Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Manual

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
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.

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Important Information
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License
Please see the complete license installed in C:\Program Files\TI
Education\TI-Nspire CAS.
© 2011 Texas Instruments Incorporated
Mac® and DataQuest™ are trademarks of their respective owners.
FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• 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.

iii
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

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Contents
v
Important Information................................................................... ii
TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle.............................................................1
Exploring the Lab Cradle ............................................................... 2
Setting up the Lab Cradle for Data Collection ............................. 3
Using the Lab Cradle ...................................................................... 3
Learning About the Lab Cradle ..................................................... 4
Viewing Data Collection Status ..................................................... 6
Managing Power ............................................................................ 7
Charging the Lab Cradle ................................................................ 9
Upgrading the Operating System ............................................... 10
Appendix: Service and Support ...........................................15
Texas Instruments Support and Service....................................... 15
Service and Warranty Information.............................................. 15
Precautions for Rechargeable Batteries...................................... 16
Index ......................................................................................19

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TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 1
TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
The TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle is a device used with TI-Nspire™ handhelds,
TI-Nspire™ software for computers, or as a stand-alone tool to collect
data.
The Lab Cradle supports all TI sensors. It also supports more than 50
analog and digital Vernier DataQuest™ sensors, including motion
detectors and photogate sensors. To see the full list of supported sensors,
go to education.ti.com/education/nspire/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.
The Lab Cradle comes pre-loaded with its own operating system (OS). The
TI-Nspire™ 3.0 operating system for handheld and computer software
has been preset to recognize the Lab Cradle so you can start using it
immediately.
Note: Any TI-Nspire™ OS earlier than 3.0 will not recognize the Lab
Cradle. For more information about upgrading a handheld OS, see
Getting Started with the TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld or Getting Started
with the TI-Nspire™ Handheld.

2 TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
Exploring the Lab Cradle
The following graphic shows the front and back of the Lab Cradle.
1TI-Nspire™ logo. The TI-Nspire™ name.
2Analog ports. The three BT analog ports used to connect analog
sensors. The other side of the cradle has two digital ports for digital
sensors.
3Battery panel and compartment area. The compartment is where
the rechargeable battery is located. Two cross-slotted screws are used
to secure the panel to the Lab Cradle.
4Lanyard attachment point. A metal bar for attaching a lanyard.
5Digital ports. The two digital ports used to connect digital sensors.
6Reset button. Press this button to reboot the operating system if the
Lab Cradle does not respond to commands. Data may be lost when
the Lab Cradle reboots.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 3
7Trigger. Pressing this button is one method for capturing data from
attached sensors. Use this trigger when using the Lab Cradle as a
stand-alone data collection tool.
8Label. Displays the serial number and other hardware information.
9Handheld transfer connector. Used to connect the handheld and
Lab Cradle when collecting or transferring data.
10Locking latch. Used to lock the Lab Cradle and handheld together.
Setting up the Lab Cradle for Data Collection
Before you can use the Lab Cradle to collect data, you must connect it to
a handheld or computer to define the collection parameters.
Attaching the Lab Cradle
To attach a handheld to a Lab Cradle, slide the handheld into the
connector at the bottom of the Lab Cradle. To lock the handheld to the
Lab Cradle, push the lock up with the handheld facing up. Push the lock
down to release the handheld.
You can also connect to a handheld by plugging the handheld’s cable
into the Lab Cradle’s mini-USB port. This connection lets you transfer
data from the Lab Cradle to the handheld when you have collected data
in the stand-alone mode.
To connect the Lab Cradle to a computer, plug the cable’s mini-USB
connector into the Lab Cradle’s mini-USB port. Then plug the cable’s
standard USB connector into the computer’s standard USB port.
Defining Collection Parameters
You must have the TI-Nspire™ software loaded on the computer or
handheld. Use the built-in Vernier DataQuest™ app to:
• Modify sensor settings.
• Set up data collection modes.
• Define triggering.
For more information, see the TI-Nspire™ Data Collection and Analysis
Guidebook.
Using the Lab Cradle
The Lab Cradle can be used in the classroom or remotely. Collect the data
with the Lab Cradle, and then retrieve the data later. Store the data on
the Lab Cradle until you return to the classroom, and then transfer it to a
handheld or computer for analysis.

