PASCO PS-2006 Quick start guide

Important Note
Update your Xplorer GLX
before connecting the GLX Power Amplifier.
The Power Amplifier requires firmware version 1.44 (or later)
to be installed on your Xplorer GLX. Follow these steps to
update your Xplorer GLX.
1. Go to www.pasco.com/glx.
2. Click GLX Firmware Update.
3. Download the latest version of DataStudio.
4. Install DataStudio on your computer.
5. Run DataStudio.
6. Turn on the GLX and connect it to the computer.
Result: DataStudio installs the latest firmware on the GLX.
Questions?
Contact PASCO Technical Support.
Phone: [phone] (worldwide)
800-772-8700 (U.S.)
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.pasco.com
Email: [email protected]
®

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GLX Power Amplifier
PS-2006
Instruction Manual
012-09937A

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GLX Power Amplifier Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Parts of the Power Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Output Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
About the Output Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
To Turn the Output On or Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
To Change an Output Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
To Change the Step Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Graph Screen with Power Amp Config Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
To open the Graph Screen with Power Amp Config Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
To Switch Activity between Config Panel and Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
To Turn Output On or Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
To Change a Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
To Return to the Output Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Output-control Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Using Power Amplifier Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
About the Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
To Record Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
To Display a Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
To Change the Sampling Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Special Output Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Positive Square Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Single Positive Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Heat Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Automatic On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Automatic Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Frequency Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Voltage Controlled by Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Proportional Thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Sample Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
I-V Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
RLC Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ohm’s Law and Resistivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Standing Wave on a String . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Electrical Equivalent of Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

GLX Power Amplifier
PS-2006
®3
Introduction
The GLX Power Amplifier adds the capabilities of a programmable power supply and high-power function gen-
erator to your Xplorer GLX. With an output up to ±10 V at 1 A, the Power Amplifier is well suited for driving
circuits, light bulbs, speakers, string vibrators, motors, and more. Because it is connected to a GLX, the Power
Amplifier also functions like a sensor, allowing the GLX to record output voltage, frequency, current and peak
current amplitude.
This manual includes general instructions on using the Power Amplifier (pages 4–9), examples of special output
formulas (10–12), and sample experiments that illustrate a variety of uses (13–22). For general instruction on
using the Xplorer GLX, see the Users’ Guide included with the GLX.
Included Equipment Part Number
GLX Power Amplifier PS-2006
AC Adapter 540-057
Required Equipment Part Number
Xplorer GLX PS-2002

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PS-2006 GLX Power Amplifier Parts of the Power Amplifier
4
Parts of the Power Amplifier
1. Output jacks: Accept 4 mm banana plugs
(shielded or unshielded) to connect a device to the
Power Amplifier.
2. Output-on indicator: Lights to indicate that the
output is switched on.
3. Over-current indicator: Lights to indicate that
the output voltage may be clipped or distorted.
4. Signal leads: Connect to the Xplorer GLX.
They transmit the signal from the GLX to be amplified
and return information about the output current to the
GLX.
5. Power indicator: Lights when the Power
Amplifier is connected to and powered by the AC
adapter.
6. AC adapter port: Connects to the included AC
Adapter
7. Heat sink: Dissipates waste heat. The heat sink
may get hot (up to about 60° C). Ensure that the fins are
vertical and that the flow of air around the Power Ampli-
fier is not impeded.
8. Cord clip: Holds the signal leads for storage.
Set-up
Before using your Power Amplifier for the first time, make sure that
your GLX is running firmware version 1.44 or later. The version num-
ber appears at the bottom of the splash screen that appears briefly when
you turn on the GLX. To download the most up-to-date GLX firmware,
visit www.pasco.com/glx and follow the instructions on that web page.
1. Connect the AC adapter to a wall outlet and to the power input port
of the Power Amplifier
2. Connect the Power Amplifier's signal leads to the GLX. Connect
the larger plug (with the icon) to the GLX's Signal Output
port; connect the smaller plug ( ) to the Voltage Port on the side
of the GLX.
3. Turn on the GLX by pressing or plugging in the GLX's AC
adapter.
4. Go to the Output screen and set Output Device to Power Amplifier:
a. Press to go to the Home Screen.
b. Use the arrow keys to highlight Output and press . The
Output screen opens.
13 2
4
76
8
5

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PS-2006 GLX Power Amplifier Output Screen
5
c. With Output Device highlighted, press . A menu opens.
d. Press to highlight Power Amplifier and press .
Result: The Power Amplifier Calibrating bar appears for a few
seconds, after which the Power Amplifier is ready to use.
5. Connect a device to the red and black Output jacks of the Power
Amplifier using two 4 mm banana plug leads.
Note that the maximum output of the Power Amplifier is ±10 V and
1 A. If your device may be damaged by this output, be careful to
keep the voltage at a safe level.
Output Screen
The Output screen is the primary control panel of the Power Amplifier.
(It can also be controlled from the Graph screen and Calculator.)
In the Output screen, the Power Amplifier output is determined by the
settings described below. All of the settings can be set before the output
is turned on, or changed while the output is on. Be certain that the volt-
age is set to a safe level for your device before turning on the output.
About the Output Settings
Output Device This setting should be set to Power Amplifier.
Waveform This setting determines the shape of the output function
as illustrated.
Voltage This setting appears only when Waveform is set to DC Volt-
age. Its value determines the output voltage. The range is from −10 V to
+10 V.
Amplitude This setting determines magnitude of the output. It equals
half of the peak-to-peak difference between maximum and minimum
voltage. Note that Amplitude is not necessarily equal to the maximum
output voltage.
Offset This setting shifts the output function up or down by the spec-
ified voltage.
Note: If the sum of amplitude and the absolute value of the offset exceeds 10 V,
the output signal will be clipped at ±10V.
Period Units This setting has two options: Frequency and Period. It
determines whether the cycle rate of the function will be set by the Fre-
quency or Period setting below.
Frequency or Period This setting determines the frequency (in Hz)
or the period (in s) of the function. The frequency range is from 0.1 to
5000 Hz. The period range is from 0.10 s to 3600 s (1 hour).
Repeat Mode This setting has two options: Continuous and One
Shot. In Continuous mode, the function repeats indefinitely. In One Shot
mode, the output turns off after the function has completed one cycle.
F4
F3F2
F1
DC
Voltage
Sine
Square
Ramp
Trianlge
V
t
Offset
Amplitude
Wave Polarity
Positive Negative

