User manual

2.2 Component Description
2.2.1 Ball Position Sensor
The track of the BB01 linear transducer module on which the metal ball is free to roll consists of a steel rod in parallel
with a nickel-chromium wire-wound resistor forming the track. The resistive wire is the black strip that is stuck on
the plastic which is fastened onto the metal frame. The position of the ball is obtained by measuring the voltage at
the steel rod. When the ball rolls along the track, it acts as a wiper similar to a potentiometer resulting in the position
of the ball.
 Caution: Regular cleaning of the beam is recommended to ensure proper operation of the ball and beam
experiment. Clean both the beam and the steel ball using rubbing alcohol.
2.2.2 Remote Sensor
Similarly to the BB01, the SS01 has a wiper potentiometer sensor that detects the position of the ball.
BB01 User Manual 6