Product Guide | 012-09625C

Motion Sensor (PS-2103A)

Introduction Get the software
You can use the sensor with SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone
The Motion Sensor works with a PASCO interface to measure
software. If you’re not sure which to use, visit
and record the position, velocity, and acceleration of an object in
pasco.com/products/guides/software-comparison.
front of the sensor. To do this, the sensor produces a series of
ultrasonic pulses and detects the sound reflected back from the SPARKvue is available as a free app for Chromebook, iOS, and
object. The interface then measures the times between outgoing Android devices. We offer a free trial of SPARKvue and
pulses and returning echoes. From these measurements, the Capstone for Windows and Mac. To get the software, go to
sensor determines the object’s position, velocity, and pasco.com/downloads or search for SPARKvue in your device’s
acceleration. app store.
Features If you have installed the software previously, check that you have
the latest update:
SPARKvue: Main Menu > Check for Updates
PASCO Capstone: Help > Check for Updates

Set up the software

SPARKvue
Connect the sensor to SPARKvue:
1. Start SPARKvue, then click Sensor Data.
2. Turn on your PASPORT interface if required, then connect
the interface to SPARKvue. For more detailed steps, see
the manual for your chosen interface.
3. Plug the PASPORT plug of the Motion Sensor into one of
the PASPORT ports of the interface. SPARKvue should
automatically detect and identify the sensor.
Collect data with SPARKvue:
1. In the Select Measurements for Templates column,
select the appropriate measurement or measurements for
your experiment.
PASPORT plug
2. In the Templates column, select Graph to enter the
Use to connect the sensor to a PASPORT interface.
Experiment Screen. The graph will automatically display
Target indicator your selected measurement on the y-axis and time on the
Flashes when the sensor detects the echo of an emitted x-axis.
pulse.
3. Click Start to begin data collection.
Range switch
Use to switch the sensor between long range and short PASCO Capstone
range settings. Connect the sensor to Capstone:
Rotating head 1. Start Capstone, then click Hardware Setup in the Tools
Use to adjust the angle of the transducer with respect to palette.
the ground.
2. Turn on your PASPORT interface if required, then connect
Clips the interface to Capstone. For more detailed steps, see the
Use to mount the sensor on a PASCO track. manual for your chosen interface.
Mounting rod hole 3. Plug the PASPORT plug of the Motion Sensor into one of
Insert a mounting rod into this hole and tighten the the PASPORT ports of the interface. Capstone should
thumbscrew (not pictured) to secure the sensor in place. automatically detect and identify the sensor.
Ultrasonic transducer Collect data with Capstone:
Emits the ultrasonic pulses used by the sensor to measure
position, velocity and acceleration. 1. Create a Graph display by double-clicking Graph in the
Templates palette.
Additional equipment required:
2. Assign the axes by clicking each <Select Measurement>
• PASPORT-compatible interface box and selecting an appropriate measurement.
• PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue data collection software 3. Click Record to begin data collection.

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Motion Sensor | PS-2103A
To protect the Motion Sensor from being hit by an object, use a
Set up the hardware device like the Motion Sensor Guard (SE-7256) (G) or an IDS
Aim the Motion Sensor at an object Photogate Bracket (ME-9806) with a rubber band (H). The
Motion Sensor can "see through" a wire screen or rubber band
1. Set the range switch to either Short Range ( ) or
placed close to the transducer.
Long Range ( ). Short Range should be used when
measuring a cart on a track, while Long Range should be
used for any other object.
(A) (B)
2. Arrange the Motion Sensor and object so that the Motion
Sensor’s transducer faces the object, as shown below. The
object should always be at least 15 cm from the transducer.
If the object will move, ensure that it will only move directly
toward or away from the Motion Sensor.
(C)

(E) (D) (F)

(H)
Figure 1. Proper positioning of the Motion Sensor and object.
(G)
TIP: Aim the motion sensor slightly up to Figure 2. Mounting options for the Motion Sensor.
prevent it from detecting the tabletop.

