Data Pro™ Guidebook Data Collection using PALM OS Devices, Vernier Sensors, and LabPro Vernier Software & Technology 13979 S.W. Millikan Way Beaverton, Oregon 97005-2886 (503) 277-2299 Toll-free (888)837-6437 www.vernier.com info@vernier.
Data Pro Guidebook 2002-2005 Vernier Software & Technology. All rights reserved. You are entitled to reproduce parts of this book for use in your school only. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any other manner without written permission of Vernier Software except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Vernier LabPro and Logger Pro are registered trademarks of Vernier Software & Technology in the United States of America.
Data Pro Guidebook Table of Contents Data Pro Guidebook ...........................................................................................3 Introduction .........................................................................................................3 Required Equipment and Supported Palm OS devices ............................................................................... 3 Connect Equipment and Load Data Pro onto your Palm OS Device..............
Introduction This guidebook provides step-by-step instructions for collecting data using a Palm™ handheld or Dana by AlphaSmart device with LabPro1–a portable data collection device– and Vernier sensors. The Data Pro software supports all Vernier analog and digital sensors (except the Rotary Motion Sensor, Blood Pressure monitor, and DCU).
Detectors or Photogates can be connected to LabPro. It is also possible to use the Motion Detector with any analog sensor. Optional (but recommended) • Four AA batteries for portable data collection. • Logger Pro or Graphical Analysis (versions 3.1 or newer) software. Connect Equipment and Load Data Pro onto your Palm OS Device INSTALL DATA PRO SOFTWARE ON YOUR PALM OS DEVICE 1.
2. Are You Installing Data Pro to Multiple Palm OS devices? If you have more than one Palm device on which you are installing Data Pro software, follow the same directions as outlined in the previous section. It is important to have previously performed a HotSync with each of the Palm devices before running the Data Pro installer—the HotSync ensures that a user’s folder is created for each of the devices.
AlphaSmart by Dana 1. Obtain the USB cable that is included with either Vernier LabPro or AlphaSmart Dana. 2. Plug the square end of the USB cable (the “B” end) into the USB socket on the right side of the LabPro unit. 3. Plug the flat end of the USB cable (the “A” end) into the USB socket on the back side of the Dana unit (labeled as “printer”). PROVIDE POWER TO LABPRO Batteries or AC power can power LabPro.
LabPro Tutorial 1: Temperature Measurement with Data Pro A good way to get acquainted with Data Pro is by performing a simple experiment. This particular tutorial will investigate the response time of a Temperature Probe using the Data Pro program in Time Graph mode. Just follow the four easy steps and you are on your way to becoming comfortable with LabPro.
8. After the data collection is complete, an autoscaled graph of the data will appear. To examine the data points on the displayed graph, tap or any data point. As you move the examine line, the temperature values are displayed to the right of the graph. Move the cursor to find the highest temperature and record the time value. How long did it take for the Temperature Probe to stabilize at the water’s temperature? 9. To view data on a data table, you can simply tap , the Data Table toolbar button.
LabPro Tutorial 2: Non Auto-ID Sensor and Selected Events Mode LabPro will automatically identify newer auto-ID sensors; however, you may have a number of older sensors that you want to use. These are sensors with a 5-pin round DIN plug, which require a DIN-BTA adapter to connect to LabPro. The DIN-BTA is a small plug with a 5-pin round DIN plug on one side, and a white, flat British Telecom plug on the other. Using these sensors is not a problem, since only a few extra steps are required to get your data.
5. Whether or not you are using a non-auto-ID sensor, you now need to change the data collection mode. While you are on the Setup screen, let’s change the data collection mode to Selected Events. (If you’re using an auto-ID pH sensor, tap to reach this screen.) Tap the Mode: Time Graph button, and choose Selected Events from the list. This allows you to collect individual readings using a button, instead of taking time-graph data. It also assigns a sample number (1, 2, 3…) to each pH reading. 6.
LabPro Tutorial 3: Events with Entry and Boyle’s Law The Events with Entry mode collects reading from a sensor each time you tap and then asks you to enter a corresponding value for that sensor reading (e.g., a volume or a concentration). This tutorial will guide you through the setup procedure of an experiment using Events with Entry and investigate the relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas.
d. Enter the x-axis label (Volume) and unit (mL). You can enter this information using the onscreen keyboard (tap “abc”), or by using the Graffiti writing area. twice to return to the main screen. e. Tap 4. You are now ready to collect pressure and volume data. It is easiest if one person takes care of the gas syringe and another operates the Palm device. to begin data collection. a. Tap b. Move the piston so the front edge of the inside black ring (as shown here) is positioned at the 5.
