Vernier Go Direct Visible Spectrophotometer User manual

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Discovered Wireless Devices. Your
spectrometer's ID is located near the
barcode on the label. The Bluetooth
LED on the sensor will now glow
blue (no longer flashing).
5. Click or tap Done to enter data-
collection mode. You are now ready
to continue your experiment.
the original LabQuest. It works via
USB with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3.
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-spec-vis
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect Connect the USB to the USB power adapter or to
a powered USB hub. Blue LED next to Bluetooth
icon flashes when sensor is ready to connect.
Connected Blue LED next to Bluetooth icon is solid when
sensor is connected via Bluetooth wireless tech-
nology.
Connecting via USB
Connected LED next to Bluetooth icon is off. LED next to
USB icon is solid green.
Using the Product with Spectral Analysis
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user
manual.
Select the Type of Data to Measure
The three options for Experiment Types are
1. Measurement vs. Wavelength—collect a full spectrum.
2. Measurement vs. Concentration—conduct a Beer's law experiment.
3. Measurement vs. Time—collect time-based data for a kinetics experiment.
By default, Absorbance is expanded. You can also choose from %Transmittance,
Emissions, or Advanced Full Spectrum. Use the Advanced Full Spectrum mode to
switch among all the measurement types in the same session. For complete
instructions, refer to the Spectral Analysis user manual at
www.vernier.com/spectral-analysis
Measurement vs. Wavelength (Full Spectrum)
1. Select Measurement vs. Wavelength.
2. If applicable, follow instructions for calibration. Align the cuvette so the clear
side of the cuvette is facing the light source. Note: Calibration is not required
for intensity.
Go Direct®Visible
Spectrophotometer
(Order Code GDX-SPEC-VIS)
The Go Direct Visible Spectrophotometer is a robust and
accurate portable visible light spectrophotometer that connects easily to your
device via Bluetooth®wireless technology or USB to conduct Beer’s law
experiments, kinetic or equilibrium studies of absorbance, or emission spectrum
analysis.
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not
designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial
process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing
process, or industrial testing of any kind.
What's Included
lGo Direct Visible Spectrophotometer
lPlastic cuvettes and lids (15)
lMini USB cable
lUSB Power Adapter
Compatible Software and Interfaces
See www.vernier.com/manuals/gdx-spec-vis for a list of interfaces and software
compatible with the Go Direct Visible Spectrophotometer.
Getting Started
Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-spec-vis
Bluetooth Connection USB Connection
1. Install Vernier Spectral Analysis®on
your computer, Chromebook™, or
mobile device. See
www.vernier.com/spectral-analysis
for Spectral Analysis availability.
2. To power the Bluetooth radio,
connect the spectrometer to the USB
Power Adapter or to a powered USB
hub. The Bluetooth®LED will blink.
Note: Do not plug the USB into a
computer USB port to run with
Bluetooth wireless technology.
3. Launch Spectral Analysis.
4. Click or tap Connect a Spectrometer.
Select your Go Direct Visible
Spectrophotometer from the list of
1. Connect the spectrometer to the
USB port.
2. Launch the software. Options
include
lComputer: Spectral Analysis
lChromebook: SpectralAnalysis
lLabQuest 2 or 3: LabQuest App
lMobile Device: SpectralAnalysis
3. The software will identify the
spectrometer and enter data-
collection mode. You are now
ready to continue your experiment.
Note: This sensor does not work with

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Change the Settings in Spectral Analysis
1. Click or tap the gear to show the Spectrometer Settings dialog.
2. There are three parameters listed in the dialog box:
lIntegration Time: This is similar to the shutter speed of a camera.
Spectral Analysis automatically selects the proper sample time during
calibration in Absorbance and % Transmittance modes. If using Intensity
or Advanced Experiment modes, you can modify this value to increase the
amount of light hitting the detector and the signal spectral output.
lWavelength Smoothing: This is the number of adjacent readings on either
side of a given value that is used to calculate an average value.
lTemporal Averaging: This is the number of readings taken at a given
wavelength to calculate an average reading.
