LogIT Black Box User manual

Contents
Acknowledgements 2
Introduction 3
Black Box Basics - Quick start guide 4
SmartEye sensor 6
HiTemp sensor 7
Troubleshooting 8
Introduction to Experiments 9
Black Box Experiments 10 - 39
Sensors and Cables for Black Box 40

2
Acknowledgements
Looking after Black Box
LogIT Black Box is designed as an educational tool and although durable requires a reasonable degree of care which any electronic product of this
nature needs. Never plug anything into Black Box other than official LogIT Microsense® sensors and accessories. Please read the warning guides
throughout this book and in particular do not allow Black Box to get damp, wet or expose it to extremes of temperature or shock unless instructions
specifically state. If the unit is accidentally exposed to any of these conditions it could malfunction and serious damage result.
Safety and risk assessment
It is the responsibility of the user or teacher to have made suitable risk assessments before carrying out any student led experimentation. A
teacher has a duty of care towards their students to ensure experiments are carried out within a safe environment. The instructions and
experiment ideas contained within this manual highlight particular hazards but are not exhaustive and are not a substitute for your own
assessment. Refer to your science departments risk assessment criteria and apply accordingly.
Acknowledgements and Copyright
LogIT Black Box was developed and designed in Great Britain by Steve Cousins, Mark Finch, David Palmer, Andrew Rouse and Paul Watson. The
design team express thanks and acknowledgement to their family, friends, education and commercial colleagues for their support.
This manual was written and designed by Mark Finch and David Palmer.
Contents and concepts are copyright ©2007 DCP Microdevelopments Limited. The manual may be copied by the purchasing establishment for
the educational support of LogIT Black Box provided that original copyright and product acknowledgement is retained. Any other reproduction in
whole or part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publishers. LogIT, LogIT Black Box and Microsense® are trademarks of DCP
Microdevelopments Limited. All other trademarks acknowledged.
The manual was written and designed on Apple Macintosh G5 computers using Adobe Indesign.
LogIT Black Box is designed as an educational tool. The designers and manufacturers cannot be held liable for any special, incidental,
consequential, indirect or similar damages due to loss of data, loss of business profits, business interruption or any other reason resulting from the
use of LogIT products, even if they have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Not for use in life support applications. DCP accept no
responsibility for safety or risk assessment. Statutory rights are not affected.
First Edition April 2007 Published by DCP Microdevelopments Limited, Norfolk, Great Britain. www.logitworld.com
Electromagnetic compatibility declaration
The LogIT system and accessories are designed for use as education and training
equipment. “The use of this apparatus outside the classroom, laboratory, study area or
similar such place invalidates conformity with the protection requirements of the EEC
Electromagnetic Compatibility directive (89/336/EEC) and could lead to prosecution”.
Waste electrical and electronic products must not be
disposed of with household waste.
Please recycle where facilities exist.
Check with your Local Authority or Retailer for recycling
advice.

3
Introduction to LogIT Black Box
Thank you for choosing LogIT Black Box which has been designed as an easy to use low cost datalogging solution for Science education at Secondary
and College levels.
Black Box takes advantage that most computers are now equipped with USB ports which provide both power and a high speed data link for peripherals
such as scanners, cameras etc. USB has made it possible for us to design a powerful yet low cost datalogging solution which is really compact and
easy to use, because there are no batteries, buttons or switches - your computer with the datalogging software controls everything!
Because USB is so much faster than most older traditional serial ports we have been able to build in a unique oscilloscope function enabling you to see
such fast events as sound waves or dynamics collisions live on your computer screen.
Future reliability and compatibility are assured as both the datalogging software and the firmware inside Black Box are fully upgradable using easy
downloads from the logitworld.com website.
Most Black Box sets include two versatile sensors for measuring temperature, light level and timing plus there is a wide range of over 50 other
Microsense® sensors and adapters available which are all fully compatible - just plug them in and your ready to go.
Although Black Box needs to be connected to a PC to record data, computers are now so much more affordable and compact that a powerful and
portable datalogging system can be built around a notebook computer and Black Box datalogger.
However if you need a fully self contained datalogger other LogIT models are available which record data independently without the need of a
computer such as Voyager and DataVision and the great thing is that sensors, cables and software are all compatible with each other making
classroom management of a mixture of LogIT’s easy and straightforward.
DCP is proud to have been a creator and innovator of sensing and control systems for education for over 25 years but we always welcome feedback so
that we can feed the real experience of users directly back into our product development to make future products even better.
So for free help, support or feedback any time visit www.logitworld.com or email us at [email protected]
David Palmer
DCP Microdevelopments Limited
April 2007

