
  • Measuring the force required to lift a known mass using simple machines

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

  • Dual-Range Force Sensor
  • Hook attachment for measuring pulling forces
  • Bumper attachment for measuring pushing forces
  • Nylon thumb screw
  • Accessory Rod that can be used as a handle or mount

Bumper attached

Accessory rod and hook attached

Compatible Software and Interfaces

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support 2Full support 2Full support 2
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
  2. Maximum data-collection rate on the interface may limit the sensor's response in collision experiments.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support 2
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
  2. Maximum data-collection rate on the interface may limit the sensor's response in collision experiments.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Android™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMateTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1 2IncompatibleFull support 1 3Full support 1Full support 1 3
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 4Full support 4 5IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 4Full support 4 5IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Maximum data-collection rate on the interface may limit the sensor's response in collision experiments.
  2. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  3. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  4. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  5. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

Assembly

The Dual-Range Force Sensor is designed to be mounted on a ring stand, cart, track, or force table in several different ways. Use a 13 mm rod extended through the hole in the Dual-Range Force Sensor. Tighten the included thumb screw.

Getting Started

  1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 3, etc.).
  2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Vernier Graphical Analysis®, LabQuest® App, or Logger Pro™) if not already running, and choose New from File menu. The software will identify the sensor and load a default data‑collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.

If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad® or Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless interface, please see the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/dfs-bta

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user manual.

Note that the Dual-Range Force Sensor measures forces in only one dimension.

Videos

Calibration

You should not have to perform a new calibration when using the Dual-Range Force Sensor in the classroom. The sensor is sensitive enough to measure the weight of the sensor hook. To minimize this effect, simply place the sensor in the orientation in which it will be used (horizontal or vertical) and choose zero in the software. Much like pressing “Tare” on a scale, zeroing will define the current situation as 0 N of force.

Mounted for vertical data collection

If you want to improve the calibration, it is easy to recalibrate. Follow the same two point calibration procedure used in calibrating most Vernier sensors. One of the points is usually with no force applied.

  • Remove all force from the sensor and place it in the vertical orientation.
  • Select the calibration option in the program you are using.
  • Enter 0 as the first known force.
  • Apply a known force to the sensor. The easiest way to do this is to hang a labeled mass from the hook on the end of the sensor. Enter the weight of the mass (Note: 1 kg applies a force of 9.8 N).

For calibration in the ±10 N range, we recommend using 300 g of mass (2.94 N) for the second calibration point. For calibration in the ±50 N range, we recommend using a 1 kg mass (9.8 N) for the second calibration point. Be careful not to exceed the selected range setting during calibration. If you plan to use the Dual-Range Force Sensor in a different orientation (horizontal vs. vertical) than calibrated, simply zero the sensor after calibrating to account for the change.

The default calibration for the Dual-Range Force Sensor is linear (Force) = (slope)(output voltage) + (intercept), with the following values for the slope and intercept:

±10 N range – slope = –4.9 N/V, intercept = 12.25 N

±50 N range – slope = –24.5 N/V, intercept = 61.25 N

Specifications

As with any instrument, there is a trade-off between accuracy and the range of forces that can be measured. In general, you should use the ±10 N range if you can. If the forces exceed 10 N, you need to use the ±50 N range. In normal use, the resolution with the two different switch settings will be

Range

Resolution

Default Calibration Values

±10 N

0.01 N

N: slope = –4.9, intercept = 12.25

lbs: slope = –1.1016, intercept = 2.7539

±50 N

0.05 N

N: slope = –24.5, intercept = 61.25

lbs: slope = –5.5083, intercept = 13.77

How the Sensor Works

The Dual-Range Force Sensor uses strain gauge technology to measure force based on the bending of a beam. Strain gauges attached to both sides of the beam change resistance as the beam bends. The strain gauges are used in a bridge circuit such that a small change in resistance will result in a change in voltage. This voltage change is proportional to the change in force. A switch allows you to select either of two ranges: ±10 N or ±50 N.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1429

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Dual-Range Force Sensor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Accessories/Replacements

Item Order Code

Clay-Holder Bumpers with Clay

CLAY-BUMPERS

Bumper and Launcher Kit

BLK

Reflex Hammer Accessory Kit

RFX-ACC

Adapter for Pasco Cart

PCA-DFS

Force Table Adapter

FTA-DFS

Air Track Adapter

ATA-DFS

Springs Set

SPRINGS

Analog Extension Cable

EXT-BTA

Replacement Rod for Dual-Range Force Sensor, Photogate, or WDSS, 5 in

ACC-ROD

Dual Range Force Sensor Replacement Parts Kit

DFS-RPK

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/dfs-bta/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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