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Instruction Manual

012-09803A

Shoot-the-target Accessory

ME-6853

Introduction

The PASCO Shoot-the-target Accessory, in combination with a projectile launcher, demonstrates that accelera-

tion is constant for all objects in free-fall regardless of initial velocity. A target is initially suspended near the

ceiling, and a projectile launcher is aimed directly at it. As soon as the projectile is shot from the launcher, the

target is released. The projectile hits the target as it falls, proving that both objects accelerate downward at the

same rate.

Included Equipment Part Number

1. Drop Box assembly: ME-6839

Drop Box, main unit

Control Box

AC Adapter

Cable (7.6 m length)

2. Target ME-6852

3. Photogate Bracket ME-6821A

4. Photogate ME-9498A

Required Equipment

Projectile Launcher ME-6800, ME-6801, or ME-6825A

C-clamp SE-7286 (6-pack)

or similar

Steel ceiling or rod for drop box

mounting (see page 3)

Optional Equipment

Laser Sight OS-8527A

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
In s t r u c ti on M an u a l ® 0 1 2 - 0 9 8 0 3A Shoot-the-target Accessory ME-6853 1 2 3 4 Included Equipment Part Number 1. Drop Box assembly: ME-6839 Drop Box, main unit Control Box AC Adapter Cable (7.6 m length) 2. Target ME-6852 3. Photogate Bracket ME-6821A 4.
PAGE 2
S h o o t- t h e - t a r g e t A c c e s s o r y Th e or y Before it falls, the target is attached to the drop box by a permanent magnet so it can hang indefinitely, even when the drop box is not powered. A photogate detects the projectile as it leaves the launcher and triggers the drop box. The drop box releases the target by driving a current through a coil that cancels the field of the permanent magnet.
PAGE 3
Model No. ME-6853 D r o p B o x M o u n t i n g O p t io n s Substituting equation 6 into the first term on the right side of equation 2 yields 1 2 y P ( t′ ) = h – --- gt′ 2 (eq. 7) By comparing equations 1 and 7 it is evident that at time t' the target and projectile will be in the same place. The formula for the height of collision (measured relative to the launcher) is 2 2 1 ⎛D + h ⎞ y′ = h – --- g ⎜ ------------------⎟ 2 ⎝ V 2 ⎠ (eq.
PAGE 4
S h o o t- t h e - t a r g e t A c c e s s o r y Equipment Set-up Equipment Set-up 1. Connect the included AC Adapter to a wall outlet and to the POWER jack on the control box. 2. Connect the photogate to the PHOTOGATE port on the control box. 3. Use the included 7.6 m cable to connect the SIGNAL TO DROP BOX jack on the control box to the TO CONTROL BOX jack on the drop box. 4. Mount the drop box as described on page 3. 5. Hang the target from the magnet on the underside of the drop box.
PAGE 5
Model No. ME-6853 Tr o u b l e s h o o t in g Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Solution Projectile and target hit floor before they collide Elapsed time for projectile to traverse horizontal distance between launcher and target exceeds time for target to reach floor Possible solutions: • Use faster launch velocity. • Move launcher closer to target and re-aim. • Mount launcher higher and re-aim. • Move drop box up or down and re-aim (see equation 8).