4
Black Box Basics
USB socket
for connecting to computer
Three colour LED’s
Each channel has a different colour which
match the graph plot colours on the
computer screen.
Sockets for LogIT
Microsense Sensors

5
Black Box Basics - Quick Start
1
∆
2
3
• Install datalogging software onto
your computer.
• Plug Black Box into a free USB port.
• The LED’s should momentarily fl ash.
• Run the datalogging software -
should automatically recognise
Black Box.
• Plug LogIT Microsense sensors
into Black Box either directly or
via an extension cable - sensors
are automatically recognised.
• Start logging!

6
SmartEye sensor
It is called SmartEye because it is a versatile light sensor which adapts automatically to either measuring light level or timing events, depending on how
you use it. SmartEye is different from a conventional light sensor in several ways:
• It has a particularly focused field of view (just 20˚) so that just like a torch you can aim and measure quite accurately. Most light level sensors have a
very wide field of view of 150˚ or more, which is reasonable for measuring the average light levels of large areas (as a camera needs) but not very good
when you are trying to measure or compare light from a specific area, as you often need to do in science experiments. You will notice that the sensor
also incorporates a shroud to shield the detector from stray or incident light.
• SmartEye measures infrared (IR) as well as visible light. Although not sensitive enough to measure the infrared radiation from a radiator for example,
it can detect stronger sources from IR remote controls or the sun and you can use this ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of different materials
such as glass as insulators or filters. This makes it a versatile sensor to have in the lab, but always remember that it is also sensitive to infrared,
particularly when measuring colours using a strong source of light like a filament lamp which has a high content of infrared light (for colorimetry you can
use the new Colorimeter unit which is specifically designed for this function).
• The detector (called a PIN photodiode) inside SmartEye is a very fast reacting device and when used with the special software contained in Black
Box it enables the sensor to be used for measuring Time, Frequency, Counts etc. You do this by simply aiming a fairly bright light (eg window or torch)
at SmartEye and passing the object you wish to time or count in between the sensor and the light source, effectively breaking the beam - this is further
explained in experiments later in this book. This extra digital functionality is selected by the software you are using.
The distance SmartEye can be used away from Black Box can be extended using one of the Microsense extension cables but we recommend it is not
extended beyond 3 metres as this may introduce interference or inaccuracies.
The SmartEye sensor reads directly in the range of 0 to 20,000 Lux, the standard SI unit of Light illuminance. Although this is a very wide range, on an
extremely bright sunny day the sensor can have too much light. But just as with human eyes, the level can be reduced using a filter (or sunglasses) to
cut down the light. Note that although it may be tempting to point the sensor straight at a source of light this is not generally good practice and could
cause serious damage if pointed at the sun. So, just as a photographer does with a light meter, the light sensor should be pointed at a surface or
‘target’ so that you measure the reflected light - a white card is ideal.
Care
This sensor is robust but take care to protect it from excessive heat or light and never point any sensor directly at the sun. It is not waterproof so protect
from water, rain or high moisture.
Alternative sensors (also see page 40)
Other light level measuring sensors include the LUX sensor (which has eye response) and SPX LUX (very wide 100,000 Lux range).
Alternative sensors for time and speed measurements include Light gate, Reflective switch, Accelerometer and Ultrasonic Ranger sensors.

