A Publication
for
Users of
Vernier Software Product

In This Issue:

Vernier LABPRO
CBL 2™
O₂ Sensor
Water Quality
DCU Contest
Lab View
Online store
Innovative Uses
Bits and Bytes

Go to past issues of
The Caliper

Return to
Vernier Home Page

The Caliper
A Publication for Users of Vernier Products

Q:   What are the differences between LabPro and the Universal Lab Interface?

A:   LabPro has all the features of our Universal Lab Interface (ULI) and many more. It features automatic sensor recognition with six independent channels—four analog and two digital. LabPro can be used with a computer, with a TI Graphing Calculator, or as a stand-alone data logger. When used with a computer, it can be connected to a serial or USB port. It collects data faster than our ULI and supports analog output. LabPro is also less expensive than the ULI!

Q:   How does LabPro compare to the Serial Box Interface?

A:   LabPro supports more data collection channels than the Serial Box—four analog channels instead of two. Not only can LabPro be used with a computer, but it is completely portable as well. It can be used in the field with a TI Graphing Calculator or as a stand-alone device. Unlike the Serial Box Interface, LabPro can collect radiation, motion detector, photogate, and sound data.

Q:   Can I use LabPro with a new Macintosh® computer, which does not have a modem port?

A:   Yes, you can connect LabPro directly to the USB port on your iMac™, iBook™, G3, or G4 Macintosh computer—you do not need a USB-to-serial adapter. If you are using a
Windows® 98 computer, you can use the USB port on your PC-compatible computer.

Q:   What computer software do I use with LabPro?

A:   Our award winning Logger Pro software supports the use of all our sensors with LabPro.

Q:   How is LabPro different from the new CBL 2?

A:   LabPro and CBL 2 are the result of a collaborative effort between Vernier Software and Texas Instruments. The interfaces share the same shape, cradle and overall look, but LabPro has more analog and digital ports. LabPro uses a 12-bit A/D converter, which means it has higher resolution than CBL 2. It also supports analog output. CBL™ and CBL 2 are primarily designed for use with TI graphing calculators. LabPro connects directly to either calculators or computers. (TI plans to support the use of CBL and CBL 2 with their TI Interactive! computer software and the TI-GRAPH LINK™ cable.)

Q:   How is LabPro different from the original CBL?

A:   LabPro connects directly to calculators or computers. It has the calculator program stored in Flash memory. With a single button press, the program is loaded into the graphing calculator. LabPro has more memory and it collects data faster. It has more analog and digital ports. It supports a wider range of sensors, including two Motion Detectors at the same time. LabPro also supports our new auto-ID sensors.

Q:   How do I take data remotely using LabPro?

A:   There are two ways to take data remotely—one method uses a calculator and the other does not. To take data with LabPro by itself, you simply attach your auto-id sensors and press the Quick Setup button. This prepares the unit to collect data. Then press the Start/Stop button to begin collecting data. Press the Start/Stop button to stop data collection. The second option is to connect LabPro to a TI Graphing Calculator and run the DataMate program. The LabPro System even includes a cradle that holds the calculator and LabPro together.

Q:   Can I use my old sensors with LabPro?

A:   Yes, LabPro uses the same connectors as the original CBL. Since almost all Vernier sensors have been compatible with CBL for years, this will not be a problem. If you have Vernier computer sensors with order codes that end in
“-DIN” or “-DG”, you will need adapters ($5.00 each).

Q:   What about curricular materials?

A:   We will have a complete series of new lab manuals for LabPro for chemistry, biology, physics, physical science, middle school science, and water quality.

Q:   What is included with the LabPro System?

A:   You will get everything you need to connect LabPro to a computer and a graphing calculator. This includes the LabPro interface, computer cables (both Windows and Macintosh, serial and USB), AC power supply, calculator link cable, DataMate calculator program, calculator cradle, user’s manual, and voltage sensor. (Logger Pro computer software is sold separately. As always, our software comes with a site license.)

Q:   How much does it cost and when can I get a LabPro?
A:   LabPro is $220. It will be shipping in March, 2000.