DOCUMENTATION WORK IN PROGRESS (W.I.P)
This contains information regarding the Physics 7L lab measuring acceleration due to gravity using various instruments. The complete documentation of the digital measuring system used at the end of the lab can be found here. Includes using the system, LAB setup, and steps to make your own. User instruction guide, setup guide, hardware CAD, firmware, PCBs, and assembly can be found here.
- Control Unit:
- Photogate:
- Electromagnet:
- Power Supply: 9V 5.5mm Barrel Jack Power Supply Rated for > 500mA
- Steel Ball
Before plugging in the system, it's important to make sure the photogate and the magnet are properly plugged in using the corresponding color-coded cables coming out the control unit. The unit will not work if this is not done before powering it on.
Ensure a 9v power supply is plugged into the Control Unit's power port located on the top right of the housing. The unit takes around 5-10 seconds to fully power on. A display message appears on the screen when the device is booted.
To arm the magnet, press the yellow button once. The LED indicator light will turn green, arming the magnet. Load the steel ball into the electromagnet assembly. At this point, ensure that the ball can drop onto a safe surface and that the ball's drop path will pass through the photogate.
If at any point while the electromagnet is armed you wish to disable it, press the red button and this will remove the ready state. The LED will become RED, signaling it is in its idle state.
Drop the ball using the green button. The magnet will automatically de-energize and drop the ball.
The time, in ms, will print out to the display on the top of the unit. It will remain there until the the magnet is armed again or the red button is pressed.