Low-g Accelerometer Troubleshooting and FAQs

Low-g Accelerometer, order code LGA-BTA, $89
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING

-Primary Test: Point the sensor arrow upward and hold sensor motionless; reading should be approximately 9.8 m/s^2. Point arrow downward; reading should be approximately -9.8 m/s^2.
-Secondary Test: Make sure that the line marked by the arrow on the label of the sensor is positioned parallel to the direction of intended acceleration measurement.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES

-TIL 677: What is the difference between your accelerometers?
-TIL 1153: What can I do to reduce the error in Physics with Computers Experiment 9, Newton‘s 2nd Law?
-TIL 1854: My accelerometer shows up as a Current Probe on LabQuest.

SPECIFICATIONS

-new order code: LGA-BTA
-old order code: LGA-DIN
-Power: 30 mA @ 5VDC
-For each axis: Range: +/-50 m/ss (+/-5g); Accuracy: +/-0.5 m/ss (+/- 0.05g); Frequency Response: 0 to 100 Hz

CALIBRATION

-Calibrate? Usually, no. The sensor is individually calibrated before shipping.
-For many experiments, you may use the stored calibration and zero the sensor before collecting data.
-Perform a two-point calibration. First point: position the sensor with the arrow pointing down and held motionless, and define this reading as -9.8 m/s^2 or -1 g. Second point: rotate the sensor so that the arrow points up and define this reading as +9.8 m/s^2 or +1 g.

Zero the accelerometer in the orientation to be used.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS

Data Vest, order code DV, $34
25-g Accelerometer, order code ACC-BTA, $92
3-Axis Accelerometer, order code 3D-BTA, $99