Edu-Logger 900-211 User manual

Edu-logger Force
Logger Sensor Guide
900-211

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Edu-logger force logger sensor
900-211
The Edu-logger force sensor can be used for any
science experiment or activity which involves both
constant and changing forces such as in the fields of
Physics, Physiology, Mechanics, Biomechanics,
Biology, etc.
With the ability to hang the sensor using a stand and
rod, an attached hook to hang weights, as well as two
directional measurement capabilities the Edu-logger
force sensor can easily be set up to your specific
requirements to give quick, easy, accurate, and
reliable data.
The sensor comes pre-calibrated so you can start
experimentation right out of the box using this guide.
The sensor can easily be reset to zero at any time.
Hundreds of possible experimental subjects that can
be done with the 900-211 sensors are: Applied forces
and energy, friction, Newton’s Laws of Motion,
physiological concepts, collisions, harmonic motion,
and many more.
This sensor measures force in both the push and pull
directions.
The unit of measurement that the force sensor collects
data in is the newton:
Newton (N): The SI unit of force.
1 N = 1 kg · m/s2

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Reset to zero:
The force sensor comes pre-calibrated however after
use you may find that the sensor is slightly off or you
may want to run an experiment that requires you to
zero the sensor with a constant applied force on it.
To zero the sensor:
1. Connect the 900-211 force sensor to a
computer/tablet/smart device following one of
the guides below.
2. Open the Edu-logger software.
3. When your sensor has been detected click on the
force sensor icon (on the left side of your screen).
4. Remove all force from the sensor and click reset
to zero your force sensor.
5. You can also reset the sensor to zero by pressing
and holding the sensor push button for 3 seconds.
6. Your force sensor is now reset to zero.
Note: You can zero the scale with a constant force
being applied to it to set that value as your new “zero”
Quick start procedure:
PC or Mac Computer
Materials needed:
900-211 Force Sensor
900-213 USB Module
USB to mini USB cable (included with the 900-
213 module)
Your force sensor needs to be connected to a 900-213
module. The 900-213 module then connects to a
computer via a USB to mini-USB cable. Please note

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that you cannot plug the force sensor directly into the
computer.
Resident PC software and browser based application
can be downloaded for free at
www.edulab.com as well as a full software user guide.
Note: Make sure not to download and install both
types of software they will conflict on the computer.
Procedure:
1. Install the Edu-logger software
2. Connect the 900-213 module to the PC or Mac
3. Connect the force sensor to the 900-213 module
(they directly plug together).
4. Open the Edu-logger software.
5. Once a force sensor logo appears on the left side
of the screen the probe has been automatically
identified and you can begin experimentation.
6. If the force sensor is not automatically identified,
click the “Search for sensors” icon to find the
sensor.
7. Click the “On-line experiment” button; this will
open a graph below.
8. Click on the “Module setup” button located on
the force sensor icon in the module window to
change the sensor settings if need be.
9. Click on the "experiment set up" button to change
the experiment settings if need be (experiment
duration for example).
10. The force sensor will give a live reading in the
box to the left of the screen while plugged in.
11. To run an experiment and collect data click “Run
experiment”.
12. To end data collection early, click “Stop
experiment”.
Tablet, smart phone device

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Materials needed:
900-211 Force Sensor
900-268 WiFi module
900-215 Battery
Your force sensor needs to be connected to a 900-268
module. The 900-268 module will create a closed
Edu-logger WiFi network which will stream the Edu-
logger data to a device of your choosing. Once your
device is wirelessly connected to the Edu-logger
network you can run experiments and collect data
through a browser of your choosing.
Procedure:
1. Connect the force sensor directly to the left side
900-268 (no wires required).
2. Connect a 900-215 module to the right side of the
900-268 module.
3. Although not required, we recommend plugging
the 900-215 to an outlet using a USB to mini
USB charger (such as a typical cell phone
charger). The 900-268 module will run for 15-75
minutes (depending on the sensor) without being
plugged in.
4. The 900-268 can be powered directly using a
mini to USB cord and plugging it into your
computer or a wall charger. Please note this
function is only available on 900-268 units with
the USB icon on the cover.
5. For further 900-268 instructions or the 900-268
quick start guide please visit:www.edulab.com
6. The 900-268 indicator lights will flash; take no
action until the LED to the far left turns blue; this
can take up to one minute.
7. Take your tablet or smart phone, go to the WiFi
settings and select the Edu-logger network which

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matches the 900-268 Module ID found on the
back of the 900-268 device. (Edu-loggerXXXX
for example).
8. Give your device about 20 seconds to connect to
the 900-268.
9. Once the device is connected, go to your browser
and type the website wifi201.com into the URL
bar, then wait for 30-60 seconds.
10. You will see a “Control mode” icon in the
browser, click on this icon.
11. The browser will then load a new screen and
begin to auto detect the sensor(s); this can take a
minute. (You can stop the search when the sensor
is found.)
12. If the browser does not auto detect the sensor(s),
select “Search for sensors”.
13. Once the sensor is found you will see an icon on
the left side of the screen for the force sensor.
The icon will display real time data.
14. Click on the “Module setup” button located on
the force sensor icon in the module window to
change the force probe settings if need be.
15. Click on the "experiment set up" button to change
the experiment settings if need be (Experiment
duration for example).
16. To run an experiment and collect data, select
“On-Line” experiment, then select "Run".
17. If you have a newer generation 900-268 (with the
USB icon on the cover) this can be used as a 900-
213, meaning you can tether the probes directly
to the computer using the 900-268. To engage
operation in this fashion, press 3 times on the
panel key. Repeating this operation will return
the unit to WiFi mode.
Operation with Edu-logger viewer