3. Remove any objects between the sensor and target object,

Troubleshooting
either directly in front of the sensor or to the sides, to If the Motion Sensor fails to perform properly, try these steps to
prevent these objects from interfering with the improve the performance:
measurement. • Ensure that the target object is at least 15 cm away from
If the target object is properly in range, the target indicator will the transducer at all times.
flash with each click. • Switch the range switch to the other setting.
Sample rate • Adjust the aim left, right, up, or down. In some cases the
Motion Sensor will work best when it is aimed slightly to the
The default sample rate for the Motion Sensor is 20 Hz. The
side or above the target in order to exclude interfering
sample rate can be changed in PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue;
objects.
for a detailed guide, see the PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue
online help. • Improve the target by adding a larger or harder surface to
reflect ultrasound. A small object can be a better reflector
The typical range of sampling rates for normal operation is
than a large object if the small object has a harder surface.
between 1 Hz and 50 Hz. The maximum distance decreases as
the sample rate increases. At the default sample rate, the Motion • Remove any interfering objects near the target object or
Sensor can measure distances up to about 8 m, whereas at very sensor.
high sample rates (between 50 Hz and 250 Hz), the maximum • Increase or decrease the sample rate.
measurable distance is less than 2 m.

Equipment mounting Theory of operation

As shown in Figure 2, the Motion Sensor can be mounted on a The Motion Sensor uses an electrostatic transducer as both a
vertical rod (A) or a horizontal rod (B). Integrated clips also allow speaker and a microphone. For each sample, the transducer
it to be attached to the end of a dynamics track (C). transmits a burst of 16 ultrasonic pulses at a frequency of about
49 kHz. This burst of pulses can be heard as a single click. The
A threaded hole in the bottom of the unit (D) allows the sensor to ultrasonic pulses reflect off of an object and return to the sensor.
be attached to a Magnetic Bracket (PS-2546) (E), a Cart The target indicator on the sensor flashes when the transducer
Adapter (ME-6743) (F), or other 1/4-20 threaded mounting detects an echo.
devices like a camera tripod.

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 Product Guide | 012-09625C
Sound intensity decreases with distance. To compensate, the
sensor increases the gain of the receiver amplifier as it waits for Technical support
the echo. The increased gain allows the sensor to detect an Need more help? Our knowledgeable and friendly Technical
object up to 8 m away. The lower gain at the beginning of the Support staff is ready to answer your questions or walk you
cycle reduces the circuit’s sensitivity to echoes from false through any issues.
targets.
Chat pasco.com
The sensor measures the time between the trigger rising edge
and the echo rising edge. It then uses this time and the known Phone 1-800-772-8700 x1004 (USA)
speed of sound in air to calculate the distance to the object. To +1 916 462 8384 (outside USA)
determine velocity, the sensor uses consecutive position Email [email protected]
measurements to calculate the rate of change of position.
Similarly, it determines acceleration using consecutive velocity Regulatory information
measurements.
Limited warranty
For a description of the product warranty, see the Warranty and Returns page at
Software help www.pasco.com/legal.

The SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone Help provide additional Copyright

information on how to use this product with the software. You This document is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Permission is granted to non-
can access the help within the software or online. profit educational institutions for reproduction of any part of this manual, providing
the reproductions are used only in their laboratories and classrooms, and are not
SPARKvue sold for profit. Reproduction under any other circumstances, without the written
consent of PASCO scientific, is prohibited.
Software: Main Menu > Help
Trademarks
Online: help.pasco.com/sparkvue PASCO and PASCO scientific are trademarks or registered trademarks of PASCO
scientific, in the United States and in other countries. All other brands, products, or
PASCO Capstone service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to
identify, products or services of, their respective owners. For more information visit
Software: Help > PASCO Capstone Help www.pasco.com/legal.

Online: help.pasco.com/capstone Product end-of-life disposal

This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations
that vary by country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your
Specifications and accessories electronic equipment per your local environmental laws and regulations
to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects human health
Visit the product page at pasco.com/product/PS-2103A to view and the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste
the specifications and explore accessories. You can also equipment for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle or disposal
download experiment files and support documents from the service, or the place where you purchased the product. The European Union
WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) symbol on the product or its
product page. packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste
container.
Experiment files CE statement
Download one of several student-ready activities from the This device has been tested and found to comply with the essential requirements
and other relevant provisions of the applicable EU Directives.
PASCO Experiment Library. Experiments include editable
student handouts and teacher notes. Visit FCC statement
pasco.com/freelabs/PS-2103A. 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.