PASCO WA-9867 User manual

Instruction Manual
No. 012-08678A
Sine Wave Generator
WA-9867
Instructions
Demonstrations
Experiments
Sample Data

Sine Wave Generator Model No. WA-9867
Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operational Flow Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Experiment 1:
Standing Waves In Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Experiment 2:
Resonance Tubes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Experiment 1:
Teachers’ Notes–Standing Waves in Strings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Experiment 2:
Teachers’ Notes–Resonance Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Copyright and Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Model No. WA-9867 Sine Wave Generator
3
®
Sine Wave Generator
Model No. WA-9867
Introduction
The PASCO Sine Wave Generator supplies adjustable-frequency AC power for applications such
as driving speakers, wave drivers and string vibrators. The digital display and easy-to-use
frequency and amplitude controls make this unit ideal for student labs.
The additional features of Auto Play and Advanced Mode with Record and Playback enhance
classroom demonstrations and permanent displays requiring automated signal variation.
The Sine Wave Generator outputs AC power at up to about 10 volts amplitude (20 V peak-to-
peak) and 1 amp. The output frequency, adjustable in increments of 0.1 Hz, ranges from 1 Hz to
800 Hz.
Included Equipment Replacement Part Number
Sine Wave Generator WA-9867
Power Supply 540-057
Suggested Accessories Model Number
String Vibrator WA-9858
Economy Wave Driver WA-9854
Mechanical Wave Driver SF-9324
Open Speaker WA-9900
Economy Resonance Tube WA-9495
Banana Patch Cords SE-7123
Power
Supply
Sine Wave
Generator

Sine Wave Generator Setup
4®
Setup
Input Power
Connect the included power supply to the power input of the Sine Wave Generator. Slide the
ON/OFF switch to the right to turn it on.
Output Power
Connect a device such as a speaker or string vibrator to the output jacks of the Sine Wave
Generator with a pair of 4 mm banana patch cords. Both jacks produce AC signals with opposite
phases, so polarity is not important. (Note that the outputs do not float with respect to ground.)
If the Sine Wave Generator is connected to a short-circuit, the unit’s short-circuit protection will
shut off the output. Remove the short and cycle the input power to restore it.
Mounting and Storage
You can use the built-in clamp on the back of the unit to mount the Sine Wave Generator on a
vertical rod, as shown. Rod mounting makes the display more visible for demonstrations and
allows you to position the controls
conveniently when you set up an
experiment.
For storage, recessed dimples in the top
of the case align with the feet on the
bottom, allowing several units to be
stacked as shown.
Power Input
On/Off
Switch
Increment
Keys
Amplitude
Knob
Fine Frequency
Knob
Course Frequency
Knob
Display
Output Jacks

Model No. WA-9867 Operation
5
®
Operation
In addition to the description given here, there is a complete operational flow chart on page 10.
Manual Control
Amplitude
Adjust the amplitude of the output signal with the Amplitude knob. The amplitude range is
approximately 0 V to 10 V.
Frequency
Set the output frequency with the Coarse and Fine Frequency knobs (labeled “1.0” and “0.1”).
The LED display indicates the frequency to 0.1 Hz resolution. When the Sine Wave Generator is
first turned on, it outputs the default frequency of 100 Hz. You can adjust the output signal from 1
Hz to 800 Hz.
The Frequency knobs are mechanical encoders with 24 discrete detents, or clicks, per revolution.
One click of the Fine knob changes the frequency by 0.1 Hz. One click of the Coarse knob
changes the frequency by 1.0 Hz if the knob is turned slowly, or 4.0 Hz if the knob is turned
quickly. This allows you to change the frequency more quickly over a large range.
You can also use the Up and Down Increment keys to change the frequency. Each quick press of
the Up or Down key changes the frequency by the stored increment. By default the increment is
100 Hz. To change the stored increment, see the Increment Keys section below. (If you press and
hold the Increment keys, a different function will occur, so only use quick presses to change the
frequency.)
This following sections describe how to change the stored frequency increment and program the
Sine Wave Generator to play automatic sequences of notes. If you would like to skip to some
practical demonstrations, see the Applications section on page 11.
Increment Keys
The Up and Down arrow keys have multiple functions. The Increment function is activated by a
single quick press and release of either key. Other functions are activated when you press and hold
the keys. For example, to implement the Play function you would press and hold the Up arrow
key for about 1 second. The instructions may read, “press and hold the Play key,” or, “press the
Up Increment key.” Both refer to the same key, but different functions. The labels below the keys
(Store/Exit and Play) indicate the press-and-hold functions of the keys.
Changing the Output Frequency by the Stored Increment
Each quick press of the Up or Down Increment key changes the output frequency by the amount
stored as the increment. The default increment (when unit is initially turned on) is 100 Hz. Thus, a
single press of the Up Increment key will add 100 Hz to the output frequency. Try this: