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Digital Control Unit

Digital Control Unit

Digital Control Unit

$69.00

The Digital Control Unit (DCU) makes it easy to use the digital output lines of an interface to control DC electrical devices.

ORDER CODE: DCU-BTD Category
Education Levels
Subjects
Categories

Including a DCU with your standard Vernier sensors provides a perfect way to implement Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in the classroom. The engaging quality of DCU projects will appeal to students who may not necessarily be drawn to engineering or computer programming. In addition, DCU projects can be simple and fast enough to easily integrate into your sensor-based science curriculum. For those students wanting more, the DCU can be used to create fun, sensor-based projects such as a motion-controlled drinking fountain or an automated blood pressure cuff.

Controlling an electrical device is easy with the DCU and Logger Pro software or using your LabQuest 2 (version 2.7 or newer). The DCU connects to a Vernier interface the same way a digital sensor does; just connect it to a digital port (an LED on the DCU will provide feedback that it is properly connected). There are two easy ways to connect your electrical device to the DCU; connect your electrical device to the DCU header pins or screw the electrical device’s wires into the DCU’s screw terminal. Once the electrical device is attached to the DCU, an external power supply, such as the LabQuest or LabPro power supply (not included), is required to power the device. Start Logger Pro and start using your DCU to run a low-cost STEM activity from simple DC electronic components.

The DCU can also be connected to a Vernier SensorDAQ, National Instruments’ myDAQ, or Arduino.

Specifications

  • Output lines: 6 (a total of 3 lines with independent control)
  • Max output current per line: 600 mA
  • Input supply voltage: 4 -12 V
  • Output voltage: Set by input supply voltage

Experiments

High School (10 experiments)
College (10 experiments)

Requirements

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Incompatible
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger Pro
LabQuest MiniIncompatibleFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)IncompatibleFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)IncompatibleFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Full support of this sensor is only available when LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing. This sensor is not supported when used with a LabQuest connected via USB to a computer or Chromebook.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest 3Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. Full support of this sensor is only available when LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing. This sensor is not supported when used with a LabQuest connected via USB to a computer or Chromebook.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest 3Full support 1Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMate
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2Full support 1 2 3
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 1 2Full support 1 2 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  2. Requires user-defined programs
  3. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

What's Included

  • Vernier Digital Control Unit

Accessories

AccessoryOrder CodePriceQuantity
Digital Control Unit Power Output KitDCU-POP$35.00
DCU Terminal Plug KitDCU-PLUG$39.00
Power Supply for LabPro, WDSS, and Stir StationIPS$12.00

Support

Educational use only: Vernier products are designed for educational use. They are not appropriate for industrial, medical, or commercial applications.

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