Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Manual

TI-Nspire™ Data Collection
and Analysis Guidebook
This guidebook applies to TI-Nspire™ software version 3.1. To obtain the
latest version of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

ii
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Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
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These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
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If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
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• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.
© 2011 Texas Instruments Incorporated
Mac® and DataQuest™ are trademarks of their respective owners.

Contents
iii
Important Information................................................................... ii
Getting Started .......................................................................1
About Vernier DataQuest™........................................................... 1
Exploring the Screens..................................................................... 2
Learning about Collection Devices................................................ 5
Performing an Experiment.....................................................9
Starting a Document ...................................................................... 9
Connecting Sensors ...................................................................... 10
Modifying Sensor Settings ........................................................... 10
Setting the Collection Mode........................................................ 12
Collecting Data ............................................................................. 16
Storing a Data Set ........................................................................ 21
Saving an Experiment .................................................................. 21
Working in the Graph View ..................................................23
Displaying Graphs......................................................................... 23
Customizing the Graph ................................................................ 28
Analyzing the Data in Table View ........................................41
Defining Column Options ............................................................ 41
Creating a New Data Set.............................................................. 42
Changing a Data Set Name.......................................................... 42
Adding a New Column................................................................. 43
Adding a New Calculated Column .............................................. 45
Striking and Restoring Data ........................................................ 47
Analyzing Data in Graph View .............................................51
Viewing Data for Analysis............................................................ 51
Interpolating the Value Between Two Data Points.................... 53
Finding the Slope ......................................................................... 53
Finding the Area Under a Data Plot............................................ 54
Removing Analysis Options ......................................................... 60
Using Advanced Data Collection Options ...........................63
Setting Up Offline Sensors........................................................... 63
Setting Up a Remote Collection Unit .......................................... 64
Setting Up the Sensor for Triggering .......................................... 65
Using the Manual Trigger to Start the Collection ...................... 67
Using a Delay to Start the Collection .......................................... 68

iv
Retrieving Remote Data ............................................................... 70
Working with Advanced Analysis Features ........................ 71
Replaying the Data Collection .....................................................71
Adjusting Derivative Settings....................................................... 73
Drawing and Clearing a Predictive Plot ......................................74
Using Motion Match..................................................................... 75
Printing Data ........................................................................ 77
Selecting Print All Options ........................................................... 77
Printing Data Views ...................................................................... 77
Using the Sensors and Data with Other Applications........ 79
Collecting Data in Other Applications......................................... 79
Opening the Sensor Console Application Menus ....................... 80
Viewing Existing Data ..................................................................81
Analyzing Data in the Data & Statistics Application ..................83
Compatible Sensors ............................................................. 85
TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle .......................................................... 89
Exploring the Lab Cradle.............................................................. 90
Setting up the Lab Cradle for Data Collection............................ 91
Using the Lab Cradle ....................................................................91
Learning About the Lab Cradle ...................................................92
Viewing Data Collection Status ................................................... 94
Managing Power .......................................................................... 95
Charging the Lab Cradle ..............................................................97
Upgrading the Operating System................................................98
Appendix: Service and Support ......................................... 103
Texas Instruments Support and Service .....................................103
Service and Warranty Information ............................................ 103
Precautions for Rechargeable Batteries .................................... 104
Index ................................................................................... 105

Getting Started 1
Getting Started
The Vernier DataQuest™ application is built into the TI-Nspire™ software
and the operating system (OS) for handhelds. Use the Vernier
DataQuest™ application to collect, view, and analyze data.
To use the Vernier DataQuest™ application, the TI-Nspire™ handheld OS
must be 3.0 or higher. To update the OS, go to education.ti.com.
About Vernier DataQuest™
• Run the application on either a TI-Nspire™ handheld or a Windows™
or Mac™ computer.
• Choose from multiple sensor interfaces and sensors, such as the
TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle, to collect data.
• Collect data with up to five connected sensors (three analog and two
digital) using the TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle. For a complete list of
compatible sensors, see Compatible Sensors.
Important: The TI-Nspire™ CM-C Handheld is not compatible with
the Lab Cradle and only supports the use of a single sensor at a time.
• Collect data either in the classroom or at remote locations using
collection modes such as time-based or event-based.
• Select and focus on a subset of collected data.
• Collect several data runs for comparison.
• Create a graphical hypothesis using the Draw Prediction feature.
• Play back the data set to compare the outcome to the hypothesis.
• Analyze data using functions such as interpolation, tangential rate, or
modeling.
• Display results in a graph or a table.
• Customize the way results are displayed.
• Link the data to other TI-Nspire™ applications.
Using Vernier DataQuest™ Data in Other TI-Nspire™
Applications
Data obtained during a data collection run is written to the graph and
table views in the Vernier DataQuest™ application and can be used in
these TI-Nspire™ applications:
•Calculator
•Graph

