NeuLog NUL-213 User manual

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
NeuLog motion logger sensor
NUL-213
The NeuLog motion sensor can be used for any science experiment or
activity which requires accurate distance, velocity, or acceleration readings
such as in the fields of Physics, Mechanics, Physiology, Biology, etc.
The sensor comes pre-calibrated so you can start experimentation right out
of the box using this guide.
The motion sensor uses an ultrasonic transducer to both transmit an
ultrasonic wave, and to measure its echo return. Objects in the range of
0.15 to 6 meters can accurately be measured to give distance, velocity, and
acceleration readings using this method.
Hundreds of possible experiments that can be done with the NUL-213
sensors are: gravity experiments, ball drops, momentum, impulse,
conservation of energy, kinetic vs. potential energy, and many more.
The motion sensor can collect data using the following units of measure:
Meters (m): The SI distance unit
Meters/second (m/s): The SI velocity unit which measures the
distance traveled over time.
Meters/second2 (m/s2): The SI acceleration unit which measures the
change in velocity over time.
For best results:
The NUL-213 motion sensor has a working range between 0.15m and 6.0
meters, results may be inconsistent outside of this range. Ultrasonic waves
that are emitted from the sensor and spread out in a cone pattern at about
15° around the point of reference.
If possible, attach the sensor to something stable to avoid movements
which can give skewed readings.
If you get poor readings, another object in the foreground or background
that is within the cone that may be reflecting the ultrasonic waves to add
noise to the experiment.
Use objects which are at least 10cm x 10cm when tracking specific
targets.
For smaller targets we recommend starting the object closer to the
sensor, for larger objects we recommend starting farther away.
When testing in areas with many hard surfaces; the waves may bounce
around and create extra noise for the detector. This can cause irregular
graphs. To reduce the noise level try covering some of the surrounding
surfaces with a soft material to dampen sound such as cloth or foam.
When using the motion sensor to detect an individual’s movements;
trying carrying the sensor instead of pointing the sensor at one self. For
example to measure a student’s velocities have them walk or run with
the sensor while pointing it at the wall.

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
Make sure your motion sensor is not mounted near a computer, monitor,
or television.
Sometimes other sources of sound (such as fans, motors, etc can affect
results).
Try various sample rates until the cleanest data is observed, slow rates
may provide better results for certain experiments.
Distance, velocity, and acceleration graphs:
During motion experiments it is often beneficial to show distance, velocity,
and acceleration all on the same graph. Using the NeuLog software it is
very easy to plot all three graphs at once:
1. Use one of the following guides located in the “Quick start procedure”
section of the instruction manual to connect the motion sensor to your
chosen device.
2. Once your motion sensor has been detected; click the motion sensor
icon and change the range to “Distance”
3. Ensure the “Speed & Acceleration” button is selected; it will have a
pink color when selected.
4. Collect data.
5. Click the motion sensor icon again.
6. This time click on the pink “Speed & Acceleration” button, this will
cause the data to change into table form on the right.
7. Underneath the graph select the “Graph” button to see the data in
graphic form.
Note: The velocity and acceleration graphs are assigned colors; to
view which is which you can click the motion sensor icon again and
this time the words “Speed” and “Acceleration” will be colored
according to the graph.
Quick start procedure:
PC or Mac Computer
Materials needed:
NUL-213 Motion Sensor
USB-200 USB Module
USB to mini USB cable (included with the USB-200 module)
Your motion 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 motion 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 motion sensor to the USB-200 module (they directly plug
together). Please note there is no calibration required for this sensor.
4. Open the NeuLog software.
5. Once a motion sensor logo appears on the left side of the screen the
probe has been automatically identified and you can begin
experimentation.
6. If the motion sensor is not automatically identified then click the
“Search for sensors” icon to find the sensor.

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
7. Click on the “On-line experiment” button; this will open a graph
below.
8. Click on the “Module setup” button located on the motion 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 motion 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-213 Motion Sensor
WIFI-201 WiFi module
BAT-200 Battery
Your motion 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 motion 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.
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 motion sensor. The icon will display real time data.
14. Click on the “Module setup” button located on the motion sensor icon
in the module window to change the motion 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.

