Vernier Go Direct GDX-VSMT User manual

1
lCoupling nut
lQuick links (2)
Compatible Software
See www.vernier.com/manuals/gdx-vsmt for a list of software compatible with the
Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester.
Assembly
Refer to the Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester Assembly Instructions that
are shipped with the product. These are also available online at
www.vernier.com/gdx-vsmt-assembly
Getting Started
Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-vsmt
Bluetooth Connection
1. Install Graphical Analysis™ 4 on your computer, mobile device, or
Chromebook™. See www.vernier.com/ga4 for software availability.
2. Charge your Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester for at least 8hours
before first use.
3. Turn on your Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester by pressing the power
button once. The Bluetooth®LED will blink red.
4. Launch Graphical Analysis 4.
5. Click or tap Sensor Data Collection.
6. Click or tap your Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester from the list of
Discovered Wireless Devices. Your sensor's ID is located near the barcode
on the sensor. The Bluetooth LED will blink green when it is successfully
connected.
7. The active channel is listed in the Connected Devices Sensor Channels list.
To change channels, select the check box next to the Sensor Channel(s) you
would like to activate.
8. Click or tap Done to enter data-collection mode.
Charging the Structures &Materials Tester Battery
Connect the Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester to the included Micro USB
Cable and any USB device for eight hours.
You can also charge Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester using our Go
Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG).
Charging Orange LED next to battery icon is solid while
sensor is charging.
Fully charged Green LED next to battery icon solid when
sensor is fully charged.
Go Direct®Structures
&Materials Tester
(Order Code GDX-VSMT)
Test bridges, structures, and beams as part of an
engineering design activity with Go Direct Structures
& Materials Tester. Use the Structures &Materials
Tester, along with the engineering design process, to
design, build, and test structures, conduct bridge
competitions, and investigate and analyze beam
designs and properties of materials.
The Structures &Materials Tester is equipped with a force sensor (rated to
1000N) and an encoder to measure displacement (1 µm resolution). Using both
sensors, you can record maximum loads, as well as load versus displacement
characteristics, so students can evaluate deflection, stress, and strain.
The crossbars of the Tester are designed to easily slide and secure into position.
With rulers located on the Tester, you can accurately position the support beams
for center or off-center loading.
The Tester is equipped with a well-outfitted VSMT Tackle Kit. The Kit
provides a variety of means to quickly and easily connect the load cell to
materials, beams, and structures for testing. The VSMT Tackle Kit is also sold as
an accessory kit (order code VSMT-TK). A second Kit may be useful in cases
where large numbers of structures are being tested in a short period of time, such
as during bridge competitions.
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
lThe testing device with force and displacement sensors
lMicro USB Cable
lAllen wrench
lA VSMT Tackle Kit with hardware to connect bridges, structures, and
materials to the tester. This includes
l50 × 50 mm × 6 mm aluminum load plate
l50 × 80 mm × 6 mm aluminum load plate
l12-inch threaded rod
l8-inch threaded rod
l6.5 inches of chain
lSmall U-bolt
lLarge U-bolt
lEyebolts (2)