2 Getting Started
• Geometry
• Lists& Spreadsheet
• Data & Statistics
This graphic shows how data can be shared among the applications.
Exploring the Screens
The Vernier DataQuest™ application screen is identical in the handheld
and the TI-Nspire™ software. The following graphic shows the
application screen.
Lists & Spreadsheet Data & Statistics
Vernier DataQuest™
Sensor Data in
Calculator Graphs Geometry Notes
Insert a Notes page to add
notes about a data set,
experiment, and so on.
À
Á
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Ã
Ä

Getting Started 3
Learning About Menus
Like other TI-Nspire™ applications, the Vernier DataQuest™ application
has its own application and context menus.
When you first open a document or problem, insert the Vernier
DataQuest™ application to open the application menu.
Click Insert > Vernier DataQuest.
The Vernier DataQuest™ application opens with the Meter view
active and the application menu open.
Important! If you connect a sensor before starting the Vernier
DataQuest™ application, the connected sensor automatically
launches the Vernier DataQuest™ application screen.
ÀVernier DataQuest™ application view tabs. The
application provides three views:
•Meter. Displays the list of sensors connected or set up to
use offline.
•Graph. Displays collected data in a graphical
representation, or displays the prediction before a data
collection run.
•Table. Displays collected data in columns and rows.
ÁData Set selection tool. This tool is displayed in the Graph
view only and lets you choose which data set to graph.
ÂView Details area. This area contains information about the
data appropriate for the current view.
ÃData work area. The primary display of the data. The type
of data displayed depends on the view.
ÄData collection controls. Use these buttons to start and
stop collections, store data sets, and capture data points.

4 Getting Started
ÀWorkspace Selector. In the TI-Nspire™ Teacher Software,
click these tabs to switch from the Content Workspace to the
Documents Workspace. These tabs are not shown in the
student software.
ÁToolbar. Contains shortcuts to tools used to create folders,
save files, create lesson bundles, send files to handhelds, and
copy/paste. Options available from the toolbar change
depending on which workspace is open.
ÂApplication menu. Contains commands specific to the
Vernier DataQuest™ application. Use these commands to
collect and analyze data, set up sensors, view data in a graph
or table, and so on.
ÃContext menu. Provides access to the tools most commonly
used with the selected objects. Different options can appear
on the context menu depending on the active object or the
task you are performing.
Open the context menu by right-clicking an object or a work
area.
Handheld: Move the cursor to the desired object, and then
press /b.
À
Á
Â
Ã
Ä

Getting Started 5
Exploring the Status Bar
Learning about Collection Devices
You can select from a variety of sensors and interfaces to collect data
while running the Vernier DataQuest™ application with TI-Nspire™
software.
ÄStatus bar. Provides information about the active document
and allows you to switch between the handheld view and the
computer view.
ÀProblem and page number. Displays the current page
number and problem number in an active document.
ÁSettings. Displays the current settings. Click here to change
General or Graphs & Geometry settings.
ÂHandheld: Lets you view documents as they appear on a
handheld screen. The screen size is limited as it would be on
the handheld.
Click to activate the handheld view.
ÃComputer: Lets you view documents as they appear in the
software. Computer is the default view in the software.
Click to activate the computer view.
ÄScale. A slider that lets you manage contrast (computer) or
the size of the document (handheld).
• Used in the computer view to make the lines lighter or
darker. Slide left to decrease the boldness. Slide right to
increase the boldness.
• Used in the handheld view to change the size of the
document and work area. Slide left to make the document
smaller. Slide right to make the document larger.
ÀÁ ÂÃÄ