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
Operation with NeuLog viewer
Materials needed:
NUL-213 Motion Sensor
VIEW-101 Viewing Module
BAT-200 Battery
Procedure:
1. Connect the motion 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-213 Motion Sensor
BAT-200 Battery
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 motion sensor directly to the left side of a charged BAT-
200 module.
2. When ready to collect data press the “Start/Stop” button on the motion
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-213 motion sensor)
Restoring sensor’s factory default settings:
Procedure:
1. Connect the USB-200 to a PC, Mac, tablet, or smart device.
2. Connect the motion sensor to a USB-200 module (they directly plug
together). Please note there is no calibration required for this sensor.
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.

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
Included with sensor:
NeuLog NUL-213 motion sensor guide (this document).
Attached metal ultrasonic wave emitter.
Sensor specifications:
Distance
Velocity
Acceleration
Range and
operation
modes
ADC
resolution
0.25–6.0 m ±10 m/s ±100m/s2
13 bit
rate (S/sec)
Resolution
1mm 0.02 m/s 0.08 m/s2
Max sample
100
Sensor features:
Fully digital data.
Rugged plastic ergonomic case.
Push button switch to Start/Stop experiments in off line mode.
LED indicator of experiment status (blinks while collecting data).
Pre-calibrated sensing equipment.
Metal ultrasonic wave emitting/detecting cone with wire mesh covering.
Note: NeuLog products are intended for educational use.
Videos and experiment examples:
Videos, literature and other probes can be found at
www.NeuLog.com
http://neulog.com/Motionloggersensor.php
Falling Objects - http://neulog.com/portals/3/Users/Experiment_P-
1_Falling_objects_Ver_3.6.9.pdf
Walking Analysis - http://neulog.com/portals/3/Users/Experiment_P-
2_Walking_Analysis_Ver_3.10.4.pdf
Motion Parameters of a Moving Cart -
http://neulog.com/portals/3/Users/Experiment_P-
3_Motion_Parameters_of_a_Moving_Cart_Ver_3.6.6.pdf
Newton’s Second Law -http://neulog.com/portals/3/Users/Experiment_P-
4_Newton%27s_Second_Law_Ver_3.14.4.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 ultrasonic transducer is a device that can convert pulse train to
transmitted ultrasonic pulses that can sense and convert back to electronic
pulse train by another similar ultrasonic transducer or by itself.

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
The ultrasonic transducer is based on ceramic crystal, which is cut in a
certain way and is placed between two metal plates.
The crystal is characterized by the piezoelectric effect. Electrical field
changes between the plates create mechanical vibrations in the crystal.
The crystal has a resonance frequency. The mechanical vibrations and
electrical reactions depend on this resonance frequency.
Supplying pulses to the crystal of the ultrasonic transducer in a rate
according to its frequency, causes it to vibrate and to transmit these pulses
as an acoustic sound. This sound cannot be heard because it is above the
hearing frequency range. Usually it is at 40 KHz.
The acoustic sound can be converted back to electronic pulses by another
ultrasonic transducer or by the the transmitter when it stops transmitting.
The acoustic pulses vibrate this transducer and these vibrations are turned
into voltage pulses.
The speed of the ultrasonic wave is 300 m/s because it is a sound wave. For
distance measurement a burst of the transducer frequency wave is sent and
the system measures the time between the sending and the receiving.
S = 300 * t
Velocity is calculating by calculating the difference between two successive
distances divided by the time between the samples (according to the
sampling rate).
Acceleration is calculating by calculating the difference between two
successive velocities divided by the time between the samples (according to
the sampling rate).
The motion sensor uses a very sophisticated method that enables it to
measure long distance range with a low power of pulses, which enables to
use it also battery operated.
Maintenance and storage:
Never submerge the NeuLog plastic body in any liquid.
Do not allow liquid into the motion sensor’s body.
After use, gently wipe away any foreign material from the motion
sensor.
Store in a box at room temperature out of direct sunlight.

NEULOG MOTION LOGGER SENSOR GUIDE
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