PASCO PS-3221 User manual

Wireless 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor (PS-3221)
Introduction
The Wireless 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor is a combination
wireless and USB sensor that connects to a computer or tablet
device through Bluetooth, and can also connect to a computer
with an included USB cable. The sensor measures the X, Y, and
Z components of the magnetic flux density in tesla, millitesla,
and gauss. The arrangement of the X, Y, and Z components is
shown on the top label.
The two magnetic field sensing elements are located in the end
of the probe. One sensing element is a three-axis ±50 gauss (G)
sensor located under the dot on the probe. The other sensing
element is a three-axis ±1300 G sensor located under the dot
surrounded by a ring. The bottom surface of the probe has
bumps at one centimeter intervals relative to the sensing
element location.
Equipment
Included equipment:
Wireless 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor
Sensor mounting rod
Micro USB cable (not pictured)
Features:
Sensing element indicators
Show the location of the sensing elements within the probe.
Probe
Contains the sensing elements used to measure magnetic
flux density.
Device ID
Use this to identify the sensor when connecting via
Bluetooth.
Bluetooth Status LED
Indicates the status of the sensor’s Bluetooth connection.
Bluetooth LED Status
Red blink Ready to pair
Green blink Connected
Yellow blink Logging data
For information on remote data logging, see the PASCO
Capstone or SPARKvue online help.
NOTE: The Bluetooth Status LED is disabled
when the sensor is connected to a computer via
the micro USB cable.
Battery Status LED
Indicates the battery level and charge status of the sensor.
Battery LED Status
Red blink Low power
Yellow ON Charging
Green ON Fully charged
ON/OFF button
Press to turn the sensor on. Press and hold to turn the
sensor off. To preserve battery, the sensor turns itself off
after several minutes of inactivity if not connected.
Micro USB port
Use with the included micro USB cable (not pictured) to
connect the sensor to a USB charger. The port and cable
can also be used to directly connect the sensor to a
computer without the use of Bluetooth. This connection
method is not supported by iOS.
Bumps at 1 cm intervals
Used to indicate distances.
Threaded hole (1/4-20)
Used to mount the sensor to the included mounting rod.
Required item:
•PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue data collection software
Recommended items:
•Wireless Rotary Motion Sensor (PS-3220)
•Air Core Solenoid (SE-7585)
•Ampere’s Law Accessory (EM-6720)
•Helmholtz Coils (EM-6722)
•Zero Gauss Chamber (EM-8652)
•Variable Gap Magnet (EM-8618)
•Bar magnets, such as SF-7263
•Coil and cores set, such as SF-8617
Product Guide | 012-16036B
1

Using the sensor
The sensor is designed to work with PASCO data collection
software (PASCO Capstone and SPARKvue) to measure
magnetic field strength.
In the software, start data collection to begin recording magnetic
field strength along all three axes in units of gauss (G). Position
the sensing elements, marked by the dots on the end of the
probe, at the location to be measured and orient the sensor with
the field lines. Magnetic field lines entering the dots on the probe
result in a positive reading.
Charge the battery
Charge the battery by connecting the micro USB port to any
standard USB charger. The Battery Status LED is solid yellow
while charging. When fully charged, the LED changes to solid
green.
Get the software
You can use the sensor with SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone
software. If you’re not sure which to use, visit
pasco.com/products/guides/software-comparison.
SPARKvue is available as a free app for Chromebook, iOS, and
Android devices. We offer a free trial of SPARKvue and
Capstone for Windows and Mac. To get the software, go to
pasco.com/downloads or search for SPARKvue in your device’s
app store.
If you have installed the software previously, check that you have
the latest update:
SPARKvue
Go to Main Menu > Check for Updates
PASCO Capstone
Go to Help > Check for Updates.
Check for a firmware update
SPARKvue
1. Press the power button until the lights turn on.
2. Open SPARKvue.
3. Select Sensor Data on the Welcome Screen.
4. Select the sensor that matches its device ID. A notification
appears if a firmware update is available. Click Yes to
update the firmware.
5. Close SPARKvue when the update is complete.
PASCO Capstone
1. Press and hold the power button until the lights turn on.
2. Open PASCO Capstone.
3. Click Hardware Setup.
4. Select the sensor that matches its device ID. A notification
appears if a firmware update is available. Click Yes to
update the firmware.
5. Close Capstone when the update is complete.
Set up the software
SPARKvue
Connecting the sensor to a tablet or computer via
Bluetooth:
1. Turn on the Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor. Check to
make sure the Bluetooth Status LED is blinking red.
2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data.
3. From the list of available wireless devices on the left, select
the device which matches the device ID printed on your
Magnetic Field Sensor.
Connecting the sensor to a computer via micro USB cable:
1. Turn on the Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor.
2. Open SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data.
3. Connect the provided micro USB cable from the micro USB
port on the sensor to a USB port or powered USB hub
connected to the computer. The sensor should
automatically connect to SPARKvue.
Collecting data using SPARKvue:
1. Select the measurements you intend to record from the
Select Measurements for Templates menu by clicking the
check box next to the relevant measurements' names.
2. Click Graph in the Templates section to open the
Experiment Screen. The graph’s axes will auto-populate
with the selected measurements.
3. Click Start to begin recording data.
Switching range in SPARKvue:
SPARKvue uses the ±50 G sensing element by default. Follow
these steps to switch to the ±1300 G sensing element if desired.
1. From the Experiment Screen, click the Live Data Bar for
one of the sensor measurements and select Configure
Sensor.
2. From the Edit Sensor Properties menu, click the box next
to Range and select ±1300G.
3. Click OK to return to the Experiment Screen.
PASCO Capstone
Connecting the sensor to a computer via Bluetooth:
1. Turn on the Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor. Check to
make sure the Bluetooth Status LED is blinking red.
2. Open Capstone, then click Hardware Setup in the
Tools palette.
3. From the list of Available Wireless Devices, click the
device which matches the device ID printed on your
Magnetic Field Sensor.
Wireless 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor | PS-3221
2