LabPro Tutorial 4: Collect Motion Data The Vernier Motion Detector measures the distance to an object using echoing ultrasonic sound waves. Data Pro then calculates the velocity and acceleration. This tutorial will show you how to use a Motion Detector and make a graph of a walking person. MATERIALS Palm OS device LabPro interface Data Pro program Motion Detector walk back and forth in front of Motion Detector PROCEDURE 1. Place the Motion Detector so that it points toward an open space at least 4 m long.
7. Tap the y-axis, and then tap on the velocity column to view a graph of velocity vs. time. You will be presented with a velocity vs. time graph. 8. Tap to return to the Main screen, to do another tutorial, or tap to exit Data Pro program. Note: As an Extension of this tutorial, you may want to try selecting a special mode in Data Pro, Graph Matching. This mode has students match a graph (like the one shown here) with distance or velocity data collected like you did in this tutorial.
LabPro Tutorial 5: Data Pro as a Stand-Alone Graphing Program Using the Manual Entry mode, it is possible to use Data Pro as a graphing program when no LabPro interface is attached. This way, you can easily create graphs from data you enter, and use all of the analysis features of Data Pro. EQUIPMENT Palm OS device Data Pro program PROCEDURE 1. Turn on the Palm and start the Data Pro program. If you are on the Main screen, tap to clear any sensors and default settings.
8. Tap . The Curve Fit screen is displayed. Tap the Fit Equation button and choose Linear. The curve fit statistics for your data are now displayed for the equation, Y = AX + B, where A is the slope value, B is the y-intercept value, RMSE is the root mean square error, and r is the coefficient of linear regression. 9. Tap time. to display the regression curve on the graph of pressure vs. 10.
The Data Pro Program in Detail OVERVIEW This section describes Data Pro in detail. Although the program is designed to enable you to gather data with one or two pushes of a button, there are a number of options (setting up sensors, data collection modes, etc.) that may require more detailed explanation. We recommend that you read this section of the manual in the order it is presented. QUICK START The following section illustrates the fastest way to collect data using Data Pro with auto-ID sensors.
Tip: If at any time you wish to stop the data collection and view what has been collected, tap . Tip: You can temporarily leave Data Pro to use another Palm application, such as the calculator, by going directly to the other application. Do not choose in Data Pro, but just start the other application. When you want to return to Data Pro, select it from the Application screen. Data Pro will restart and your data will be intact.
Choosing Delete calls up a list of saved files. Tap on the file you want to delete. Choosing Beam allows you to send a Data Pro file to another Palm OS device, using its IR port. 1. Choose Beam from the Data Pro menu, to view the available saved data files stored on that Palm OS device. 2. Align the IR ports of the two Palm OS devices. Both units must be turned on. 3. On the Palm that is sending data, tap the name of the data file you want beamed.
THE SETUP OPTION Sensors Note: When connecting sensors to analog channels, you should use the channels in numerical order. In other words, connect the first sensor to Channel 1 (CH1), the second sensor to Channel 2 (CH2), and the third sensor to Channel 3 (CH3). If you are using only one sensor, it should be connected to Channel 1. • If the sensor is auto-ID, the channel number and sensor type is automatically displayed on the main screen.
The Time Graph option is used to set the sample interval and number of data points for a timed data collection. It can also be used to alter advanced features like live graphs and triggering. The Collection Setup screen appears when you tap under the Mode button. The default time interval between samples depends on the sensor you are using. Use the onscreen keyboard (tap “123”) to enter a new time interval or number of samples. A maximum of 500 points can be collected into Data Pro.
If you choose to trigger on a channel, Data Pro asks you to choose the trigger type. • • INCREASING means that data collection will not start until the sensor readings (such as light intensity or temperature) increase through the selected threshold. means that data collection will not start until sensor readings decrease through the selected threshold. DECREASING Enter the number in sensor units (the threshold) at which you want data collection to begin and tap .
Graph Matching presents distance vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs, and challenges you to match the graph. Tap , and you will be presented with a random distance graph for you to match. Tapping will start data collection so your data will be graphed in real time, for 10 seconds. Tap to try matching the same graph, tap to be presented with a new graph to be matched, or tap to do a run with no graph initially showing. Tap to return to Data Pro.