3. Select the Calibrate button to recalibrate your spectrometer at any time.
Measure an Emission Spectrum with Spectral Analysis
You may use your spectrophotometer to measure the emission spectrum of a light
source such as an LED or a gas discharge tube. To do so, you will need to
purchase the Vernier Optical Fiber (order code: VSP-EM-FIBER).
Measure Intensity of Light Emissions
To measure emissions with the spectrometer, detach the lamp/cuvette side of the
spectrometer by pulling the two pieces apart. They are magnetically attached, so it
shouldn’t require much force. Screw the fiber optic cable onto the detector side.
1. Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this
user manual.
2. Launch Spectral Analysis.
3. Select the appropriate Emissions experiment from the listed options and follow
the prompts in the app. Intensity is a relative measure with a range of 0–1.
Note: The Spectrophotometer is not calibrated for measuring intensity.
4. Aim the tip of the optical fiber at a light source. Start data collection. Click or
tap the Stop button to end data collection.
If the spectrum maxes out (flat and wide peaks at a value of 1), increase the
distance between the light source and the tip of the optical fiber cable or reduce
the integration time (see the Change the Settings in Spectral Analysis section).
To adjust the integration time, click or tap the gear. Set the integration time to a
suitable value.
Using the Spectrophotometer with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3
Select the Type of Data (or Units) You Want to Measure
There are three general types of data collection that measure absorbance or
transmittance—absorbance (or %T) vs. wavelength, which produces a spectrum,
absorbance (or %T) vs. concentration for Beer’s law experiments, and absorbance
(or %T) vs. time for kinetics experiments.
The default data type is absorbance. If you want to measure the absorbance of a
solution, proceed directly to the Calibrate section.
3. You are now ready to collect data. Fill a cuvette about 3/4 full of a sample of
the solution to be tested. Place the sample in the Spectrophotometer and click
or tap Collect. Click or tap Stop to end data collection. The spectrum is
automatically stored.
4. Save or export your data from the File menu.
Measurement vs. Concentration (Beer's law)
1. Select Measurement vs. Concentration.
2. If applicable, follow instructions for calibration. Align the cuvette so the clear
side of the cuvette is facing the light source. Note: Calibration is not required
for intensity.
3. Follow the instructions in the Choose a Wavelength dialog box. Select Done.
4. Click or tap Collect. Your first sample should still be in the
Spectrophotometer. After the reading stabilizes, click or tap Keep. Enter the
concentration of the sample and click or tap Keep Point.
5. Place your second sample in the cuvette slot. After the reading stabilizes, click
or tap Keep. Enter the concentration of the sample and click or tap Keep Point.
6. Repeat the previous step for the remaining samples. When finished, click or
tap Stop to end data collection. The data are automatically stored.
7. To see the best fit line equation for the standard solutions, click or tap Graph
Tools, select Apply Curve Fit, and choose Linear. Click or tap Apply.
8. If doing Beer's law to determine the concentration of an unknown, place the
unknown sample in the cuvette holder. Click or tap Graph Tools and enable
Interpolate. Click or tap along the line until you find the concentration value
that matches your unknown's measurement.
9. Save or export your data from the File menu.
Measurement vs. Time (Kinetics)
1. Select Measurement vs. Time.
2. If applicable, follow instructions for calibration. Align the cuvette so the clear
side of the cuvette is facing the light source. Note: Calibration is not required
for intensity.
3. Follow the instructions in the Choose a Wavelength dialog box. Select Done.
4. The default data-collection settings collect measurements every two seconds
until the user manually stops data collection.
5. Mix the reactants. Transfer ~2 mL of the reaction mixture to a cuvette and
place the cuvette in the spectrometer. Click or tap Collect.
6. When finished, click or tap Stop.
7. To fit a function to the data, click or tap Graph Tools, select Apply Curve Fit,
and choose the appropriate curve fit. Click or tap Apply.
8. To add a calculated column to the data set, click or tap OK in the measurement
header on the data table. Select Add Calculated Column. Modify the name,
units, and displayed precision accordingly. Select Insert Expression and select
the appropriate equation. Modify the parameters and column options, if
necessary. Click or tap Apply. The calculated column is automatically
displayed on the graph.
