GSC PROLCH User manual

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GSC International
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 888.756.4592
[e-mail]
2076 James River Court
Nixa, Missouri 65714
Introduction
This spring loaded marble launcher provides a fun, yet quantitative
introduction to two-dimensional motion. With a maximum range of 8
meters, the launcher features five different launch speeds,
repeatability to within a few percent, and a built-in-protractor for
setting the launch angle. The photogate easily attaches to the
launcher so the student can make precise measurements of the initial
velocity of the marble.
What's Included:
•Main assembly with
the launch barrel
•Base (foot)
•Plastic Marbles (x2)
•Hex nuts, t-style (2)
•Hex wrench
Not Included, but Helpful:
•Timer with photogate
How to Use
•Setting up the launcher
oThe marble launcher itself has two parts: the base and
the main assembly. These two parts attach together with
hex nuts. The hex nuts fit onto attachment screws that
are embedded into the bottom of the main assembly.
Line up the two holes in the base with the attachment
screws on the main assembly.
Marble Launcher
#PROLCH
Warning:
• Not a toy; use only
in a laboratory or
educational setting.
•Warning- Choking Hazard-
small parts
• California Proposition 65 Warning: This product can
expose you to chemicals including lead and nickel,
which are known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

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•Attaching the Base
oThe hex nuts fit onto the attachment screws
through the holes in the base. Use the small
hex wrench to tighten both until snug.
•Loading the Marble
oSet launcher to desired angle before loading the
marble. To load, put the marble right into the
hole at the top of the barrel. Be sure to load
the marble into the barrel before pulling the
launch lever back into the locked and ready to
fire position.
•Launching the Marble
oAfter loading the marble into the barrel, pull
the lever back to one of the five possible
notches and set into place. The marble
launcher will be ready to launch. Push down on
the launch level gently with your thumb to
slowly slide the lever off the notch to send the
marble flying.
•Attaching a Photogate & Timer
oThe photogate attaches to the tab on the end
of the wood "arm" that supports the barrel. Be
sure that the light beam crosses the center of
the barrel so you get an accurate speed
measurement. Next, connect one end of the
timer to the photogate. Connect the other end
of the photogate to the timer into the slot
marked "A". If d is the diameter of the marble
(0.019 m ) and tA is the time interval during
which the light beam was broken (in seconds),
then the initial velocity of the marble is d/tA in
m/s.
•Using Launch Settings
oPull the lever into one of the five setting
notches. Launch the marble by slowly moving
the lever of the notch toward the long slot.
Setting 1 is the slowest setting and 5 is the
fastest.
Please follow safety guidelines printed on launcher.
Wearing goggles is always recommended.