Vernier LabQuest 2 User manual

2
Reference Guide
v1.01
©Vernier Software & Technology

LabQuest 2 Reference Guide
i
SAFETY INFORMATION
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
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.
FCC Caution
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
RF Exposure Warning
The equipment complies with RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The
antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.
IC Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Industry Canada - Class B This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio
noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard
entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. To reduce
potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that
the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful
communication.

LabQuest 2 Reference Guide
ii
RF exposure warning: The equipment complies with RF exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne
doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’appareil doit accepter tout interférence radioélectrique,
même si cela résulte à un brouillage susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils
numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel interférant-brouilleur:
“Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par industrie Canada. L’utilisation est soumise aux
deux conditions suivantes: (1) cet appareil ne peut causer d’interférences, et (2) cet appareil doit
accepter toutes interférences, y comprises celles susceptibles de provoquer un disfonctionnement
du dispositif. Afin de réduire les interférences radio potentielles pour les autres utilisateurs, le
type d’antenne et son gain doivent être choisie de telle façon que l’équivalent de puissance
isotrope émis (e.i.r.p) n’est pas plus grand que celui permis pour une communication établie.
Avertissement d’exposition RF: L’équipement est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux RF
établies pour un environnement non supervisé. L’antenne (s) utilisée pour ce transmetteur ne
doit pas être jumelés ou fonctionner en conjonction avec toute autre antenne ou transmetteur.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
LabQuest 2, released in March 2012, ships with a Quick-Start Guideintended to get you up
and running with basic data collection and analysis. The LabQuest 2 Reference Guide is an
extended guide designed as a comprehensive resource detailing the features, hardware, and
software of LabQuest 2.

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CONTENTS
I. GETTING STARTED WITH LABQUEST 2.........................................................................................1
What’s Included .................................................................................................................1
Using LabQuest 2 for the First Time..................................................................................1
Quick Start to Data Collection ...........................................................................................2
II. LABQUEST HARDWARE....................................................................................................................4
Power Button......................................................................................................................4
Touch Screen......................................................................................................................5
Hardware Keys ...................................................................................................................5
Sensor Ports........................................................................................................................5
Internal Sensors ..................................................................................................................6
III. LABQUEST APP..................................................................................................................................7
Navigating LabQuest App..................................................................................................8
File Menu ...........................................................................................................................9
Data Collection.................................................................................................................11
Data Analysis ...................................................................................................................18
Viewing Vernier Lab Instructions....................................................................................24
Adding Notes to Your Experiment...................................................................................25
Storing LabQuest App Files .............................................................................................25
Exporting LabQuest App files..........................................................................................26
Printing from LabQuest App............................................................................................26
IV. USING LABQUEST 2 WITH A MOBILE DEVICE .............................................................................28
V. USING LABQUEST WITH A COMPUTER ........................................................................................31
Collecting Data with Logger Lite or Logger Pro.............................................................31
Transferring Data from LabQuest to a Computer ............................................................31
VI. EMAILING FROM LABQUEST..........................................................................................................33
VII. WIRELESSLY PRINTING FROM LABQUEST..................................................................................34
VIII. PROJECTING AND MONITORING STUDENTS’ LABQUEST DEVICES........................................35
IX. ADDITIONAL APPS ON LABQUEST................................................................................................36
Audio Function Generator................................................................................................36
Periodic Table...................................................................................................................36
Power Amplifier ...............................................................................................................37
Calculator .........................................................................................................................37
Sound Recorder ................................................................................................................37
Stopwatch .........................................................................................................................37
APPENDIX A. LABQUEST 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
APPENDIX B. LABQUEST MAINTENANCE
APPENDIX C. LICENSE INFORMATION
APPENDIX D. WARRANTY
APPENDIX E. ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS

I. GETTING STARTED WITH LABQUEST 2
What’s Included
LabQuest 2 interface
Rechargeable battery
Power adapter
USB cable
Quick-Start Guide
Stylus (in unit)
Stylus tether
Logger Lite CD
Using LabQuest 2 for the First Time
Install the Battery
LabQuest 2 ships without the battery installed. To install the battery, follow these simple
instructions.
Turn LabQuest over and open the battery door by sliding the door lock and lifting the
battery cover.
Remove the small protective sticker covering the battery contacts.
Install the battery with the label side up, ensuring the battery contacts align with the
contacts on LabQuest.
Replace the battery door and make sure the door lock clicks closed.
LabQuest with battery door removed
Charge for 8 Hours
We recommend charging the battery for eight hours prior to using LabQuest for the first time on
battery power. To do this, connect the included power adapter to LabQuest and an AC power
source. You can also charge LabQuest using the LabQuest 2 Charging Station(order code
LQ2-CRG, sold separately).