7
HiTemp temperature sensor
HiTemp is a general purpose temperature probe designed for measuring air, liquids (but not acids) and skin temperature within the range of -10°C to +
110°C with a 0.1°C resolution and a typical accuracy of better than 1˚C.
Due to its small size and low thermal mass, HiTemp has a fast response time and the sensor and cable are both lightweight and waterproof making it
suitable for suspending in air or liquid and also ideal for measuring low surface or skin temperatures with it’s small tip.
As with any sensor, if you need to measure with accuracy and repeatability you must carefully control the experiment conditions and consider the effect
of where and how the sensor is positioned. For example, if it is put into a beaker the sensor should not touch the glass walls and the liquid should be
repeatedly agitated to maintain even heat transfer around the sensor.
The distance HiTemp can be used away from Black Box can be extended using one of the Microsense extension cables but we recommend it is not
extended beyond 3 metres as this may introduce interference or inaccuracies.
Care
The HiTemp tip and cable are waterproof but the connecting plug (and socket) are not. The sensor uses a thin cable to make it very flexible and
versatile but you need to take care that the cable is not pulled, twisted or bent sharply as this could fracture wires inside - we suggest it is treated with
the same care as you would the flexible wires used for music player headphones. Also take care not to force the sensor into things like hard soil and
never expose it to strong acids or alkalis which could attack the plastic or stainless steel tip.
Do not expose the sensor to temperatures outside of its range - for example take special care if measuring the temperature in a heated pot or kettle
as the element is at a much higher temperature than the water and will damage the sensor if touched. HiTemp is not suitable for measuring the
temperature of anything over 110˚C maximum, including flames.
Alternative sensors (also see page 40)
For frequent experiments more suited to a longer solid probe style and which do not require such fast response times we suggest the LogIT
Microsense® ProTemp which has a strong 180mm long stainless steel probe and which can measure a wider span of temperature in the -30 to +130˚C
range with a 0.5˚ accuracy and 0.1˚ resolution. The ProTemp can plug directly into Black Box for hand held wire-free monitoring and can also be used
further away by using a sensor extension lead.
For higher temperature ranges such as ovens or even flames, a K-type thermocouple adapter is available which works with most of the different
styles of K-type thermocouples available and can measure temperatures from -50˚C to +1200˚C with a resolution of 1˚C, although bear in mind that
thermocouples are generally not as accurate as the precision thermistor devices used in HiTemp and ProTemp.

8
Troubleshooting
Problem
I have purchased a new sensor but it is not recognised by the
datalogging software.
I already have LogIT datalogging software installed on my computer
but this does not seem to work with my new Black Box datalogger.
My Black box does not seem to always work reliably.
When I plug Black Box into my computer with no sensors connected
the red light on channel 1 comes on but nothing else happens.
I need help using my Black Box.
Solution
Update your datalogging software by checking www.logitworld.com
or the datalogging software publishers website.
Install new software using the CD supplied with Black Box or check
with your existing datalogging software publisher to see if there is an
update available.
Check you do not have other software running at the same time
which may conflict with its operation - also check your computer
has enough power to run Black Box from the USB socket you are
using - some USB ports can provide more power than others (check
computer manual).
Reinstall the firmware inside Black Box using ‘Update loggers
system software’ in LogIT Lab.
24 hour information and support : www.logitworld.com

9
Experiments with LogIT Black Box
Introduction to Experiments
The experiments included in this manual have been designed for
use with the HiTemp temperature and SmartEye sensors supplied
with Black Box. They can also be performed using other LogIT
Microsense® sensors such as the ProTemp, LUX sensor or Light gate.
The experiments are designed to provide an understanding of how
Black Box can be used within science lessons to teach science based
practicals that follow the national curriculum. These experiments
could also be adapted to form part of the science coursework for the
UK GCSE requirements or used simply as the basis for investigative
work within a science framework.
The experiments are only a small fraction of what is possible with the
LogIT Black Box and by using additional sensors as listed on page
40, the Black Box can be built into a very powerful datalogging tool.
The experiments have been written from the teachers perspective
and can be adapted for the abilities of the students as well as
providing a basis for the development of work sheets if required.
As secondary school teachers tend to be science specialists, the
experiments are left fairly open ended. This was deliberate to allow
teachers to refine the resource to their own teaching style or to
integrate easily into departmental schemes of work.
Details of how to set up the datalogging software for each experiment
can be found in the manual supplied with the software. Hence, each
experiment shows how to connect Black Box and what the software is
required to measure.
Subject contents Page
Physics
Capturing Light 10
Friction 12
Induced EMF 14
Cooling by evaporation 16
Where does the heat go? 18
Sound Wave analysis 20
Chemistry
Endothermic reactions 22
Cooling curves 24
Rates of reaction 26
Combustion of fuels 28
States of matter 30
Biology
Classroom environment studies 32
The greenhouse effect 34
Energy in food 36
Heat absorption of different soils 38