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PS-2006 GLX Power Amplifier Output Screen
6
Wave Polarity This setting has two options: Positive and Negative,
which affect the output functions as illustrated.
To Turn the Output On or Off
•Press .
To Change an Output Setting
Use the arrow keys to highlight a setting in the Output screen. Use one
of the following methods to change the value of the setting.
Method 1 (for Output Device, or Waveform):
1. Press . A menu opens.
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight a menu option and press
Method 2 (for Amplitude, Voltage, Offset, Frequency, or
Period):
• Press or to increase or decrease the value.
Method 3 (for Frequency or Period):
• Press or to increase or decrease the value.
Note: The increment or factor by which the value changes is determined by the
Step Size setting (see below).
Method 4 (for Amplitude, Voltage, Offset, Frequency, or
Period):
1. Press .
2. Type the desired value and press .
Method 5 (for Period Units, Repeat Mode, or Wave Polarity):
• Press . The setting switches to the other option.
To Change the Step Size
1. Use the arrow keys to highlight Volt age , Amplitude, Offset, Fre-
quency or Period.
2. Press . A menu opens.
3. Use the arrow keys to:
• Highlight a standard step size and press .
or
a. Highlight Custom Step and press .
b. Type a step value and press .
F1
+
X
F2

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PS-2006 GLX Power Amplifier Graph Screen with Power Amp Config Panel
7
Graph Screen with Power Amp Config Panel
If you want to look at live data while adjusting the output, you can do so
in the Graph Screen with Power Amp Config Panel.
The Power Amp Config Panel is like an abbreviated version of the Out-
put screen. It allows you to turn the output on or off and to change some
output settings.
To open the Graph Screen with Power Amp Config
Panel
• If the Output screen is open, press .
• If the Output screen is not open:
a. Press + . The Graph screen opens.
b. Press . The Tools menu opens.
c. Use the arrow keys to highlight Power Amp Config and press
.
To Switch Activity between Config Panel and Graph
When the Config Panel is active, one of its four fields is highlighted;
pressing or the arrow keys will affect the Config Panel rather than
the Graph. When the Config Panel is not active, those keys can be used
for their normal graph functions (accessing graph fields, moving tools,
etc.).
• Press to switch activity to the Graph.
• Press again to switch activity back to the Config Panel.
To Turn Output On or Off
1. Use the arrow keys to highlight Output.
2. Press
To Change a Setting
Use the arrow keys to highlight a setting in the Config Panel and use one
of the following methods.
Method 1:
• Press or to increase or decrease the value.
Method 2:
1. Press .
2. Type the desired value and press .
F3
F1
F3
Esc
Esc
+

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PS-2006 GLX Power Amplifier Output-control Calculations
8
To Return to the Output Screen
1. Press and hold .
2. Press (once or several times) until the Output Screen Appears.
3. Release .
Output-control Calculations
The GLX's Calculator screen provides three special functions for con-
trolling the signal output. In the Calculator's third Functions menu
(press three times), the functions are abbreviated to outswitch,
outfreq, and outvolume. Parameters of the output that are not affected by
a calculation are set by the values in the Output screen.
For more information on using these functions and the GLX calculator, see the
GLX Users' Guide.
outputswitch(1, state )Use the outputswitch function to turn on or
off the Power Amplifier output. The first argument should equal 1. The
second argument, state, can equal any number and determines whether
the output is OFF or ON.
• If state = 0, then the output is OFF.
• If state ≠ 0, then the output is ON.
outputfreq(1,
frequency ) Use the outputfreq function to set the
frequency of the Power Amplifier output. The first argument should
equal 1. The second argument, frequency, sets the frequency, in Hz, of
the output signal. The frequency can be set between 0.1 Hz and 5000
Hz.
outputvolume(
voltage ) Use this function to set the amplitude of a
periodic function, or the DC voltage. The argument of the function can
be set between −10 V and 10 V.
Using Power Amplifier Measurements
In addition to functioning as an output device, the Power Amplifier also
acts like a sensor, sending information about its voltage and current out-
put back to the GLX. The GLX can record these measurements along
with measurements for other sensors. You can select the measurements
for display (in a Graph, Table, Digits, or Meters screens), use them in
calculations (in the Calculator screen), and change their sampling rates
and other settings (in the Sensors screen). In most ways, Power Ampli-
fier measurements are the same as other sensor measurements.
Note: The measurements may not be valid when the over-current indicator
on the Power Amplifier is lit.
About the Measurements
Voltage: The instantaneous output of the Power Amplifier.
F1