Getting Started with LabQuest 2
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LabQuest uses a high-quality lithium-ion battery. This is the same chemistry used in premium
laptop and cell phone batteries, and you can expect similar performance. There is never a need to
condition the battery by regular full discharge/charge cycles.
It is safe to leave the battery charging indefinitely, and there is no need to fully discharge the
battery before charging. Battery life will depend on the sensors used, but in most cases you can
obtain six or more hours of use before recharging. We recommend charging LabQuest overnight
to start the next day with a full charge. For more details about the battery, see LabQuest Battery.
Quick Start to Data Collection
Follow these steps to get up and running quickly with basic data collection. For more details, see
Data Collection.
1. Turn on LabQuest by pressing and releasing the
power button located on the top edge of LabQuest.
The LabQuest App will launch automatically.
2. Connect an analog sensor to the CH 1 port on
LabQuest (or connect a digital sensor to the DIG 1
port). LabQuest App will auto-ID the connected
sensor and automatically set up the default
collection rate for the sensor.
Note: If your sensor is an older-style (DIN) sensor
requiring an adapter, the sensor will not auto-ID.
Instead, you will need to set up the sensor manually.
To do this, tap the Sensors menu and choose Sensor
Setup. Next, tap the field labeled “No Sensor” adjacent to the appropriate port to view a list
of sensors. Tap to select the sensor.
3. Next, tap Collect . Data collection will begin
and LabQuest will graph the data collection in real
time.
You can stop collection early by tapping Stop .

Getting Started with LabQuest 2
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4. Once data collection is complete, the graph
autoscales to the data. Tap the graph to examine a
point of interest. The coordinates of the point are
shown in the pane to the right of the graph. Tap
another point or tap the Examine buttons to move
the cursor left and right .
5. To select a region of data for analysis, tap-and-drag
across the graph to highlight the desired region.
Note: To analyze all of the data, you do not need to select a region.
Statistics
To view statistics for the selected data, tap Analyze
on the Graph screen, then choose Statistics. Tap the
checkbox to select a data set. The statistics
information is then displayed in the panel to the
right of the graph.
To remove the displayed statistics, tap Analyze on
the Graph screen, choose Statistics, then tap the
checkbox to unselect the data set.
Curve Fit
To fit a curve to the selected data, tap Analyze on
the Graph screen, then choose Curve Fit. Tap the
checkbox to select a data set. On the Curve Fit
screen, tap Choose Fit, then choose the type of
equation you would like to fit to the data.
LabQuest App will automatically determine the fit
coefficients. A preview of the fit applied to the data
Note: The Curve Fit coefficients cannot be manually
adjusted. To enter your own parameters, see the
sub-section Model within Data Analysis.
On the Curve Fit screen, tap OK to apply the fit and return to the Graph screen.
To remove the fit, tap Analyze on the Graph screen, choose Curve Fit, then tap the checkbox
to unselect the data set.

II. LABQUEST HARDWARE
Once LabQuest 2 is connected to AC power or the battery has been charged, press the power
button located on the top of the unit, near the left edge. LabQuest will complete its booting
procedure and then launch the LabQuest App by default, as shown above. If the screen does not
light after a moment, connect the power adapter to LabQuest and to an AC power source and try
the button again.
Power Button
Power on –If the screen is off for any reason (LabQuest is off, asleep, or the screen has
turned off to conserve battery power) pressing and releasing the power button once will
turn LabQuest back on. If LabQuest was off, LabQuest will also complete its booting
procedure which takes about a minute and then display LabQuest App.
Sleep/wake –When LabQuest is on, pressing and releasing the power button once will
put LabQuest into a sleep mode. Note that the sleep mode does not start until you release
the power button. In this mode, LabQuest uses less power but the battery can still drain.
This mode is useful if you are going to return to data collection again soon, in which case
waking LabQuest from sleep is quicker than a cold boot. To wake LabQuest from sleep,
simply press and release the power button.
Shut down –To shut down LabQuest, hold the power button down for about five
seconds. You will then see a message indicating that LabQuest is shutting down. Release
the power button, and allow LabQuest to shutdown. To cancel the shutdown procedure at
this point, simply tap Cancel. You can also shutdown LabQuest by tapping Home ,
tapping the System folder, then tapping Shut Down .
Emergency Shutdown –If you hold the power button down for about eight seconds, the
unit will power off uncleanly. This is the same as pulling the battery out of the unit while
it is running. This is not recommended unless LabQuest is frozen, as you may lose your
data and potentially cause file system corruption.