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Materials needed:
900-211 Force Sensor
900-272 Viewing Module
900-215 Battery
Procedure:
1. Connect the force sensor to the left side of the
viewer.
2. Connect the 900-215 module to the right side of
the viewer.
3. The 900-272 will auto detect the sensor and you
will see it appear on the left side of the screen.
4. Once the sensor appears it will be monitoring
data in real time.
5. To run an experiment and collect data click the
run button (little green person).
Off-line experiments
(Off-line experiments are for when you do not have a
sensor connected directly to a computer, tablet,
smartphone, or Edu-logger viewer).
Materials needed:
900-211 Force Sensor
900-215 Battery Module
Materials needed to configure your offline
experiment:
900-213 Module or 900-268 module or 900-272
Module
USB to mini USB cable (included with the 900-
213 module).
Procedure:
1. Connect the force sensor directly to the left side
of a charged 900-215 module.

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2. When ready to collect data press the “Start/Stop”
button on the force sensor, a red light will turn on
for the duration of the experiment.
3. To change the experiment settings first connect to
your chosen device (PC, Mac, tablet, smart
device) and select the “Module setup” button.
(For more information on how to change the
experiment settings view quick start procedure
section for your chosen device in this document.)
4. After the experiment has concluded (when the
“Start/Stop” button is pressed again or the data
collection period ends) connect the sensor to your
chosen device. (full instructions in each device’s
quick start procedure section)
5. Open Edu-logger software.
6. Click the “Off-line experiment” button.
7. Click the “Load data from sensors” button.
8. Select which experimental data to upload. (5
experimental runs can be stored at one time on
the 900-211 force sensor)
Restoring sensor’s factory default settings:
Procedure:
1. Connect the 900-213 to a PC, Mac, tablet, or
smart device.
2. Connect the force sensor to a 900-213 module
(they directly plug together).
3. Open the Edu-logger software.
4. Click the “Tools” icon.
5. Click the “Restore sensor’s factory defaults” on
the menu.
6. If prompted to clear the graph, click either the
“Off-line experiment” or “On-line experiment”
(whichever you are using).
7. Click “Clear experiment results”.
8. Resume from step 4.

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Included with sensor:
Edu-logger 900-211 force sensor guide (this
document).
Utility probe with hook attached to the sensor by
a durable rubber-coated wire.
Sensor specifications
10 N range
50 N range
Range and
operation modes
± 10 N
± 50 N
ADC resolution
14 bit
Resolution
0.01 N
Max sample rate
(S/sec)
3000
The slow sampling rate is aimed for static force
measurements. The fast one is aimed for dynamic
experiments such as harmonic movement of spring
with weight.
Sensor features:
Fully digital data.
Rugged plastic ergonomic case.
Push button switch for Start/Stop experiments in
off line mode.
LED indicator of experiment status (blinks while
collecting data).
Pre-calibrated sensing equipment.
Strong plastic force utility sensor with hook
attached to the sensor’s plastic body by a durable
rubber-coated wire.
The force takes measurements in two directions for
both pushing and pulling experiments.
Note: Edu-logger products are intended for
educational use.
Videos and experiment examples:

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Videos, literature and other probes can be found
at www.edulab.com
Technical background:
The philosophy behind Edu-logger’s plug and play
technology is based on each sensor’s ability to store its
own data due to an internal flash memory chip and
micro-controller in each plastic Edu-logger body.
This technology allows the sensor to collect and then
store the digital data in the correct scientific units (oC,
oF, Lux, %, ppm, for example).
The sensor is pre-calibrated at the factory. The built-in
software in the logger can be upgraded at any time
using software.
The force sensor is based on a metal rod connected in
both sides to the force sensor hooks in a special shape
called 'S' shape. A strain gauge is attached to the metal
rod and connected to a very sensitive operational
amplifier.
Pulling or pushing the hooks bends very little the
metal rod, changes the strain gauge resistances and the
amplifier output voltage. This voltage is converted
into force (N) by the sensor controller.
Maintenance and storage:
Never submerge the Edu-logger plastic body in
any liquid

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Do not allow liquid into the Edu-logger plastic
body.
After using the probe, wipe off all excess material,
liquid or residue from the sensor.
Store in a box at room temperature out of direct
sunlight.
Avoid storing with weight applied directly to the
sensor.
Do not apply more than 250 Newtons of force to
the sensor.
Warranty:
We promise to deliver our sensor free of defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 3 years
from the date of purchase. Our warranty does not
cover damage of the product caused by improper use,
abuse, or incorrect storage. Sensors with a shelf life
such as ion selective proves have a warranty of 1 year.
Should you need to act upon the warranty please
contact your distributor. Your sensor will be repaired
or replaced.

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Thank you for using Edu-logger!
Flexible, simple, fast, forward thinking.
W: www.edulab.com
E: [email protected]m
V10012013