NeuLog NUL-211 User manual

NEULOG FORCE SENSOR GUIDE
NeuLog force logger sensor
NUL-211
The NeuLog 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
NeuLog 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 NUL-
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
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 NUL-211 force sensor to a computer/tablet/smart device
following one of the guides below.
2. Open the NeuLog 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”

NEULOG FORCE SENSOR GUIDE
Quick start procedure:
PC or Mac Computer
Materials needed:
NUL-211 Force Sensor
USB-200 USB Module
USB to mini USB cable (included with the USB-200 module)
Your force sensor needs to be connected to a USB-200 module. The USB-
200 module then connects to a computer via a USB to mini-USB cable.
Please note 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.neulog.com/Download/SoftwareandApplication.aspx 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 NeuLog software
2. Connect the USB-200 module to the PC or Mac
3. Connect the force sensor to the USB-200 module (they directly plug
together).
4. Open the NeuLog 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
Materials needed:
NUL-211 Force Sensor
WIFI-201 WiFi module
BAT-200 Battery
Your force sensor needs to be connected to a WIFI-201 module. The WIFI-
201 module will create a closed NeuLog WiFi network which will stream
the NeuLog data to a device of your choosing. Once your device is
wirelessly connected to the NeuLog 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 WIFI-201 (no wires
required).
2. Connect a BAT-200 module to the right side of the WIFI-201 module.
3. Although not required, we recommend plugging the BAT-200 to an
outlet using a USB to mini USB charger (such as a typical cell phone
charger). The WIFI-201 module will run for 15-75 minutes (depending
on the sensor) without being plugged in.
4. The WIFI-201 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 WIFI-201 units with the USB icon on the
cover.

NEULOG FORCE SENSOR GUIDE
5. For further WIFI-201 instructions or the WIFI-201 quick start guide
please visit:
www.neulog.com/Download/SoftwareandApplication.aspx
6. The WIFI-201 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
Neulog network which matches the WIFI-201 Module ID found on the
back of the WIFI-201 device. (NeuLogXXXX for example).
8. Give your device about 20 seconds to connect to the WIFI-201.
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 WIFI-201 (with the USB icon on the
cover) this can be used as a USB-200, meaning you can tether the
probes directly to the computer using the WIFI-201. 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 NeuLog viewer
Materials needed:
NUL-211 Force Sensor
VIEW-101 Viewing Module
BAT-200 Battery
Procedure:
1. Connect the force sensor to the left side of the viewer.
2. Connect the BAT-200 module to the right side of the viewer.
3. The VIEW-101 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 NeuLog viewer).
Materials needed:
NUL-211 Force Sensor
BAT-200 Battery Module
Materials needed to configure your offline experiment:
USB-200 Module or WIFI-201 module or VIEW-101 Module
USB to mini USB cable (included with the USB-200 module).
Procedure:
1. Connect the force sensor directly to the left side of a charged BAT-200
module.

NEULOG FORCE SENSOR GUIDE
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 NeuLog 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 NUL-211 force sensor)
Restoring sensor’s factory default settings:
Procedure:
1. Connect the USB-200 to a PC, Mac, tablet, or smart device.
2. Connect the force sensor to a USB-200 module (they directly plug
together).
3. Open the NeuLog 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.
Included with sensor:
NeuLog NUL-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)
100 slow
3000 fast
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: NeuLog products are intended for educational use.

NEULOG FORCE SENSOR GUIDE
Videos and experiment examples:
Videos, literature and other probes can be found at
http://www.neulog.com/
http://neulog.com/Forceplateloggersensor.php
Friction Force - http://neulog.com/portals/3/Users/Experiment_P-
6_Friction_Force_Ver_3.4.3.pdf
Technical background:
The philosophy behind NeuLog’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 NeuLog 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 NeuLog plastic body in any liquid
Do not allow liquid into the NeuLog 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.
Thank you for using NeuLog!
Flexible, simple, fast, forward thinking.
W: www.neulog.com
E: [email protected]m
A: 850 St Paul Street, Suite 15, Rochester, NY 14605
P: 1.866.553.8536
V10012013