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Touch Screen
LabQuest has an LED backlit resistive touch screen that quickly responds to pressure exerted on
the screen. LabQuest is controlled primarily by touching the screen. The software is designed to
be finger-friendly. In some situations, you may desire having more control for precise
navigation. In such cases, we recommend using the included stylus.
If you are having trouble viewing the color screen or are using LabQuest outside in bright
sunlight, we recommend changing to the High Contrast mode. From the Home menu, tap
Preferences, then Light & Power. Tap the checkbox for High Contrast to enable this mode.
Hardware Keys
In addition to using the touch screen, the three hardware keys
can also be used to control your LabQuest.
Collect –This key starts and stops data collection within
LabQuest App
Home –This key launches the Home screen
Escape –This key closes most applications, menus, and
exits dialog boxes without taking action (i.e., cancels
dialog boxes)
Sensor Ports
LabQuest has three analog sensor ports (CH 1, CH 2, and CH 3) for analog sensors such as our
pH Sensor, Temperature Sensor, and Force Sensor. Also included is a full-size USB port for
USB sensors, USB thumb drives, and USB printers. In addition to the power button, the top edge
of LabQuest has two digital sensor ports (DIG 1 and DIG 2) for Motion Detectors, Drop
Counters, and other digital sensors.

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Also located on the top edge are the audio ports and a micro SD card slot for expanding disk
storage. On the side opposite of the analog ports, there is a stylus storage slot, an AC power port
for recharging the battery, and a mini USB port for connecting LabQuest to a computer. In
between these ports, there is a serial connection for charging the unit in a LabQuest 2 Charging
Station(order code LQ2-CRG, sold separately), and a stylus tether attachment point.
Internal Sensors
LabQuest also has several built-in sensors, including a GPS, microphone, accelerometers,
temperature sensor, and relative light sensor.
To enable internal sensors within LabQuest App, tap Sensors, and choose Sensor Setup. Within
the Sensor Setup dialog box, tap a checkbox to enable the associated sensor. Then tap OK to
return to the LabQuest App Meter screen.
Sensor Setup dialog box

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To enable internal sensors within LabQuest App, tap Sensors, and choose Sensor Setup. Within
the Sensor Setup dialog box, tap a checkbox to enable the associated sensor. Then tap OK to
return to the LabQuest App Meter screen.
GPS –The internal GPS collects latitude, longitude, and altitude readings, and may be
used with other sensors. You can choose units of decimal degrees, degree minutes, or
UTM. Note: It may take up to 15 minutes to acquire an initial signal outdoors. We do not
recommend using the GPS indoors.
Microphone –The internal Microphone is located on the top surface of LabQuest and
measures waveforms. Note: This sensor cannot be used with external sensors.
Accelerometers –The Accelerometers measure accelerations up to 2 g in the x-, y- and
z-axis directions.
Light Sensor –The internal Light Sensor is located on the top surface of LabQuest. This
is an uncalibrated sensor which measures visible light intensity.
Temperature –The internal Temperature Sensor monitors ambient temperature.

III. LABQUEST APP
The data-collection and analysis software, LabQuest App, is the heart of your LabQuest. When
you turn on LabQuest, the LabQuest App starts automatically. If the LabQuest App is not
showing on your screen, tap Home , and tap LabQuest App .
Navigating LabQuest App
The LabQuest App has five different screens. Tap on the desired tab to display the associated
screen.
LabQuest App
Meter screen –Set up sensors, data-collection
parameters, and see a digital meter for your
connected sensors. For a detailed description of
how the Meter screen is used for data collection,
see Data Collection.
Graph screen –See a graph of your data and
perform statistical analysis of your data,
including curve fits. For a detailed description of
how the Graph screen is used for data analysis,
see Data Analysis.