10
Capturing Light
Subject: Physics
Sensor: SmartEye sensor
Aim: To show that the apparently continuous light emitted from a fluorescent lamp is not constant but fluctuates.
Overview:
When you look at light coming from a fluorescent or standard lamp, it appears to be constant in terms of its output. What actually happens can be
quite surprising. Using the SmartEye sensor, LogIT Black Box and the fast triggered function of the logging software, the output of a fluorescent lamp
can be captured.
Equipment required: LogIT Black Box.
SmartEye light sensor.
Light source such as a fluorescent lamp.
Black card or human finger.
Infrared remote control (Extension activity).
Hazards:
Students should be supervised at all times.
Do not look directly into the light from the lamp.
Allow the lamp to cool before handling in any way.
Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC
for guidance on the use of any hazardous material or source.
Setup:
1. Connect Black Box to the computer using the USB cable.
2. Plug the SmartEye sensor into any channel of Black Box.
3. Start LogIT Lab software.
4. Click ‘Setup’ then select ‘Fast with trigger (one sensor only)’ and click ‘Next’
5. Select ‘500 microseconds for 0.1 seconds’ as the log rate and interval then click ‘Next’ followed by ‘Finish’.
Note: Depending on the brightness of the lamp you may find that the finger over the end of the sensor is sufficient to keep the logger from
triggering early. If not, use a thick piece of black card. If using other datalogging software, set the logging interval to 500 microseconds.
The photo shows an energy saving fluorescent lamp being used which worked well using a 500 microsecond logging interval.
Note that some energy saving bulbs have complex electronics which can remove the flicker and may not be suitable.

11
Method:
1. Place either the fi nger or hold a piece of black card over the end of the SmartEye sensor.
2. Place the sensor about 30cm from the fl uorescent lamp.
3. Uncover the end of the sensor allowing the light to enter the sensor.
Note: This method should produce some very repeatable results but needs a little practise in where exactly to aim the sensor.
Make sure that the sensor is pointing directly at the edge of the lamp so as not to reduce the amount of light entering the sensor. This
shouldn’t however affect the frequency however.
Results:
Are the results surprising? Why can the human eye not see this effect?
Can the frequency of the lamp be calculated from the results? What is surprising about this result?
What factors do you think may have contributed to any incorrect results?
What would you do to improve the accuracy of the experiment?
Going further:
A television infrared remote control can give interesting results. Use the same method but instead of holding a fi nger or card over the
sensor, simply aim the remote directly at the end of the sensor (about 1 cm away) and press one of the remote control’s buttons.
From the results, you can show how different controls produce different shaped signals in order to operate the different functions of
the remote. This can be achieved by using the ‘Overlay’ function to compare the signals directly.
Try using the ‘scope’ mode in LogIT Lab changing the ‘Time/Div’ and ‘Volts/Div’ to obtain a larger trace.
Fluorescent Lamp. Television remote control.
Physics

12
Friction
Subject: Physics
Sensor: SmartEye sensor
Aim:
To test the effect of friction on the speed/time of a ‘vehicle’ travelling down a ramp.
Overview:
The choice of using speed or time is partly dependent on the abilities and knowledge of the students. Because only one SmartEye sensor is used a
known length of card is required so that the speed can be calculated. Black Box starts timing when the front edge of the card passes the sensor and
stops timing when the back edge passes i.e. it times how long it takes the card to pass in front of the sensor. By knowing the length of the card and
how long it took to pass, the speed can be calculated.
Equipment required: LogIT Black Box.
SmartEye light sensor.
Dynamics trolley, toy car or similar.
20cm matt black card.
Light source such as torch, lamp or similar.
Test track which can be raised to form a ramp.
Different materials to be placed on the track.
Hazards:
Students should be supervised at all times
Ensure the datalogger cannot come into contact with water or damp.
Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or
SSERC for guidance on the use of any hazardous material or source.
Setup:
1. Cut out a 20cm long piece of matt black card and attach it to the test vehicle.
2. Place Black Box about three quarters of the way down the track ensuring the card passes in front of the SmartEye sensor.
3. Place the light source opposite the SmartEye sensor forming a light ‘gate’.
4. Connect Black Box to the computer, start the datalogging software and select the timing function. Set up the software so that it knows you
are using a single light ‘gate’.