Modes Unique to Specific Digital Sensors (Photogate, Radiation Monitor, Drop Counter) Photogates If you first select (or auto-ID) a Photogate as the sensor in DIG/S 1 and/or DIG/S 2, you will have different data collection modes available to you: Motion Motion timing mode is used with picket fences, smart pulleys, or other custom devices with uniformly spaced bars or spokes.
Calibration of Sensors When a sensor is selected, Data Pro automatically loads the standard calibration settings. Further calibration is usually not needed. If you choose to calibrate a sensor, tap on the Setup screen. There are two ways to calibrate a sensor. The first is to perform a new calibration; the second is to manually enter the calibration values. The examples shown below are for the pH sensor.
To calibrate the pH sensor by entering values manually: 1. On the Setup screen, tap . If you have more than one sensor connected, then tap the button below Calibration, and choose which sensor you want calibrated. 2. The current calibration will be displayed. Tap 3. Enter the New Slope and New Intercept, then tap screen is displayed with the new values. Tap screen. . . The Calibration to return to the Setup Zero From the SETUP screen you can zero one or more sensors.
Tap or to examine the data points along the graph. As you move the vertical line right or left, the time (X) and temperature (Y) values of each data point are displayed to the right of the graph. Tapping in the graph screen will take you back to the main screen. Select Region by tapping in the graph screen to zoom in on a region of interest. This option may be necessary for curve fitting.
• Tap on the part of the graph you want to be your left bound. A vertical line with a > symbol will appear as your left bound. • Repeat for the right bound, then tap (the Zoom tool). Note: The Zoom tool does not appear on the toolbar unless Select Region is being used (turned on). • The new graph of your selected region will be displayed. • You can view the data you have just collected in a Data Table by tapping or .
• Calculated Columns Tap to either modify or add a calculated column. You will be presented a list of the current calculated columns to choose from, or you can create a new calculate column. Note: You are permitted to make a calculated column based on a calculated column, as long as you don’t exceed 10 columns as the total number of columns (including data columns collected). You will be warned if you try to exceed this number of columns.
Storing Runs. Normally, a new data collection run overwrites previously collected data. You can Store your data by tapping . By doing this, your previous run is saved. A new blank graph will be displayed. You can now collected additional data without overwriting the stored run. Tap the menu in the upper right-hand corner of the screen for a list of stored runs, and then tap on a run to call it up. Important: You can also plot a graph of all available runs by selecting All Runs from the Run menu.
THE ANALYZE OPTION Tapping on the main or data screens produces a graph of your data along with a list of analysis options. You can perform a curve fit, model data with a function other than curve fit functions, determine statistics over a region of data, and determine the integral over a region of data. Tapping from the ANALYZE screen produces the Curve Fit screen. Here you can choose which data to perform the fit on, and select a Fit Equation. Tap for a list of the available equations.
to graph the collected data and overlay a graph of a general equation whose variables can be adjusted. Tap The equation you choose may use the parameters A, B, C, and D as a function of x. Enter values in the parameters and tap OK to view the modeled graph. THE QUIT OPTION Tap to leave Data Pro and return to the applications screen of the Palm. Tapping will delete any unsaved data and setup, so that the next time Data Pro is launched an auto-ID attempt will take place.
Transferring Graphs and Data to Your Computer Now that you have collected data, you can, of course, analyze it with your Palm device. However, if you wish to analyze the data on a computer or print the data, you will need to use the Palm HotSync cradle or cable (or USB cable with Dana from AlphaSmart) to transfer the data back to your computer. Vernier Logger Pro or Graphical Analysis software (Versions 3.
2. Select Import From→ Palm Data Pro... from the File Menu a. Connect your Palm handheld to the HotSync cradle/cable. If you are using a Dana, connect the USB cable to the Dana’s computer port (using the square or “B” end of the USB cable) and to the computer’s USB port (using the flat or “A” end of the USB cable). b. Press the HotSync button function and sync keys. TM on the cradle/cable. On Dana, press the c.
Printing Directly from your Palm OS Device Now that you have collected data and analyzed data on your Palm OS device, you may wish to print particular screens from Data Pro, including Graphs, Graphs with analysis features displayed (e.g., curve fits), or even data tables. One way to do this, discussed earlier in this booklet, is to transfer the data into Vernier Logger Pro or Graphical Analysis computer software.
Edition can also allow you to print documents, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail and more from your Palm OS device. Note: The Edit button of the PrintSetup application also allows you to alter the advanced parameters of PrintBoy, like the connection type. By default, the infrared connection is enabled. Printing Tables To print a table at any time you can choose the Print Table option from the Data Pro menu.