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Table screen –See a tabular representation of
your data, create manual and calculated
columns, and manually enter data. For a detailed
description of how the Table screen is used for
data analysis, see Manipulating Data from the
Table Screen.
Lab Instructions screen –Access one of over
100 preloaded labs for paperless labs (more labs
are available online). For detailed instructions
for how to add additional labs, see Viewing
Vernier Lab Instructions.
Notes screen –Record observations about your
experiment. For more information, see Adding
Notes to Your Experiment.
File Menu
A LabQuest App file can contain data collection settings, graphs, data tables, analyses, and even
notes. These files have a .qmbl extension and can be saved to the internal storage space on
LabQuest or to an external storage space such as a USB thumb drive or micro SD card.
LabQuest App files can also be opened and manipulated on a computer with our Logger Pro
software.
All five tabs within LabQuest App share the same File
menu which is similar to the File menu on a computer.
From the File menu, you can perform a number of tasks
related to LabQuest App files, such as opening, saving,
and closing files, adjusting file settings, printing, and
more. These are described in more detail as follows.
New –Choosing New from the File menu will
close the existing file and open a new file. If you
have unsaved data, you will be prompted to
either save or discard the data before continuing. This is an easy way to reset the data
collection mode and calibrations back to default values.

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Open –Choosing Open from the File menu
displays a list of files that you have saved on
LabQuest. To open a file, tap on the file name,
then tap Open. To open a file from an external
storage source, tap the source icon ( USB,
SD) to display the files available on that
source, then tap on the file name, and tap Open.
Save –Choosing Save from the File menu
displays the Save As dialog box where you can
tap on a source icon ( USB, SD, LabQuest) to select a destination, then tap in the
File name field to assign a name to the file.
Delete –Choosing Delete from the File menu displays a file list similar to that accessible
by choosing open. Tap on a source icon ( USB, SD, LabQuest) to select the source
of the file to be deleted, then tap the file name to be deleted, then tap Delete. You can
delete only one file at a time.
Email –Choosing Email from the File menu allows you to email the Data File, Graph,
Text File, or Screen Shot from the current file, if you are connected to a wireless network
with Internet. For detailed instructions on setting up this feature, see Emailing from
LabQuest.
Export–Choosing Export from the File menu allows you to export the currently opened
data file in a text format for use with other applications. Tap on a source icon ( USB,
SD, LabQuest) to select a destination, then tap OK to complete the export.
A typical use of this feature is to export a text file to an SD card or a USB flash drive for
further data manipulation on a computer with a spreadsheet program. The exported file
contains all column values from all runs in the current session, delimited by tabs. For
more detailed instructions on using this feature, see Storing LabQuest App Files.
Print –Choosing Print from the File menu allows you to print the Graph, Table, Lab
Instructions, Notes, or Screen from the current file to a USB or Wi-Fi-enabled printer.
For detailed instructions, see USB Printing and Wirelessly Printing from LabQuest,
respectively.
Settings –Choosing Settings from the File menu
allows you to adjust file settings for the current
session. These settings are not global; rather,
they are specific to and saved within the
LabQuest file. These settings return to the
default upon choosing New from the File menu.
oAngle Units for Trigonometric Calculcations -
Calculated columns, curve fits, and modeled
functions may use trigonometric
calculations; choose Degrees or Radians
here. The default is set to radians.
oNumber of Points for Derivative Calculations –Calculated columns, curve fits,
modeled functions, and even the automatic setup for sensors (e.g., Motion Detectors)
may use numerical derivatives. The algorithm for such derivatives utilizes a user-
defined number of points. The default value of seven points is good for many

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experiments but you may want to choose a larger number for human-scale Motion
Detector experiments (e.g., our Motion Match lab), or a smaller number for cart-
based Motion Detector experiments (e.g., our Impulse and Momentum lab).
Quit –Choosing Quit from the File menu exits the LabQuest App. Since other
applications can be run simultaneously with LabQuest App, there is typically no need to
quit the LabQuest App during standard use.
Data Collection
The Meter screen, selectable by tapping the Meter tab , is the default view for the
LabQuest App. Use the Meter screen to set up your sensors and data-collection parameters, as
well as to monitor a real-time reading of your sensor.
Digital Meters
A digital meter for each connected sensor is shown on
this screen. Tap on a meter to change the sensor’s
settings. The available options will depend on the
sensor and may include options such as change units,
calibrate, zero, and reverse. These options can also be
accessed by tapping Sensors, and choosing the desired
option from the menu.
Data-Collection Summary
A summary of the data-collection settings (Mode, Rate, Duration) is
shown in the pane at the right of the Meter screen.
For most sensors, the default data-collection mode is Time Based. The
default collection rate for the connected sensors is set up automatically
when LabQuest identifies the sensor. To modify the data-collection
settings, tap on the summary box. Alternatively, you can tap Sensors,
then choose Data Collection. For detailed descriptions of data-collection
modes and parameters, see Data-Collection Settings.
Data-Collection Controls
Tap the Collect button displayed in the lower right corner of any LabQuest App screen to
start data collection. During data collection, this button changes to a Stop button which you
can tap at any time to end data collection.
During selected data-collection modes (e.g., Events with Entry), a Keep button will appear
to the right of the Stop button. In this mode, you must tap to record the data point in the
data table. For more information, see Events with Entry.

