PASCO PS-3223 Wireless 3-Axis Acceleration-Altimeter User Manual

: June 9, 2024
: PASCO

Table of Contents

PASCO PS-3223 Wireless 3-Axis Acceleration-Altimeter
Included Equipment
OVERVIEW
Introduction
Collecting data
Data collection tips
Mounting Options
Battery Replacement
LED Status
Specifications and accessories
Technical Support
Limited Warranty
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

PASCO PS-3223 Wireless 3-Axis Acceleration-Altimeter

Included Equipment

Wireless Acceleration/Altimeter sensor
Thumbscrews, M5 X 25mm
Hook and loop strap

OVERVIEW

PASCO-PS-3223-Wireless-3-Axis-Acceleration-Altimeter-
FIG-1

Bluetooth status LED
Power button
Battery status LED
Thumbscrew
Hook and loop strap

Introduction

The PS-3223 Wireless 3-Axis Acceleration/Altimeter sensor measures acceleration in three axes, angular velocity in three axes, and altitude. The sensor can be mounted to any PASCO cart using the included thumbscrew. The included hook and loop strap can be used to mount the sensor to a variety of objects. For additional mounting options, the sensor casing includes a threaded hole that accepts 6-32 screws, such as the PASCO Truss Set Screws.

Collecting data

SPARKvue

Press and hold the power button until the Bluetooth status LED starts flashing red
Open SPARKvue and select Sensor Data.
Under Connected Devices, select the sensor that matches your device ID.
Select the measurements you wish to display.
Under Templates, select Graph.
Select Start to begin data collection.

PASCO Capstone

Press and hold the power button until the Bluetooth status LED starts flashing red.
Open Capstone and click Hardware Setup.
Select the sensor that matches your device ID.
In the Displays palette, double-click Graph.
On the vertical axis of the graph, click Select Measurement, then select the measurement you wish to display.
Click Record to begin data collection.

Data collection tips

Acceleration

Acceleration is measured using an electronic three-axis accelerometer. Due to the way an accelerometer functions, the acceleration measurement will be offset by 9.8 m/s2 in the direction normal (perpendicular) to the surface of Earth. For example, if the x-axis of the sensor is normal to Earth’s surface, this axis will measure 9.8 m/s2 when at rest. If the sensor is rotated so that the y-axis is normal to Earth’s surface, the y-axis will now measure 9.8 m/s2 (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Acceleration will be offset by 9.8 m/s2 in the direction normal to the Earth’s surface.

It is recommended to zero the acceleration sensor when collecting data in one- dimension (such as the acceleration of a cart on an inclined plane). However, the sensor should not be zeroed when collecting data in all three axes simultaneously. This will result in the sensor reporting invalid acceleration measurements whenever the sensor changes direction. The default measurement range is ±16 g. For high-g acceleration measurements, the range chan be changed to ±100 g, ±200 g, or ±400 g. Increasing the measurement range will decrease the accuracy and resolution of the sensor. When recording data, select the small range required to provide the most precise and accurate acceleration data.

IMPORTANT: When exposing the sensor to collisions or impacts, it is important to orient the battery so that the power button’s side of the sensor is OPPOSITE the point of impact. If the collision occurs on the side facing the power button, the force of the battery accelerating into the contact springs might permanently deform the springs, preventing a good contact with the battery.

Altitude
Altitude is measured by detecting changes in barometric pressure. Since barometric pressure can vary due to weather conditions, the sensor is best used to measure changes in altitude instead of absolute altitude. The sensor is most useful when measuring significant changes in altitude, such as riding a roller coaster or launched as a projectile.

Mounting Options

PASCO carts
Align one of the holes in the sensor casing with a threaded hole in the accessory tray of the cart. Fasten with the included thumbscrew. Be sure to pay attention to the direction of the x-axis of the sensor when mounting.

Figure 2. Mount the sensor to a PASCO cart using the included thumbscrew.

Hook and loop strap
Insert each end of the strap through the slots between the sensor and the casing. Use the strap to mount the sensor to an object such as a human arm. Two indentations in the casing accommodate for mounting to a rod (such as the rod included with the ME-8969 Pendulum Accessory or ME-3420 Rotational Inertia Accessory).

Rotating Platform
The sensor can be mounted to the track of the ME-8951 Rotating Platform. Secure the sensor to the track using the thumbscrew and square nut included with the 300 g square mass. Be sure to pay attention to the direction of the x and y axes of the sensor when mounting. The acceleration chip is located underneath the printed axis system on the sensor (see Figure 3). This position should be taken into account when measuring acceleration due to rotation.

Figure 3. Sensor mounted to the ME-8951 Rotating Platform.

Truss Set Member
The threaded hole on the sensor casing can be used to attach the sensor to a PASCO Truss Set Member. Other objects (such as masses) can be attached to the sensor using 6-32 screws.

Figure 4. Sensor mounted to a PASCO Truss Set Member.

String or rubber band
Tie a string to the center mounting hole in the sensor casing. Use the string to swing the sensor in a circle to measure centripetal acceleration. Tie a rubber band to the hole. Use the rubber band to launch sensor to explore projectile motion.

Battery Replacement

Insert a coin into the battery compartment door slot, then turn the door counterclockwise until the indicator aligns with the second mark.
Remove the battery compartment door, O-ring gasket, and the second mark.
Insert a new CR2032 battery in the compartment with the positive (+) side facing up.
Replace the door and O-ring gasket, aligning the indicator with the second mark.
Turn the battery compartment door clockwise until the indicator aligns with the first mark.

Figure 5. Battery compartment door.

LED Status

PASCO-PS-3223-Wireless-3-Axis-Acceleration-Altimeter-
FIG-7

Specifications and accessories

Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/PS-3223 to view the specifications and explore accessories. You can also download experiment files and support documents from the product page.

Experiment files
Download one of several student-ready activities from the PASCO Experiment Library. Experiments include editable student handouts and teacher notes. Visit pasco.com/freelabs/PS-3223.

Technical Support

Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical Support staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you through any issues. Chat pasco.com Phone 1-800-772-8700 x1004 (USA) +1 916 462 8384 (outside USA) Email support@pasco.com

Limited Warranty

For a description of the product warranty, see the Warranty and Returns page at www.pasco.com/legal

Copyright
This document is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to nonprofit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not sold for profit. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.

Trademarks
PASCO and PASCO scientific are trademarks or registered trademarks of PASCO scientific, in the United States and in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services of, their respective owners. For more information visit www.pasco.com/legal.

Product end-of-life disposal
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your electronic equipment per your local environmental laws and regulations to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle or disposal service, or the place where you purchased the product. The European Union WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.

Battery disposal
Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling and recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and local government regulations. To find out where you can drop off your waste battery for recycling, please contact your local waste disposal service, or the product representative. The battery used in this product is marked with the European Union symbol for waste batteries to indicate the need for the separate collection and recycling of batteries.