6 Getting Started
Multi-Channel Sensor Interfaces
Multi-channel sensor interfaces let you connect more than one sensor at
a time.
Single-Channel Sensor Interfaces
Single-channel sensor interfaces can only connect to one sensor at a time.
These sensors have either a mini-USB connector for use with a handheld
or a standard USB connector for use with a computer. For a complete list
of compatible sensors, see Compatible Sensors.
Sensor Interface Description
Texas Instruments
TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
This sensor is used with handhelds,
computers, or as a stand-alone sensor.
This sensor interface allows you to connect
and use one to five sensors at the same time.
It can be used in the lab or at a remote
collection location.
The Lab Cradle supports two digital sensors
and three analog sensors.
The Lab Cradle also supports high-sample
data collection sensors, such as a hand-grip
heart rate monitor or a blood pressure
monitor.
When used as a remote sensor, you can
download data to either a handheld or a
computer.
For more information, see the TI-Nspire™
Lab Cradle Guidebook.
Sensor Interface Description
Vernier EasyLink®
This sensor interface is used with
handhelds. It has a mini-USB connector
so it can be plugged directly into the
handheld.
Connect sensors to Vernier EasyLink® to:
• Measure barometric pressure.
• Measure the salinity of a solution.
• Investigate the relationship between
pressure and volume (Boyles’ Law).

Getting Started 7
Sensor Types
You can select from three types of sensors.
•Analog sensors. Temperature, light, pH, and voltage sensors are
analog sensors and require a sensor interface.
•Digital sensors. Photogates, radiation monitors, and drop counters
are digital sensors. These sensors can only be used with the
TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle.
•Direct-connect USB sensors. These sensors connect directly to a
handheld or computer and do not require a sensor interface.
For a complete list of compatible sensors, see Compatible Sensors.
Sensors for Handhelds
The following lists some sensors you can use with a handheld.
Vernier Go!Link®
This sensor interface is used with
computers. It has a standard connector
so it can be plugged into a Windows® or
Mac® computer.
Connect sensors to Vernier GoLink® to:
• Measure the acidity or alkalinity of a
solution.
• Monitor greenhouse gases.
• Measure sound level in decibels.
Sensor Description
Texa s
Instruments
CBR 2™
This analog sensor connects directly to TI-Nspire™
handhelds through the mini-USB port. It is used to
explore and graph motion.
This sensor automatically launches the Vernier
DataQuest™ application when you connect it to a
handheld. Data collection begins when you select
the Motion Match function.
This sensor collects up to 200 samples per second.
Use this sensor to:
• Measure position and speed of a person or
object.
• Measure the acceleration of an object.
Sensor Interface Description

8 Getting Started
Sensors for Computers
The following table lists some sensors you can use with a computer.
Vernier
EasyTemp®
temperature
sensor
This analog sensor connects directly to TI-Nspire™
handhelds through the mini-USB port and is used
to collect temperature ranges. You can design
experiments to:
• Collect weather data.
• Record temperature changes due to chemical
reactions.
• Perform heat fusion studies.
Sensor Description
Vernier Go!Temp®
temperature sensor
This analog sensor connects to the
computer’s USB port and is used to collect
temperature ranges.
You can use this sensor to:
• Collect weather data.
• Record temperature changes due to
chemical reactions.
• Perform heat fusion studies.
Vernier Go!Motion®
motion detector
This analog sensor connects to the
computer’s USB port and is used to measure
acceleration, speed, and velocity.
Use this sensor to:
• Measure position and speed of a person
or object.
• Measure the acceleration of an object.
Sensor Description