9. Save or export your data from the File menu.

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absorbance value. Tap the Graph tab and choose Interpolate from the Analyze
menu. Trace the linear regression equation to determine the concentration of
the unknown.
Measurement vs. Time (Kinetics)
1. Generate a spectrum as described above. On the Meter screen, tap Mode.
Change the data-collection mode to Time Based.
2. You can change the rate, interval, and/or duration of time of data collection, if
desired. Select OK when you are ready to proceed.
3. A message will appear warning you to either save or discard the full spectrum
run. Make your choice and proceed with data collection.
4. Mix the reactants, transfer ~2 mL of the reaction mixture to a cuvette and
place the cuvette in the Spectrophotometer. Start data collection. You may tap
the Stop button to end data collection early.
5. To calculate a function for your data, choose Curve Fit from the Analyze
menu. Select the Fit Equation, and then select OK. The graph screen will
appear again.
Measure an Emission Spectrum with LabQuest
You may use your Spectrophotometer to measure the emission spectrum of a light
source such as an LED or a gas discharge tube. To do so, you will need to
purchase an optical fiber assembly (order code: VSP-EM-FIBER).
Measure Intensity of Light Emissions
1. Connect the Spectrophotometer Optical Fiber to the Visible
Spectrophotometer. Detach the lamp/cuvette side of the spectrometer by
pulling the two pieces apart. They are magnetically attached, so it shouldn’t
require much force.
2. Aim the tip of the optical fiber at a light source. Start data collection. Tap the
Stop button to end data collection. Note: The Spectrophotometer is not
calibrated for measuring intensity.
If the spectrum maxes out (flat and wide peaks at a value of 1), increase the
distance between the light source and the tip of the optical fiber cable or reduce
the sample time (see Change the Settings in LabQuest below).
To increase the sample time, or if data collection is unusually slow, choose Set Up
Sensors ► Spectrophotometer: 1 from the Experiment menu. Set the Sample Time
(begin with 75 ms, with subsequent reductions by 20 ms) to a suitable value and
decrease the Samples to Average to 1.
Change the Settings in LabQuest
The Data Collection Screen in LabQuest lists all the settings for the device. To
display this box choose Sensors ► Data Collection from the Meter screen.
For most experiments, the default settings work well.
There are five parameters listed in the dialog box.
lSample Time: This is similar to the shutter speed of a camera. LabQuest
automatically selects the proper sample time during calibration. Note: For
emission studies, you may need to change the sample time manually.
If you want to measure %T or intensity, do the following:
1. From the Sensors menu, choose Change Units ► USB: Spectrophotometer.
2. Select the unit or data type you wish to measure.
Calibrate the Spectrophotometer (Not Required if Measuring Intensity)
1. Choose Calibrate ► USB: Spectrophotometer from the Sensors menu. Note:
For best results, allow the Spectrophotometer to warm up for a minimum of
five minutes.
2. Fill a cuvette about 3/4 full with distilled water (or the solvent being used in
the experiment) to serve as the blank. After the Spectrophotometer has warmed
up, place the blank cuvette in the Spectrophotometer. Align the cuvette so a
clear side of the cuvette is facing the light source.
3. Follow the instructions in the dialog box to complete the calibration, and then
tap OK.
Collect Data with LabQuest
Measurement vs. Wavelength (Generate a Spectrum)
1. Fill a cuvette about 3/4 full of the solution to be tested and place it in the
Spectrophotometer.
2. Start data collection by tapping on the Start button in the lower left corner of
the screen. Tap the Stop button to end data collection.
3. Select wavelength. You can tap on the graph to select a wavelength. Another
way to change the wavelength is to navigate to the Meter screen, tap on the
meter, and select Change Wavelength. Enter the wavelength of your choice
and select OK. If the wavelength you type in is not measured by the unit,
LabQuest will automatically choose the wavelength closest to your choice.
4. To store the spectrum data, tap on the file cabinet icon in the upper right of
your screen.
