Go Direct® Current Probe User Manual
Order Code: GDX-CUR
Go Direct Current is designed for exploring the basic principles of electricity. Use Go Direct Current to measure currents in low voltage AC and DC circuits. With a range of ±1 A, this sensor is ideal for use in most “battery and bulb” circuits.
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
- Go Direct Current
- Micro USB Cable
Compatible Software
Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.LabQuest
Interface LabQuest App LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 LabQuest (discontinued) Incompatible Compatibility Notes
Computers
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support 1 LabQuest 3 Full support 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 2 3 Compatibility Notes
Chromebook
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 Compatibility Notes
iOS
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 1 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 2 3 Compatibility Notes
Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support Incompatible LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 3 Compatibility Notes
Python
Software Interface Python No interface required Full support Javascript
Software Interface Javascript No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
LabVIEW
Software Interface NI LabVIEW No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Quick Start: Vernier Graphical Analysis® and Bluetooth®
- Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
- Turn on your sensor. The LED will blink red.
- Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
- Select your sensor from the list. The sensor ID is located on the sensor label near the bar code. Note: If you don’t see a list of available sensors, click WIRELESS. After selecting your sensor, click Pair.
- Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.
Using other Vernier data-collection apps or want to connect via USB?
Visit www.vernier.com/start-go-direct
Note: This sensor also works with LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3; it does not work with the original LabQuest.
Charging the Sensor
Connect Go Direct Current to the included USB Charging Cable and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Current Probes using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Current indicates charging status.
Charging |
Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid while the sensor is charging. |
Fully charged |
Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is fully charged. |
Powering the Sensor
Turning on the sensor |
Press button once. Red LED indicator flashes when unit is on. |
Putting the sensor in sleep mode |
Press and hold button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED indicator stops flashing when sleeping. |
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect | Red LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect. |
Connected | Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth. |
Connecting via USB
Connected and charging | Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is charging. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off. |
Connected, fully charged | Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off. |
Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth |
Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is charging. Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes. |
Identifying the Sensor
When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.
Go Direct Current was designed to be wired in series with the circuit. Currents in either direction can be measured. The current will be indicated as positive if current flows in the direction of the arrow on the box (from the red lead to the black lead).
Go Direct Current has two ranges. The ±1 A (±1000 mA) range is suitable for most circuit experiments and will likely be the range you use most often. The ±0.1 A (±100 mA) range is useful for experiments where you expect very small electric currents, such as electromagnetically-induced currents. Switch between the ranges by using the switch on the base of the sensor. Note: The range setting is not indicated in Graphical Analysis. If currents greater than 100 mA are measured on the smaller range, the data will flat-line just above 100 mA.
Videos
Calibrating the Sensor
You should not have to perform a new calibration when using Go Direct Current in the classroom. A stored calibration is set for the sensor before it is shipped.
However, you may consider “zeroing” the sensor before the start of an experiment. This is done by shorting out the leads of the sensor, then choosing the Zero option in the data-collection software. This option adjusts the calibration offset but does not adjust the calibration gain.
Specifications
Current Probe range |
±1 A and ±0.1 A |
Maximum voltage on any input |
±10 V |
Maximum non-damaging current |
1.5 A and 0.5 A |
Input impedance (between inputs) |
0.1 Ω (±1 A range) and 1 Ω (±0.1 A range) |
Input impedance (to ground) |
10 MΩ |
Linearity |
0.01% |
Resolution |
0.031 mA (±1 A range) and 0.003 mA (±0.1 A range) |
Battery |
300 mA Li-Poly |
Battery life (single full charge) |
~24 hours |
Battery life (long term) |
~500 full charge cycles (several years depending on usage) |
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct Current contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-300).
Storage and Maintenance
To store Go Direct Current for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Water Resistance
Go Direct Current is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water.
If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source.
How the Sensor Works
Go Direct Current contains a sensing element and signal conditioning amplifier. The sensing element is a 0.1 Ω (or 1 Ω , for the smaller range) resistor connected between the red and black leads. As the current passes through the resistor, a small potential difference is measured across this resistor. This potential difference is input to the signal conditioning amplifier. The final result is that a voltage is produced from the amplifier that can be measured by sensor.
Troubleshooting
If Go Direct Current is not operating as expected, connect the sensor to Graphical Analysis either via Bluetooth or USB. Connect Go Direct Current to a DC power supply in series with a known resistance. Use a voltage probe or voltmeter to measure the voltage of the supply. Compare the measured current against the current calculated from Ohm’s law. Note: We recommend a battery for this test, since some DC power supplies may not deliver clean DC voltage.
For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4060
Repair Information
If you have watched followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Current, 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 |
---|---|
CB-USB-MICRO |
|
CB-USB-C-MICRO |
|
Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery |
GDX-BAT-300 |
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-cur/#support
General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty
Disposal
When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.
Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org
Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.
The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.
Contact Support
Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.