Performing an Experiment 9
Performing an Experiment
When performing an experiment, these basic steps are the same no
matter which type of experiment you perform.
1. Start a new document or problem.
Important! If you connect a sensor before starting the Vernier
DataQuest™ application, the software automatically opens the
Vernier DataQuest™ application.
2. Connect a sensor.
3. Modify sensor settings. (Optional, if using default settings)
4. Set the collection mode. (Optional, if using default settings)
5. Collect data.
6. Stop collecting data.
7. To save the data for future use, store the data set.
8. Save the experiment.
9. Analyze data.
10. Print data. (Optional, if you do not need a paper copy.)
Starting a Document
TI recommends starting a new document for each new experiment.
Starting a new document ensures that the Vernier DataQuest™
application is set to its default values.
Important: The handheld can only have one document open. You are
prompted to save it before creating a new document. TI also
recommends that you have only one document open so the system
assigns the sensor to the correct document.
Starting a New Document
To start a new document:
1. Click File > New TI-Nspire Document.
Handheld: Press c, and then select New Document.
A new document opens.
2. Click Add Vernier DataQuest.
The Vernier DataQuest™ opens.

10 Performing an Experiment
Adding a Problem to a Document
You can add a new problem to an existing document. TI recommends
adding a new problem to the document, which ensures that the Vernier
DataQuest™ application is set to its default values.
1. Click Insert > Problem.
Handheld: Press ~, and then select Insert > Problem.
2. Click Add Vernier DataQuest.
A new problem is added to the document.
Connecting Sensors
Some sensors require a sensor interface. For sensors that require an
interface, you must connect the sensor to the interface first.
To connect a sensor and sensor interface:
1. Attach the sensor to the sensor interface using either the mini-USB,
USB, or BT connector and the appropriate cable.
2. Attach the interface to a computer or handheld using the
appropriate connector and cable.
Note: To attach a handheld to a TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle, slide the
handheld into the connector at the bottom of the Lab Cradle.
Direct-connect USB sensors such as the Vernier Go!Temp® temperature
sensor (for computers) or the Vernier EasyLink® temperature sensor (for
handhelds) connect directly to the computer or handheld and do not
need a sensor interface.
Modifying Sensor Settings
You can modify how the sensor values are displayed and stored. For
example, when using a temperature sensor, you can change the unit of
measure from Centigrade to Fahrenheit.
Changing Sensor Measurement Units
The unit options that can be changed vary depending on the selected
sensor. For example, options for the Vernier Go!Temp® Temperature
sensor are Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. Options for the Vernier Hand
Dynamometer (a specialized force sensor) are Newton, Pound, and
Kilogram.
To change a unit of measure:
1. Click Experiment > Set Up Sensors.

Performing an Experiment 11
2. Click Change Units,and then select the sensor you want to change.
Note: The sensors displayed are those you attached or selected to use
offline.
3. Click the unit type from the unit menu.
The measurement unit is changed.
Note: You can change the units before or after you collect data. The
collected data reflects the new measurement unit.
Calibrating a Sensor
When the software or handheld detects a sensor, the calibration for that
sensor automatically loads. You can calibrate some sensors manually.
Other sensors, such as the Colorimeter and the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor,
must be calibrated to provide useful data.
There are three options for calibrating a sensor:
• Manual Entry
•TwoPoint
• Single Point
For more information, see the sensor’s documentation for calibration
values and procedures.
Setting a Sensor to Zero
Not all sensors can be set to zero. You cannot set sensors in which relative
measurements such as force, motion, and pressure are common to zero.
Sensors designed to measure specific environmental conditions, such as
Temperature, pH, and CO2also cannot be set to zero.

12 Performing an Experiment
To set the standing value to zero:
1. Click Experiment > Set Up Sensor.
2. Click the sensor, and then click Zero.
Note: The sensors displayed in the sensor list are those attached or
selected to use offline.
The sensor value is now at zero.
Reversing a Sensor Reading Display
Use this feature to change the display of the reading.
By default, pulling with a force sensor produces a positive force and
pushing produces a negative force. Reversing the sensor allows you to
display pushing as a positive force.
If more than one sensor can be reversed, choose the one to reverse from
the list.
To reverse the display of the sensor reading:
1. Click Experiment > Set Up Sensor.
2. Click the sensor, and then click Reverse.
The sensor display is now reversed. If you are in Meter View, the
reverse indicator appears “ ” after the sensor name.
Setting the Collection Mode
Use Collection Mode to select the appropriate mode for the experiment.
The default Collection Mode is Time Based for new experiments.
If you have unsaved data when you change the mode, a warning
message states that changing modes clears unsaved data.
You can only use the Photogate timing mode with the Vernier Photogate
sensor.
You can only use the Drop Counting mode with the Vernier Drop Count
sensor.
Reverse indicator