4 TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
Using the Lab Cradle with a Handheld
You can connect the Lab Cradle to your handheld to collect or retrieve
data.
Using the Lab Cradle with a Computer
The Lab Cradle works with all Windows® and Mac® operating systems
currently supported by the TI-Nspire™ Teacher and Student computer
software.
Using the Lab Cradle as a Stand-Alone Data Collection Tool
You can use the Lab Cradle in stand-alone mode to collect data either
manually or automatically. Press the trigger button to manually start and
stop data collection when in stand-alone mode.
Note: For long-term data collections TI recommends you use an AC
adapter for a handheld or a remote collection device such as the Lab
Cradle.
Before collecting data, set up the data collection parameters using the
Vernier DataQuest™ app or use the sensor’s default settings. If you do
not change the parameters and use a single sensor, the Lab Cradle
collects data using the sensor’s default settings. If you use multiple
sensors, the Lab Cradle collects samples beginning with the sensor that
has the shortest collection time requirement.
You do not have to reconnect the Lab Cradle to the same computer or
handheld to download the data. You can use any computer or handheld
running a compatible OS and TI-Nspire™ software to download the data.
Learning About the Lab Cradle
Portability
The Lab Cradle fits into the palm of most high school students' hands
when connected to the TI-Nspire™ handheld.
The Lab Cradle features an attachment point for a lanyard. Students can
attach a lanyard to wear the Lab Cradle around their neck. This feature
lets students keep their hands free to steady themselves in rough terrain
during remote data collection activities.
When collecting data for an experiment that subjects the Lab Cradle to
intense movement, TI recommends that students wear a Vernier Data
Vest or zip-up jacket with the sensor secured both around the student’s
neck as well as to the student’s chest. For example, if a student is
measuring speed or motion on a roller coaster, the Lab Cradle may
bounce around due to the movement of the roller coaster. Wearing a
zip-up jacket or Vernier Data Vest limits the movement of the Lab Cradle.

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 5
Durability
The Lab Cradle is durable enough to withstand extensive use in the
classroom and in the field. It is designed to survive being dropped from a
height of 36 inches, the height of a standard lab table.
Storing/Operating Temperature Ranges
The Lab Cradle storage temperature range is between -40°C (32° F) to
70°C (158° F).
The Lab Cradle, when used as a stand-alone data collection tool, operates
in temperatures from 10° C (50° F) to 45° C (113° F).
Triggering Methods
The Lab Cradle has two options for triggering data collection—automatic
or manual.
To use automatic triggering, define the criteria in the Vernier
DataQuest™ application to start data collection. The Lab Cradle can
trigger on either an increasing or decreasing value.
Manual triggering is defined in the Vernier DataQuest™ app. By setting
the trigger delay value to zero, you can start data collection by pressing
the trigger button on the Lab Cradle when using it as a stand-alone data
collection tool.
You can define a delay in triggering the data collection when using the
Lab Cradle with a computer or handheld. The Vernier DataQuest™ app
starts a countdown based on the time delay you define. When the
countdown reaches zero, the Lab Cradle and its connected sensors begin
collecting data.
Multi-Channel Data Collection
You can connect up to five sensors to the Lab Cradle. It provides three
analog BT connectors and two digital BT connectors.
The Lab Cradle supports multi-channel data collection by allowing you to
collect data through all five sensors at the same time. When using all five
sensors at the same time, the time stamp is the same for all data
collection streams.
Sampling Rate
The maximum sampling rate for a Lab Cradle using a single BT sensor is
100,000 samples per second. This sampling rate allows you to collect data
for high-sample sensors, such as microphones, blood pressure monitors,
and hand-grip heart rate monitors.