Measurement vs. Concentration (Beer’s Law Studies)
1. Generate a spectrum as described above. On the Meter screen, tap Mode.
Change the mode to Events with Entry.
2. Enter the Name (e.g., Concentration) and Units (e.g., mol/L). Select OK.
3. A message will appear warning you to either save or discard the full spectrum
run. Make your choice and proceed with data collection.
4. Place your first Beer’s law standard solution in the Spectrophotometer. Start
data collection. After the absorbance reading stabilizes, tap Keep. Enter the
concentration of the solution and select OK.
5. Place your second standard sample in the Spectrophotometer. After the
absorbance readings stabilize, tap Keep. Enter the concentration of the second
sample and select OK.
6. Repeat Step 5 for the remaining standard samples. After you have tested the
final standard, tap the Stop button to end data collection.
7. To calculate a best fit line equation for your standards, choose Curve Fit from
the Analyze menu. Select Linear for the Fit Equation, and then select OK. The
graph screen will appear again with the linear regression equation displayed.
8. Place a cuvette containing an unknown sample of solution in the
Spectrophotometer. Tap the Meter tab and write down the displayed

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Find troubleshooting tips here: www.vernier.com/til/13838
Repair Information
lContact Vernier for all repairs and service including lamp replacement.
lNo user-serviceable parts are in this device. Do not attempt to open the case of
the device. Do not attempt to change or repair the lamp. Doing so will create
an unsafe operating condition and will void the product warranty.
If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting
steps, and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Visible Spectrophotometer,
contact Vernier Technical Support at [email protected] or call 888-837-6437.
Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in
for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will
be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for
repair.
Accessories/ Replacements
Item Order Code
Cuvette Rack CUV-RACK
Plastic Cuvettes (Visible Range) CUV
Vernier Emissions Fiber VSP-EM-FIBER
Mini USB Cable CB-USB-MINI
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at
www.vernier.com/gdx-spec-vis
General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty
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
lWavelength Smoothing: This is the number of adjacent readings on either side
of a given value that is used to calculate an average value. Note: Be careful
adjusting this parameter as it may shift your wavelength values slightly.
lSamples to Average: This is the number of readings taken at a given
wavelength to calculate an average reading.
lWavelength Range: The range is determined by the type of Spectrophotometer
in use.
Videos
View videos related to this product at www.vernier.com/gdx-spec-vis
Specifications
Detection modes Absorbance, % Transmittance, Raw Lamp
Output, and Intensity (fiber required)
Absorbance light source Incandescent
Detector Linear CCD
Wavelength range 380 nm–950 nm
Wavelength reporting interval ~1 nm
Optical resolution 3.0 nm (as determined with 486 nm
hydrogen emission spectral line FWHM)
Wavelength accuracy ± 2.0 nm (as determined with holmium
oxide NISTstandard)
Absorbance photometric accuracy ± 0.05 between 0.1 and 1.0 absorbance units
(as determined with potassium dichromate
NIST standards)
Typical scan time ~2 s
Sample format 10 mm × 10 mm cuvette
Beam height (z dimension) 8.5 mm
Safety
lNo user-serviceable parts are in this device. Do not attempt to open or modify
this device. Contact Vernier for all repairs and service including lamp
replacement.
lHandle the device with care. This instrument can be damaged if it is dropped.
lDo not use this instrument if it is damaged in any way. Contact Vernier
Technical Support for troubleshooting and technical assistance.
lDo not use this instrument for clinical or diagnostic procedures.
Troubleshooting
For best results, the absorbance values for all samples must be between 0.1 and
1.0 absorbance units at all wavelengths.

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(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.
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.
Note: This product is a sensitive measurement device. For best results, use the cables that were provided. Keep the device away from
electromagnetic noise sources, such as microwaves, monitors, electric motors, and appliances.
Vernier Software & Technology
13979 SW Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
Toll Free [phone] • [phone] • Fax [phone]
[email protected] • www.vernier.com
Rev. 1/20/2022
Go Direct, Vernier Spectral Analysis, Logger Pro, Vernier LabQuest, and other marks shown are our trademarks or
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