Connecting the sensor to a computer via micro USB cable:
1. Turn on the Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor.
2. Open Capstone. If desired, open Hardware Setup to
check the connection status of the sensor.
3. Connect the provided micro USB cable from the micro USB
port on the sensor to a USB port or powered USB hub
connected to the computer. The sensor should
automatically connect to Capstone.
Switching range in Capstone:
Capstone uses the ±50 G sensing element by default. Follow
these steps to switch to the ±1300 G sensing element if desired.
1. From the Hardware Setup tool, click the Properties
icon next to the Wireless Magnetic Field Sensor’s name.
2. Click the box next to Range Settings and select ±1300G
from the dropdown list.
3. Click OK.
Collecting data using Capstone:
1. Double-click the Graph icon in the Displays palette to
create a new blank graph display.
2. To assign measurements to the graph’s axes, click each
<Select Measurement> and select an appropriate
measurement from the list.
3. Click Record to begin collecting data.
Troubleshooting
•If the sensor loses Bluetooth connection and will not
reconnect, try cycling the ON button. Press and briefly hold
the button until the LEDs blink in sequence, then release
the button. Start the sensor in the usual way.
•If the sensor stops communicating with the computer
software or tablet application, try restarting the software or
application. If the problem persists, press and hold the ON
button for 10 seconds, then release and start the sensor in
the usual way.
•If the previous steps do not fix a connection problem, turn
Bluetooth off and then back on for your computer or tablet,
then retry.
About the battery
The sensor’s battery is partially charged at the factory. If the
Battery Status LED blinks red, use the micro USB cable to
connect the sensor to a USB port or USB charger.
Maximizing battery life
Two factors that affect battery life are the storage temperature
and the number of charge cycles. Therefore, to maximize battery
life, avoid storing the sensor in very cold or very hot
environments, and disconnect the sensor from its charger once
it has been fully charged.
Software help
The SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone Help provide additional
information on how to use this product with the software. You
can access the help within the software or online.
SPARKvue
Software: Main Menu > Help
Online: help.pasco.com/sparkvue
PASCO Capstone
Software: Help > PASCO Capstone Help
Online: help.pasco.com/capstone
Specifications and accessories
Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/PS-3221 to view
the specifications and explore accessories. You can also
download experiment files and support documents from the
product page.
Experiment files
Download one of several student-ready activities from the
PASCO Experiment Library. Experiments include editable
student handouts and teacher notes. Visit
pasco.com/freelabs/PS-3221.
Technical support
Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical
Support staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you
through any issues.
Chat pasco.com
Phone [phone] x1004 (USA)
[phone] (outside USA)
Email [e-mail]
Replacement parts
For information about possible replacement parts, contact
Technical Support.
Product Guide | 012-16036B
3

Regulatory information
Limited warranty
For a description of the product warranty, see the Warranty and Returns page at
www.pasco.com/legal.
Copyright
This document is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to non-
profit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing
the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not
sold for profit. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written
consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
Trademarks
PASCO and PASCO scientific are trademarks or registered trademarks of PASCO
scientific, in the United States and in other countries. All other brands, products, or
service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to
identify, products or services of, their respective owners. For more information visit
www.pasco.com/legal.
Product end-of-life disposal
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations
that vary by country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your
electronic equipment per your local environmental laws and regulations
to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects human health
and the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle or disposal
service, or the place where you purchased the product. The European Union
WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) symbol on the product or its
packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste
container.
CE statement
This device has been tested and found to comply with the essential requirements
and other relevant provisions of the applicable EU Directives.
FCC statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Battery disposal
Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the environment
and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling
and recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to
your country and local government regulations. To find out where you
can drop off your waste battery for recycling, please contact your local waste
disposal service, or the product representative. The battery used in this product is
marked with the European Union symbol for waste batteries to indicate the need
for the separate collection and recycling of batteries.
Wireless 3-Axis Magnetic Field Sensor | PS-3221
4