Specifications; How The Sensor Works - Vernier Go Direct User Manual

Specifications

Launch angle
Launch speed
Initial launch point (independent of launch
angle)
Maximum launch distance
Internal photogate spacing
Steel ball diameter
Steel ball mass
Safety
Two pairs of safety goggles are included for safety. We recommend students and
instructors wear the goggles at all times while using this product, including
anyone in the vicinity of the projectile launch and landing areas. If needed,
additional safety goggles can be purchased from Vernier (see
Accessories/Replacement Parts).
The launching system requires simultaneous engagement of the "Arm" and
"Launch" buttons to prevent accidental launches. Do not attempt to override or
disable this feature.
Other safety considerations
Do not put your face, hands, or other body parts near the end of the launch
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chamber while launching.
Do not aim the launcher at a person or animal.
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Do not attempt to remove the ball from the launch chamber by hand while
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the chamber is pressurized.
Only apply pressure to the chamber using the pump provided.
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Do not exceed 150 psi when pressurizing the chamber.
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Care and Maintenance
Storing the launcher
Do not store the launcher while pressurized. Fire the launcher several times
before removing power, or use the release button located on the pump, below
the pressure gauge, to release residual pressure. Remove the pump from the
launcher.
Storing the projectiles
The balls are not stainless steel and can corrode over time when exposed to
warm, humid environments. To reduce the likelihood of corrosion, keep the
0 to 90 degrees
0 to 6 m/s
0.146 m above the base
0.030 m from the back
plane
0.082 m from the side
2.5 m
0.05 m
0.01746 m (11/16 in)
21.8 g
3
balls sealed in an airtight container such as a zipper-closure bag. In very humid
environments, consider including a desiccant packet in with the balls.
If the balls do corrode, they will need to be replaced. Do not use any kind of oil
on the balls in an attempt to remove the corrosion, as oil will damage the
launcher.
Cleaning the projectiles and launcher
Over time, the projectiles (balls) may transfer some dirt to the inner surface of
the launch chamber. The design of the launcher depends on a close fit between
the ball and the launch chamber, so any additional material will cause friction
and launch irregularities.
Occasional cleaning of the projectiles with a clean rag and a commercial solvent
® ®
such as Goo Gone or Goof Off will help keep dirt out of the launch chamber.
Isopropyl alcohol is not recommended for this purpose since it will not remove
wax, a common source of the dirt.
If dirt does get into the launch chamber, use compressed air to remove any loose
debris from the chamber. If necessary, wipe the inside of the launch chamber
with a clean rag and solvent as noted above. If the solvent does not remove
enough material, wipe the inside of the launch chamber near the lip with 1500
grit sandpaper. It is important to use very fine sand paper; if a coarser grit is
used, the inner dimension of the launch chamber may change too much,
damaging the launcher.
Water Resistance
Go Direct Projectile Launcher is not water resistant and should never be
immersed in water or used in wet environments.
If water gets into the device, immediately disconnect the USB cable from the
unit. 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

The Go Direct Projectile Launcher is used to investigate important concepts in
two-dimensional kinematics. A steel ball placed in the launch chamber can be
projected with different launch speeds and at different launch angles. A unique
pneumatic launching system provides excellent repeatability at angles between
0 and 70 degrees and up to a distance of 2.5 m. Note: As launch angle increases
above 70 degrees, the trajectory may deviate from the expected direction of
parallel to the vertical plane of the back of the launcher.
The included hand pump is designed for generating the necessary pressure for
the pneumatic launching system. The Range turn-knob controls the maximum
pressure of the chamber, allowing for different projectile ranges given a constant
launch angle. The pump includes a pressure gauge in order to return to an
approximate launch speed used earlier. Note that a constant chamber pressure
does not guarantee a constant launch speed at different launch angles.