Vernier PAAS-PAMP Manual

Power Amplifier Accessory
Speaker
(Order Code PAAS-PAMP)
This kit includes a speaker and accessories used with the Vernier Power Amplifier to
study mechanical waves and springs. The speaker contains a light weight metal disc
glued to the speaker cone. A drive post attached to the metal plate allows you to
connect objects such as strings and springs. The Vernier Power Amplifier is
normally connected to the Vernier Power Amplifier which is connected to the
Vernier LabQuest or Vernier LabPro. Experiments include

Observing standing waves on a string including harmonics.

Measuring the speed of a wave on a string.

Observing resonance in simple harmonic motion.
The Power Amplifier Accessory Speaker kit
includes
(1) 5 ¼ inch shielded speaker with an adaptable
driver post
(1) elastic string
(1) braided nylon-core cord
(2) springs with different spring constants
(2) masses
(2) threaded hooks
(1) spacer
Software and Hardware Combinations
The speaker is driven by the Power Amplifier, which is software controlled by your
computer or handheld. This kit and the Power Amplifier can be used with the
Vernier LabQuest or Vernier LabPro. Some combinations of equipment allow you to
drive the speaker and simultaneously collect data.
Using the Power Amplifier Speaker with the Power Amplifier
The Power Amplifier Speaker has rubber feet on the bottom of the case for secure
placement on a table. The case has a 3/4 inch hole that is used to mount the speaker
on a ring stand. Leads from the speaker are used to connect it to the output of the
Power Amplifier. When this speaker is used with the Power Amplifier, the
maximum recommended signal is ± 5 volt peak amplitude. Signals above 5 volts will
exceed the 1 ampere current limit of the amplifier, and the signal will be distorted.
1
Software Setup
Using LabQuest with Logger Pro – If you are using a computer and LabQuest,
software control is provided in Logger Pro.
1. Connect the Power Amplifier to a LabQuest and power up the Power
Amplifier. (See the Power Amplifier user's manual for connection
instructions.)
2. Wire the Power Amplifier to
the Power Amplifier
Accessory Speaker.
3. In Logger Pro, choose Set Up
Sensors in the Experiment
menu and choose the
LabQuest.
4. A dialog box will appear.
Click the Power Amplifier
button.
5. The Power Amplifier dialog
box will appear. Use this
dialog box to control the
waveform, frequency and
amplitude of the signal.
6. While the speaker is being
driven, you can also collect
data with Logger Pro.
Using LabPro with Logger Pro – If you are using a computer and LabPro, software
control is provided in Logger Pro.
1. Connect the Power Amplifier to a LabPro and power up the Power
Amplifier. (See the Power Amplifier user's manual for connection
instructions.)
2. Wire the Power Amplifier to the Power
Amplifier Accessory Speaker.
3. In Logger Pro choose Set Up Sensors from
the Experiment menu and choose the
LabPro. A dialog box will appear. To the
left of the LabPro graphic, you will see a
list of the four analog channels. The Power
Amplifier will appear in channel CH4.
Note that the default setting for the Power
Amplifier is to measure current in
amperes; however, LabPro cannot simultaneously measure current through
channel CH4 and drive a signal through this channel. Therefore the next
three steps will instruct you how to reconfigure this channel.
4. Click the icon that represents channel CH4. A pop up dialog box will
appear.
2