LabQuest Sensor Setup

LabQuest is a multi-channel interface that connects to a computer's USB port.

Follow these stepa to quickly collect data with LabQuest and Logger Pro:

1. Connect power to LabQuest.
2. Connect the LabQuest to the USB port on your computer running Logger Pro.
3. Connect a sensor to LabQuest.
4. If auto-ID sensors are found, live readings will be displayed on the screen. If a LabQuest is found but your sensors are not identified, you should manually set up a sensor or open an appropriate experiment file.
5. To start collecting data, click the Collect button . Data will be displayed in the data table and the graph. You can stop data collection at any time by clicking the Stop button .

Once you have collected your data, you can analyze it, add pictures or movies to your experiment, and perform several other tasks. Take a look at the How To section for a list of the various options available in Logger Pro.

LabQuest Sensor Setup Options

Open the LabQuest Sensor Setup dialog by clicking the LabQuest icon in the toolbar.

A window will appear showing the sensor setup, units, and current readings (if Live Readouts in the Column Options dialog is checked). Here you can manually make changes to your sensor setup.

By clicking a channel with a displayed sensor, you can change the settings for the analog or digital sensors that can be connected to LabQuest.

• Calibrate... Calibrate the sensor. This option will only be available if the sensor can be calibrated (some sensors, such as EKG sensors, cannot be calibrated).
  
  
• Sensor Info... View a dialog where you will find the Typical Sample Rate and Maximum data-collection rate for the sensor.
  
  
• Zero Zero the sensor. This option will only be available if the sensor can be zeroed. Some sensors, including Temperature Probes, cannot be zeroed.
  
  
• Choose Sensor Use this to manually set up a sensor in the channel.
  
  
• Change the Current Settings Select from the available units or calibration settings.

LabQuest Internal Sensors

Set up the Internal Temperature Sensor: Select the Internal Temperature Sensor and click the Configure button to calibrate, obtain sensor info, or change units.

Set up the Internal Microphone: Check the Internal Microphone sensor box to enable. Click the Configure button to calibrate, obtain sensor info, or Zero the Microphone.

Function Generator

LabQuest is capable of putting out an analog output signal to the audio out connector (the miniature stereo phone plug located on the left side of LabQuest). The Function Generator produces sound on two channels from the internal speakers of the LabQuest or from any speakers connected to the audio out connector. You can use this feature to nicely demonstrate beats.

When you click Function Generator, you will be able to control the frequency and waveform for each channel. The frequency range is 0.25 to 10,000 Hz. The current driving capability is low, so to do some experiments you will need to use a Power Amplifier (PAMP) to increase the current.

Power Amplifier

Click Power Amplifier to control the output from a Power Amplifier (PAMP) connected to the audio out connector of the LabQuest. The frequency and waveform can be controlled, or you can set a DC voltage level. The AC frequency range is 0.25 to 10,000 Hz.

See Also:

• Collecting data with LabQuest Mini