Appendix A: Battery and Adapter Information Operating Power Requirements • The LabPro is designed to operate with four AA alkaline batteries. • Factors that affect battery life are the actual time that the LabPro is collecting data and the amount of current used by connected probes during your experiments. • To extend battery life in the classroom we recommend that you use its AC power adapter whenever possible. • There have been significant improvements in the LabPro OS since it was first released.
Connecting the Optional AC Adapter • Connect one end of an approved adapter to the external power input connection located on the bottom left side of the LabPro. • Plug the other end of the adapter into an electrical wall outlet. Approved AC Power Adapters The LabPro is designed to accept voltage input from an external AC-to-DC power adapter that provides a regulated 6 Volts DC output when plugged into an electrical wall outlet.
Appendix B: Vernier Sensors for Data Pro Please check the Vernier Software & Technology web site www.vernier.com for current prices.
Student Radiation Monitor SRM-BTD Surface Temperature Sensor STS-BTA Turbidity Sensor TRB-BTA Thermocouple TCA-BTA UVA Sensor UVA-BTA UVB Sensor UVB-BTA Voltage Probe VP-BTA 40
Appendix C: Support and Service Information Product Support Customers in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands For general questions or technical questions contact Vernier. phone: (503) 277-2299 toll free: (888) 837-6437 e-mail: info@vernier.com International Orders All Vernier Software orders outside the US and Canada (except APO addresses) are handled by our international distributor, Ed. USA. (Note that some Texas Instruments Dealers in other countries sell our products.) Ed. USA, Inc.
Appendix D: Data Pro Troubleshooting Guide Screen Explanation No LabPro Found This screen appears when LabPro is not connected to the Palm or when LabPro needs new batteries. Is LabPro powered and connected to the Palm? ♦ Check the connection between LabPro and your Palm. Firmly push in the cable, and then choose Retry. ♦ Check that any other devices that plug into the HotSync port are disabled. Keyboards are a common example.
Appendix E: Data Pro Sensor Setup Default Settings The table that follows shows the default settings used by the Data Pro program as well as the Quick Setup feature of LabPro. This sensor and calibration information applies only to Vernier and TI sensors. The use of other manufacturers’ sensors may require calibration or the input of that sensor’s calibration information into Data Pro. Note: Default settings apply only when using a single sensor that is connected to Channel 1.
Sensor Name Short Name Y-Min Y-Max Sample Interval (in seconds) No. Of Samples Pressure (atm) PRESS (ATM) 0 700 1 180 Pressure (mm Hg) PRESS (MMHG) 0 5200 1 180 Bio Pressure (kPa) PRESS (KPA) 76 156 10 90 Bio Pressure (mm Hg) PRESS (MMHG) 550 1200 10 90 Bio Pressure (atm) PRESS (ATM) 0.75 1.6 10 90 Bio Pressure (in Hg) PRESS (INHG) 20 50 10 90 Dual R Force (5N) FORCE(N) -5 5 0.02 180 Dual R Force (10N) FORCE(N) -10 10 0.
Sensor Name Short Name Y-Min Y-Max Sample Interval (in seconds) No. Of Samples Light 600(lx) LIGHT(LX) 0 600 0.05 180 Light 6000(lx) LIGHT(LX) 0 6000 0.05 180 Light 150000(lx) LIGHT(LX) 0 150000 0.05 180 UVA (MW/M^2) UVA (MW/M^2) 0 2000 1 100 UVB (MW/M^2) UVA (MW/M^2) 0 1000 1 100 D. Oxygen (mg/l) DO(MG/L) 4 12 2 60 EKG EKG -0.5 4 0.
Short Name Sensor Name Y-Min Y-Max Sample Interval (in seconds) No. Of Samples Barometer (in Hg) BARO (INHG) 24 32 600 180 Barometer (mBar) BARO (MBAR) 810 1060 600 180 Relative Humidity (%) REL HUM (PCT) 0 100 600 180 Oxygen Gas (%) O2 GAS (PCT) 15 25 15 40 Oxygen Gas (%) O2 GAS (PPT) 150 250 15 40 Custom 0 to 5 (V) CUSTOM 0 5 1 180 Custom -10 to +10 (V) CUSTOM -10 10 1 180 Motion (m) MOTION (M) 0 6 0.05 100 Motion (ft) MOTION (FT) 1 20 0.