13
Note: Black Box can be used with a clamp stand or simply placed on text books. If using clamp stands, do not clamp Black Box
too tightly. Ensure that the light source shines into the SmartEye as this change in contrast between the light source and black card
will allow Black Box to ‘see’ the card go past.
Method:
1. Run the vehicle down the ramp passed Black Box without a material on the ramp’s surface. (Does the ramp’s surface count?)
2. Choose a piece of material and write down its description. Place it securely onto the ramp’s surface.
3. Run the vehicle down the ramp again.
4. Repeat this for each piece of material.
5. When fi nished the results can be printed, saved or transferred to a spreadsheet for more analysis.
Note: If you obtain some strange results, this can usually be attributed to a false trigger of the light ‘gate’. This can happen if a hand
or other object inadvertently passes through the gate. You can also get false triggers if the ambient light changes suddenly, for
example bright sunlight falling on the sensor part way through an experiment.
Results:
There are a number of factors which affect the outcome of this experiment and can be used to form the basis of a ‘fair test’ discussion
relating to the results. For example, the height of the track, starting point of the vehicle or whether the vehicle is pushed or
simply released.
Was the method chosen a fair test?
Which material slowed the vehicle the most (largest friction)?
Which material slowed the vehicle the least (smallest friction)?
Going further:
What effect would different size tyres have on the results.
Does the mass of the vehicle change the results?
Does the shape of the vehicle affect the outcome?
How does the angle of the ramp affect the results?
Physics

14
Induced EMF
Subject: Physics
Sensor: 100mV signal adapter
Aim: To show how induced voltages can be created using a magnet and to see what effect the speed of the magnet has on the induced EMF.
Overview:
For this investigation, the induced voltage is to be plotted against time as a magnet passes through the middle of a coil of wire. The resultant graph
will show how the voltage varies as the magnet travels through the coil.
Equipment required: LogIT Black Box.
100mV signal adapter
A coil of wire
A strong magnet (which must pass through the middle of the coil)
Cloth or similar to catch the magnet
Wires to connect to the adapter.
Hazards:
Students should be supervised at all times.
A set of soft cloths in a box might be used to catch the magnet as it falls to prevent injury.
Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC for
guidance on the use of any hazardous material or source.
Setup:
1. Connect Black Box to the computer using the USB cable.
2. Connect the signal adapter into Black Box and connect the coil to the adapter.
3. Start LogIT Lab software.
4. Click ‘Setup’ then select ‘Fast with trigger (one sensor only)’ and click ‘Next’
5. Select ‘2 milliseconds for 0.4 seconds’ as the log rate and interval then click ‘Next’ followed by ‘Finish’.
Note: You will need to trial your combination of magnet and coil as with more turns or a more powerful magnet you will obtain a greater or
lesser induced voltage. The height the magnet is dropped will also result in a greater induced voltage. In our example we used a readily
available school magnet and a coil of some 200 turns.

15
Method:
1. Drop the magnet through the coil.
2. Repeat using ‘overlay’ and drop the magnet from a greater height.
3. When fi nished, stop the datalogging software.
4. Save and print the results.
Note: Whilst the procedure on paper seems quite straight forward, it can take a bit of practice to get the magnet to pass cleanly
through the coil. Also, its important that the magnet does not hit hard objects and is caught by a soft cloth as continual impacts will
weaken the magnet or indeed break it completely.
Results:
Why does the voltage go fi rst one way then the other?
Are the results what you expected?
What was done to ensure accuracy of readings?
How would you make the experiment a fair test?
Going further:
How might the graph change if more coils were added or a stronger magnet used?
What happens if the magnet is reversed and dropped through the coil?
Can the speed of the magnet be calculated from the graph?
What happens if two magnets are placed together (north to south) and dropped through?
Physics