2
Tester as described in the Getting Started section. Turn the displacement wheel
counter clockwise and the force sensor travels down, applying a force to the
structure or beam via the tackle. The GDX-VSMT force sensor registers the force
while the GDX-VSMT displacement sensor tracks how far the structure has been
deflected, bent, or stretched.
Zeroing the Sensors
Zero both of the sensors before any data collection. The VSMT displacement
and force sensors should be zeroed with the tackle just in contact with the
structure or beam immediately before applying a force.
If a structure is attached to the GDX-VSMT force sensor by means of a rigid
connection (e.g., a threaded rod), the tackle is supported by the force sensor.
Zero the force sensor with the tackle attached so that the sensor will register
only the force actually applied to the structure.
If a structure is attached to the GDX-VSMT force sensor by means of a non-
rigid connection (e.g., U-bolt, quick link and chain) then the weight of the
tackle is an additional force that is applied to the structure. If necessary for your
investigation you can account for the weight of the tackle by adding a new
calculated column.
Force Sensor Overload Warning
If the force applied to the force sensor exceeds its rated load of 1,000 N
(225lbs) a red light will appear on the face of the sensor electronics box. This is
the indication that no additional force should be applied in order to avoid
damaging the sensor.
Specifications
Range Force 0–1000 N
Displacement ~ 0–7 cm
Resolution Force 0.1 N
Displacement 1 µm
Battery 300 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable
Battery life (single full
charge)
~10 hours continuous data collection
Battery life (long term) ~300 full charge cycles (several years depending
on usage)
Safety
Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester is capable of storing energy as it applies
force to structures being tested. When structures fail under stress they can release
that energy very quickly. Vernier recommends the use of safety glasses when
using the VSMT to protect eyes from flying debris.
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-vsmt
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect Red LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when
sensor is awake and ready to connect.
Connected Green LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when
sensor is connected via Bluetooth.
Connecting via USB
Connected and charging Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via
USB and the unit is charging. LED next to
Bluetooth is off.
Connected, fully charged Green LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connect to Graphical Analysis via USB
and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is
off.
Charging via USB,
connected via Bluetooth
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connected to charger via USB and the
unit is charging. Green LED next to Bluetooth
icon flashes when sensor is connected via
Bluetooth.
Identifying the Sensor
You can make the Bluetooth LED flash red and green by clicking Identify in
Sensor Information. This is useful to distinguish between two identical sensors.
Using the Product
Connecting your structure/material to be tested securely to the device is critical
to the safe and proper use of Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester
(GDX-VSMT). The VSMT Tackle Kit comes with a variety of components that
are used to secure the structure/material to the Tester cross bars and connect to
the GDX-VSMT force sensor. All structures and materials are generally
supported by the crossbars that can be adjusted from 0 cm to over 40 cm. The
bars can be secured in place by tightening the hex head screws.
The primary methods of attaching the tackle to the structure/material are to use a
U-bolt in combination with quick links (and chain, as needed), or by using a
threaded rod and load plate.
Once the structure or beam is secured in place with the appropriate tackle,
launch Graphical Analysis 4 and connect the Go Direct Structures & Materials

3
The force sensor uses strain gauge technology to measure a change in resistance
with a change in force applied to the sensor.
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4505
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with
your Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester, contact Vernier Technical Support
at [e-mail] or call 888-837-6437.
Accessories/Replacements
Item Order Code
VSMTTackle Kit VSMT-TK
Replacement Battery GDX-BAT-650
Micro USBCable CB-USB-MICRO
USB-C to Micro USBCable CB-USB-C-MICRO
Go Direct Bridge Competition Software
GoDirect Bridge Competition Software is a free standalone application for
Windows®computers used for bridge (or other structure) competitions
conducted with Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester. The software provides
a visual representation of the force acting on the structure, as well as a
comparison to previously tested structures.
Warranty
Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the
customer. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse
or improper use. This warranty covers educational institutions only.
Disposal
When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its
disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item
should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical
and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly,
you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the
environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local
city office or your disposal service.
Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org
Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.
The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of
in a standard waste container.
It is also important to connect the tackle securely. Threaded parts should be
attached so that a sufficient amount of the threaded component is engaged. For
example, the threaded rod should extend through the load plate so that its end is
at least flush with the upper surface. Quick links should be secured and not left
open.
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
The Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester contains a small lithium-ion
battery. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy
demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the
expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available
from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-650).
Storage and Maintenance
To store the Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester for extended periods of
time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three
seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode.
Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After
such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If
possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Water Resistance
The Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester is not water resistant and should
never be immersed in water.
If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold
the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and
charging cable and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly
before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an
external heat source.
How the Sensors Work
Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester (GDX-VSMT) uses a reflective optical
encoder to measure rotation of the wheel which is translated into deflection. The
encoder disc is mounted on the threaded rod and has 794 reflective and non-
reflective sectors. The encoder produces two pulse output patterns 90º apart in
phase. The movement of the threaded rod is determined by counting the pulses.
The phase relationship between the output signals determines the direction of
rotation.
Go Direct Structures & Materials Tester uses this count to determine the
revolutions of the wheel (or fractions, thereof). The GDX-VSMT displacement
and force sensors are linked by a threaded rod with a pitch of 16 (16 threads per
inch).

4
Vernier Software & Technology
13979 SW Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
Toll Free [phone] • [phone] • Fax [phone]
[e-mail] • www.vernier.com
Rev. 3/17/2020
Go Direct, Graphical Analysis, LabQuest, and other marks shown are our trademarks or registered trademarks in
the United States. All other marks not owned by us that appear herein are the property of their respective
owners, who may or may not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by us.
The Bluetooth®word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of
such marks by Vernier Software & Technology is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of
their respective owners.
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.
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.