Performing an Experiment 13
Setting a Time Based Collection Mode
The Time Based collection mode captures data using timing as a guide.
Set this mode to collect either samples per second (Rate) or seconds per
sample (Interval) to determine how often data points are collected. Rate
and Interval are simply reciprocals of each other. To set the Collection
Mode to Time Based:
1. Click Experiment > Collection Mode > Time Based.
The Configure Time Based Data Collection window opens with either
Interval or Rate selected. (It uses previous settings as the opening
value.)
2. Select Rate or Interval from the list.
•Rate (samples/second): Type the number of samples per second.
The interval is calculated.
•Interval (seconds per sample): Type the number of seconds per
sample. The rate is calculated.
3. Type the number of seconds the data collection should last in the
Duration field.
4. Review the value in the Number of points field to ensure the rate and
duration are reasonable.
Note: The Number of points field is a calculated field. This value is
determined by the formula, Rate * Duration + 1.
Important: Collecting too many data points impacts system
performance.
5. Select one of the following, if needed.
or
Rate (samples/second) Interval (seconds/sample)

14 Performing an Experiment
•Strip Chart (Optional): Strip Chart continuously collects samples
but only retains the last xdata points collected. (“x” represents
the number of points defined in the Number of Points field.)
•Data Marker (Optional): Selecting this option places the Add Data
Marker in the Data collection controls area.
Click the Add Data Marker icon to emphasize specific points, such
as when you observe a change or when you change a condition.
Some examples of change are:
– Ice begins to form.
– You stir the solution.
– You add a chemical to the solution.
6. Click OK.
The settings are saved for the next run.
Setting the Events with Entry Collection Mode
Use the Events with Entry collection to capture samples manually by
defining the independent value for each point you collect.
To set the collection mode as Events with Entry:
1. Click Experiment > Collection Mode > Events with Entry.
The Events with Entry Setup dialog box opens.
Data Markers

Performing an Experiment 15
2. (Optional) Type a name for the label.
3. (Optional) Type the units for the independent variable.
4. (Optional) Select the Average over 10 s (seconds) option.
Use this option when sensor values fluctuate. The system collects ten
seconds of data and retains the average reading.
5. Click OK.
The settings are saved for the next run.
The Keep current reading icon now appears (inactive) in Data
collection controls.
Setting the Selected Events Collection Mode
Use the Selected Event collection mode to capture samples manually by
defining the independent value for each point you collect.
To set the collection mode as Selected Events:
1. Select Experiment > Collection Mode > Selected Events.
The Selected Events Setup dialog box opens.
2. (Optional) Type a name for the label.
Use any meaningful value.
3. (Optional) Type the units for the independent variable.

16 Performing an Experiment
4. (Optional) Select the Average over 10 s (seconds) option.
Use this option when sensor values fluctuate. The system collects ten
seconds of data and retains the average reading.
5. Click OK.
The settings are saved for the next run.
Keep current reading now appears (inactive) in Data collection
controls.
Setting the Photogate Timing Collection Mode
Select the Photogate Timing collection mode only when using the
Vernier Photogate sensor. The Photogate is for motion timing. It can time
objects that pass through the gates or as a laser gate outside of the
gates. It can also be used to time motion in any of these states:
•Pulse
• Pendulum
• Gate and pulse
• Gate state only
Setting the Drop Counting Collection Mode
Select the Drop Counting collection mode only when using the Vernier
Drop Counter optical sensor.
Collecting Data
After you set up the sensor and select the collection mode, start
collecting the data for the experiment. The collection mode determines
the steps required for collecting data.
If you are in Meter View when you start data collection, the Vernier
DataQuest™ application changes to Graph View and begins recording
sensor data. The graph updates to show the data as it is collected.
Important: When you use either Events with Entry mode or the
Selected Events mode, data points are not recorded until you click
Experiment > Keep or click .