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Data-Collection Settings
The Sensors menu gives access to detailed setup
controls. Use this menu to set up the internal sensors,
non-auto-ID sensors, and the Wireless Dynamics Sensor
System (WDSS). You can also use this menu to change
the data collection parameters and specific sensor
settings.
Sensor Setup –Choosing Sensor Setup from the
Sensors menu displays a dialog box showing
which sensors are currently connected. If you
are using a sensor that does not auto-ID, you
will need to manually set up the sensor. To do
this, tap on the field displaying “No Sensor” for
the channel to which your sensor is connected.
In response, LabQuest displays a list of possible
sensors. Tap to select the appropriate sensor.
Then tap OK.
You can also activate (or deactivate) the internal sensors from the Sensor Setup. Check
the box next to the desired sensor to make that sensor available for data collection.
Data Collection –Choosing Data Collection
from the Sensors menu displays allows you to
set the data-collection mode and associated
parameters. The parameters listed will depend
on the mode selected.
oMode: Time-Based –Time-based data
collection is the default data-collection
mode for most sensors. In this mode,
sensor readings are recorded at regular
time intervals.
Adjustable parameters for this mode
include the rate (or interval) and the
duration of data collection. The total
number of samples to be collected based
on these parameters will be displayed.
Under some circumstances, the Rate and
Duration fields may be highlighted in
yellow or red. The yellow warning
indicates that the rate has been set to
value slower or faster than what is
recommended for the connected sensor,
or that the number of samples could lead

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to performance issues. The red warning indicates one of the following: the rate
has been set to a value slower or faster than what a connected device and/or
sensor configuration can support; the number of samples exceeds the storage
available; or, the number of samples exceeds 2000 (for rates faster than 80,000
samples per second).
Triggering –Triggering is only available
in the Time Based mode, and can be
enabled by simply tapping the associated
checkbox. When enabled, LabQuest will
wait for a trigger condition to be met
before beginning data collection. The
sensor name, the level, and the direction
of change (increasing or decreasing) can
all be set here. You can also set the
number of points to be saved before the
trigger condition is met.
Advanced –The Advanced field has
three options that can be independently
enabled by simply tapping the associated
checkbox.
Oversampling can be used with
data-collection rates less than ten
samples per second. When
Oversampling is enabled, the sensor
will sample at a rate higher than the
number of samples per second that
you set, and then LabQuest averages those readings and records the averages
in the data table. This setting can be used to reduce measurement noise by
combining a burst of readings into one value. For example, oversampling can
sometimes reduce the influence of unseen but real variations, such as as those
from a flickering light source.
Repeat can be used with data-collection rates less than 250 samples per
second. When Repeat is enabled, a new data-collection run is started as soon
as the current run has ended. Data for each run is overwritten when a new run
is started. This setting is helpful when doing exploratory investigations.
Enable Data Marking can be used to
mark points of interest during a
time-based data collection. When
enabled, a Mark Data button
will appear when data is being
collected. Simply tap duing
data collection to mark that
particular point as a point of interest.
After completing data collection,
data marks can be named as part of
the analysis process.

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oMode: Events with Entry –Sometimes
experiments do not depend on time, but
depend on the setting of another
quantity. For example, in a Boyle’s law
experiment one wants to know the
pressure as a function of the volume of
gas. Thus, in Events with Entry mode, no
time information is recorded.
When setting up this mode, you can
enter a name and units for the entry, or independent variable, column. One or two
additional columns of data can be entered as you collect data. You also have an
option to average data over ten seconds and report the averaged reading.
In Events with Entry mode, once data
collection is started, a Keep button
appears. Tap the Keep button to record
the sensor value (e.g., gas pressure in the
Boyle’s law experiment). In response,
LabQuest will prompt for the Entry
value (e.g., gas volume in the Boyle’s
law experiment). Sensor values are
plotted versus the Entry values, as shown
in the screenshot at right.
oMode: Selected Events –Selected Events
is similar to the Events with Entry mode,
except that entries of 1, 2, 3… are
entered automatically for you. No time
information is recorded in Selected
Events mode.
oMode: Photogate Timing –Photogates
require a different set of timing options.
When a photogate is detected, LabQuest
switches to the data-collection mode
Photogate Timing mode.
You have two options for ending data
collection in this mode: the collection
runs until the user taps Stop, or the
collection can be set to end after a defined number of events. A block/unblock
pair counts as two events. Various photogate modes are available to set what
parameters LabQuest calculates from the block and unblock times. For more
information, see www.vernier.com/til/1623/