6 TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
If using more than one sensor at the same time, the 100,000 samples per
second rate is divided by the number of connected sensors. For example,
when using:
• One sensor, data is collected at 100,000.
• Two sensors, data is collected at 50 kHz per sensor.
• Three sensors, data is collected at 33.3 kHz per sensor.
Some sensor’s maximum sample rates are less than the maximum sample
rate of the Lab Cradle. For example, with five sensors connected to the
Lab Cradle, data may be collected at 20 kHz per sensor; however,
temperature sensors may only be capable of collecting data at 1 kHz so it
will only collect data at that rate.
Viewing Data Collection Status
The Lab Cradle has an LED light located on the top to indicate data
collection status. This light will be red, green, or amber and use a variety
of blink patterns.
Red
• Red indicates that you need to wait until the system is ready.
•Slow blink: The Lab Cradle is updating experiment storage space. This
is automatic behavior and does not impact active collections.
•Fast blink: Indicates one or more attached sensors are not warmed up.
(You may still collect data during the warm-up period but you risk the
data being less precise.)
Amber
• Amber indicates the system is ready but the collection has not yet
started.
•One blink per second: The sensor is configured and set up for
sampling.
•Slow blink: The Lab Cradle is connected to a computer or handheld
running TI-Nspire™ software but not set up for sampling.
•Fast blink: The Lab Cradle is ready for data collection when you press
the trigger.
TOP Data collection
activity status

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 7
Green
• Green indicates the system is actively collecting data.
•Slow blink: Actively collecting data.
Note: There may be a slight variation in the duration of the blink
depending on the mode/rate of collection.
•Fast blink: Pre-storing data prior to a trigger.
Alternating Amber and Green
• The blinking pattern indicates the system is in trigger mode but has
not yet reached the trigger event.
Managing Power
When managing the power for the Lab Cradle, you must consider the
power source being used. The Lab Cradle can be powered by its
rechargeable battery or a connected power cord.
Batteries
The Lab Cradle runs on a rechargeable battery that supports one full day
of high-use, high-consumption sensor data collection before recharging.
An example of high-use data collection is an experiment requiring 150
total minutes of continuous data collection with CO2 (47 mA) and O2
sensors at one sample every 15 seconds.
The battery recharges in less than 12 hours.
Viewing the Battery Status
There are two ways to view battery status: when attached to a handheld,
or by looking at the LED light. When the Lab Cradle is attached to a
TI-Nspire™ handheld, you can view the battery status for both. The first
value is the handheld and the second value is the Lab Cradle.

8 TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
Press c5(Settings) 4(Status).
When you attach the Lab Cradle directly to a computer, you do not see a
power indicator. Use the LED light on the top of the Lab Cradle to
determine battery status.
When the Lab Cradle is connected to a USB power source (either
wall charger or computer):
• Red - Slow blinking LED indicates the charge is low but charging.
• Amber - Slow blinking LED indicates the Lab Cradle is charging
• Green - Slow blinking LED indicates the Lab Cradle is fully charged.
When in the TI-Nspire™ Cradle Charging Bay:
• Red - Solid LED indicates the charge is low but is still charging.
• Amber - Solid LED indicates the Lab Cradle is charging.
• Green - Solid LED indicates the Lab Cradle is fully charged.
When running and not charging:
• Red - Blinking LED indicates the battery is below six percent.
• Amber - Blinking LED indicates the battery is below 30 percent.
• Green - Blinking LED indicates the battery is between 30 percent and
96 percent. Two green blinks per second indicates the battery is over
96 percent.
Managing Battery Power
When the battery power reaches 30 percent, a yellow LED indicates the
Lab Cradle needs to be charged. The LED turns red when the battery
power reaches five percent.
When managing battery power for the Lab Cradle, remember that some
sensors need to warm up before use. You can collect data while the
sensor is warming up; however, the data may not be as precise.
When you start a long-term or remote data collection, the system checks
current power sources to determine if the sources are adequate to
support the sensors from the beginning to the end of the experiment.
TOP
Battery
status

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 9
If the power is unable to support the experiment configuration, a
warning indicates that the power available is insufficient for the
experiment. You either need to charge the battery or plug the Lab Cradle
into an external power source.
When using the wall charger, TI-Nspire™ Cradle Charging Bay, or USB
cable plugged into a powered computer, the Lab Cradle can be fully
charged from a dead state in less than 12 hours when not being used.
The battery is capable of supporting one full day of high-use,
high-consumption sensor data collection or two full days of moderate to
low consumption sensor data collection.
Charging the Lab Cradle
You can charge the Lab Cradle in a number of ways.
• Wall charger
• USB Cable connected to a computer
• TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Cradle Charging Bay
Charging with an AC Wall Charger
Connect the plug to a standard AC wall outlet and the mini-B USB
connector to the TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle.
Charging with a USB Cable
The Lab Cradle can be charged using a standard USB cable. Attach the
mini-B connector to the Lab Cradle and the USB type A connector into
the computer.
The Lab Cradle will fully charge in less than 12 hours.