16
Cooling by evaporation
Subject: Physics
Sensor: Temperature
Aim:
This simple procedure can be used to show the heat being absorbed by an evaporating liquid and the subsequent drop in temperature plotted.
Overview:
Latent heat is the heat absorbed or released by a substance as it changes state ie. liquid to gas at a constant temperature and pressure. The latent
heat needed for evaporation is taken from the liquid itself which subsequently cools and as a result cools its surroundings.
The method provides scope for students to expand their thinking about heat absorption, evaporation and how the body might keep cool.
Equipment required: LogIT Black Box
Temperature sensor
Clamp stand or similar
Paper towels, pipettes drip tray or mat
Distilled water
Methylated spirit/alcohol/mineral spirit
Hazards:
Students should be supervised at all times.
Ensure the datalogger cannot come into contact with water or damp.
Goggles should be worn and avoid skin contact with samples.
Always check your local regulations or a school advisory service such as CLEAPSS or SSERC for
guidance on the use of any hazardous material or source.
Setup:
1. Cut strips of a paper towel about 3 cm long and the width of the temperature sensors stainless tip. (About 7 mm)
2. Mount the temperature sensor horizontally in the clamp stand.
3. Fold the strip of paper in half and by slightly squashing it, place it onto the end of the mounted temperature sensor. (see picture)
4. Connect the temperature sensor to Black Box and connect Black Box to the computer.
5. Start the datalogging software and if necessary set the time span to 3 minutes.
Note: If using a clamp stand to hold the temperature sensor, do not clamp too tightly.
You can use cotton wool instead of paper but be aware that placing the cotton wool on the temperature sensor is difficult and if covered
in methylated spirit can be a handling hazard. By tightly squeezing the paper you should find it sits securely on the probe tip.

17
Method:
1. Start the datalogging software.
2. Using a pipette, drop water onto the paper wrapped around the temperature sensor until it is saturated.
3. Continue logging the temperature for about 3 minutes.
4. Remove the paper from the probe and wipe dry using a paper towel.
5. Allow the temperature of the probe to reach the starting temperature of the water sample.
6. Fold another strip of paper in half and place it onto the end of the mounted temperature sensor as before.
7. Start the datalogging software again and use the ‘overlay’ function to plot over the top of the previous graph.
8. Repeat step 1 above using the spirit in place of water.
Results:
What do the results show?
How do the two traces differ?
What can be concluded about the latent heat of the two samples?
Going further:
What other liquid could you try?
What would happen to the latent heat if a fan was used to blow air
continuously over the sample?
This can also make an interesting demonstration:
On a sunny day, invert a clay plant pot. Insert a temperature
probe into the middle of the pot and place a temperature sensor
outside the pot. Pour water onto the pot until it is fairly well
saturated and log the temperature over a few hours. Direct
sunlight is best. What might be found? You can also place a few
ice cubes inside the pot and a few outside the pot.
Physics

18
Where does the heat go?
Subject: Physics
Sensor: Temperature
Aim: This investigation is designed to show what happens to the heat (energy) from a liquid when it cools.
Overview:
It is designed to show that objects cool or warm to the temperature of their surroundings. It is also a good introduction to making a prediction to an
investigation. Students can predict what will happen to the two temperatures if left for a long period of time.
Note: This experiment is shown with an additional temperature sensor being used. However, by using the ‘Overlay’ function in the datalogging
software it can be performed with a single sensor.
Equipment required: LogIT Black Box
2 Temperature sensors
Hot water (No hotter than 50OC), Cold water
2 containers - 1 large, 1 small
Tray and paper towels to catch spillage
Note: Make sure that the small container fits safely inside the larger one.
Hazards:
Students should be supervised at all times.
Ensure the datalogger cannot come into contact with water or damp.
Hot water above 55OC should be avoided as this can scold.
Always check your local regulations or the school advisory service such as CLEAPSS
or SSERC for guidance on the use of any hazardous material or source.
Setup:
1. Connect the temperature sensors to Black Box and connect Black Box to the computer.
2. Start the datalogging software and if necessary set the time span to at least 20 minutes.
3. Place the smaller container into the larger one.
Note: If using small containers, you might like to fix the smaller of the two containers to the bottom of the larger one using a piece of
modelling clay. Alternatively you could use a large stopper. This also aids in keeping the two containers insulated from each other.