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oMode: Full Spectrum –Full Spectrum
data-collection mode can only be used
with Spectrometers and is the default
mode when a Spectrometer is connected.
In Full Spectrum mode, Intensity,
Absorbance, Fluorescence (SpectroVis
Plus only), or %Transmittance can be
measured as a function of wavelength.
Detailed instructions for setting up data
collection with spectrometers are included in each of our spectrometer labs.
oMode: Gas Chromatograph –LabQuest 2 supports the use of the Vernier Mini Gas
Chromatograph (GC). When a Mini GC is plugged in the LabQuest 2 USB port,
the software will automatically identify the Mini GC and select the Gas
Chromatograph mode. This mode should not be entered unless a Mini GC is
attached.
In this mode, various parameters are
defined for the user to establish a
temperature and pressure profile
adequate for the current experiment.
When the mode is first entered, a set of
default parameters is displayed. If you
wish to change these parameters, tap in
the parameter field to enter a new value
or adjust the default value by tapping the
arrow buttons. These values will be
reflected in the preview of the time-dependent temperature graph displayed at
right. After setting the parameters, tap OK to initiate the Mini GC warm up.
Note: A new message will appear, “Do not inject until GC is ready.” The
Mini GC will take a few minutes to warm up and stabilize. When the Mini GC is
ready for injection, the message will read, “Inject and select Collect
simultaneously.”
For more detailed information on the Vernier Mini Gas Chromatograph, see
www.vernier.com/gc-mini/
oMode: Drop Counting –In this mode, you can choose to calibrate drops so that the
volume of titrant is recorded in units of milliliters. Choose Calibrate from the
Sensors menu. The Vernier Drop Counter is set to use a default calibration of 28
drops/mL. If you choose to calibrate the sensor, the volume of an individual drop
will be determined by the number of drops that pass through the Vernier Drop
Counter and dividing by the total volume of the drops. Follow the instructions on
the screen to complete a custom calibration. Alternately, the Equation tab allows
you to input a previously determined value for drops/mL. Enter the drops/mL
value (e.g., 28.0), then choose OK.

LabQuest App
16
oMode: Data Matrix –This mode is
primarily used for field work. It provides
a way to collect data referenced to two
parameters such as the locations of the
sampling sites and the dates on which
they were sampled. It also allows you to
collect data from an unlimited number of
sensors by permitting sensors to be
swapped in and out of LabQuest during
data collection. For more detailed
information, see www.vernier.com/til/2366/
WDSS Setup –Selecting WDSS Setup from the
Sensors menu allows you to scan for, select, and
configure Wireless Dynamics Sensor Systems.
You can then choose to scan for any available
WDSS devices. This scan may take some tens of
seconds, and may have to be repeated several
times to find all available WDSS units.
A list of detected WDSS is displayed. Tap to
select the desired WDSS by name and tap OK.
Next, select which of the five sensor channels to
be used (and/or scan for additional WDSS units,
or disconnect from a connected unit). Tap OK to
enable sensors.
Once sensors are enabled, they can be controlled
like other sensors in terms of data collection rate
and duration.
Note: WDSS cannot be set up for remote data collection using LabQuest. Use Logger Pro
on a computer to set up WDSS for remote use.
Change Units –In some cases, you may have the option to display the sensor data in
another set of units. Choosing Change Units from the Sensors menu allows you to select
a different set of units. Choosing a new unit will change all existing runs for that sensor
to the new unit, as well as any subsequent runs. If this feature is grayed-out in the menu,
then the data for that particular sensor cannot be displayed in another set of units.
Calibrate –Most sensors do not need to be calibrated, as a factory calibration for that
sensor is read from the sensor when LabQuest identifies it. However, some sensors do
require calibration and you will use the Calibrate tool accessible from the Sensors menu.
In such cases, follow the detailed calibration instructions provided in the booklet included
with the sensor. Booklets are also available online at:
www.vernier.com/support/manuals/