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Charging with a Charging Bay
Use the TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ Cradle Charging Bay to charge five Lab
Cradles at the same time. A full charging bay with dead Lab Cradle units
fully charges those units in less than 12 hours.
You can leave the Lab Cradle in the charging bay even if fully charged.
You can recharge at any time regardless of the current charge level.
The charging bay is only included in certain bundled packages. The
charging bay works with Lab Cradles or with Lab Cradles connected to
handhelds.
Upgrading the Operating System
Before You Begin
Before beginning an OS download, ensure that batteries are at least 25
percent charged. If attached to a handheld, remove the handheld before
updating the Lab Cradle. You cannot update the OS with the handheld
attached.
Finding Operating System Upgrades
For up-to-date information about available OS upgrades, check the Texas
Instruments website at education.ti.com.
You can download an OS upgrade from the Texas Instruments website to
a computer, and use a USB cable to install the OS on your TI-Nspire™ Lab
Cradle. You will need an Internet connection and the appropriate USB
cable to download the updates.
Checking for Lab Cradle OS Updates
When using TI-Nspire™ software, you can quickly determine if your Lab
Cradle OS is up to date when the Lab Cradle is connected to a computer.
1. Open the TI-Nspire™ software and ensure the Lab Cradle is connected
to your computer.
2. In the Documents Workspace, click to open Content Explorer.

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 11
3. In the Connected Handhelds/Lab Cradle pane, select a connected Lab
Cradle.
4. Select Help > Check for Handheld/Lab Cradle OS Update.
• If the operating system is current, the Check for Handheld/Lab
Cradle OS dialog box opens indicating that the operating system
on the Lab Cradle is up to date.
• If the operating system is not current, the dialog box contains a
message indicating that a new version of the operating system is
available.
5. To turn off automatic notifications, clear the “Automatically check for
updates check box. By default, this option is turned on.
6. Click OK to close the dialog box.
Upgrading the Operating System
In the TI-Nspire™ software, you can select to upgrade the operating
system on a connected Lab Cradle from the following workspaces and
menus:
• In all versions of the software, you can select Help > Check for
Handheld/Lab Cradle OS Update. Select a connected Lab Cradle in

12 TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle
the Content Explorer to activate this option. If the OS on the Lab
Cradle is not current, the dialog box indicates that there is an
updated version of the operating system. Follow the prompts to
update the operating system.
• In all versions of the TI-Nspire™ software, you can use options
available in the Documents Workspace:
– Open Content Explorer, select the Lab Cradle name, and then click
and select Install OS.
—or—
– Select Tools > Install Handheld/Lab Cradle OS.
• Those using teacher versions of the TI-Nspire™ software can use
options available in the Content Workspace:
– In the Resources pane, right-click the name of a connected Lab
Cradle, and then select Install Handheld/Lab Cradle OS.
—or—
– Select the Lab Cradle name in the Preview pane, click in the
Preview pane, and then select Install Handheld/Lab Cradle OS.
—or—
– Right-click the Lab Cradle name and select Install Handheld/Lab
Cradle OS.
Completing the OS Upgrade
When you select to update the OS on a Lab Cradle, the Select
Handheld/Lab Cradle OS File dialog box opens.

TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle 13
The file displayed for selection defaults to the file type required for the
selected Lab Cradle.
1. Select the OS file TI-Nspire.tlo.
2. Click Install OS to download the OS and update the Lab Cradle. The
confirmation message “You are about to upgrade your handheld/Lab
Cradle operating system. Any unsaved data will be lost. Do you want
to continue?” is displayed.
3. Click Yes to continue.
The Installing OS dialog box opens indicating the progress of the
download. Do not disconnect the Lab Cradle.
4. When the download is complete, the Information dialog box opens
indicating that the OS file has been successfully transferred to the Lab
Cradle. You can disconnect the Lab Cradle.
5. Click OK.

14 TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle