Photogate Troubleshooting and FAQs

Photogate, order code VPG-BTD, $45
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING

-Primary Test: Is the shutter positioned properly? A mechanical shutter is used to block the internal gate, switching the device to laser gate mode.
-Secondary Test: Connect the photogate to a LabPro and run the data collection program. On the main screen, confirm that blocking and unblocking the gate is working OK by using your hand to block the gate.
-If the photogate is not working with your picket fence, make sure that the protective plastic covering the picket fence has been removed.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES

-TIL 1623: How do I set up photogates for data collection?
-TIL 2667: Can I use Photogates with TI calculators?
-TIL 1141: How does Logger Pro calculate velocity and acceleration from photogate data?
-TIL 1360: Why does my photogate not respond to block/unblock events?
-TIL 1279: What are the specifications of the cable for the Vernier Photogate?
-TIL 696: Does the Pasco ME-6810 Time of Flight Accessory work with ULI, LabPro, and LabQuest?
-TIL 1658: My photogates won't work when daisy-chained.
-TIL 2120: How can I collect data from a photogate and a motion detector data at the same time in Logger Pro?
-TIL 1467: What is the timing precision of photogate measurements in LabPro or LabQuest?
-TIL 1596: Why do I get no photogate data when also using an analog sensor?
-TIL 2620: What nut size will work the the accessory rod that comes with the Photogate and Dual-Range Force Probe?
-TIL 2698: Why does my data table have holes (empty cells) in it?

Vernier Photogate with Picket Fence:
-TIL 2311: How can I use a Vernier Photogate to measure g?
-TIL 2275: How can I compare my g measurements to a local value and improve their accuracy?
-TIL 2312: Why does my Vernier Photogate record a really high velocity at the beginning of a trial with the picket fence?
-TIL 2074: Why is my picket fence blue and black instead of clear and black?
-TIL 2313: How do I measure motion with the Vernier Cart Picket Fence?
-TIL 2210: Does the Pasco picket fence work the same as the Vernier picket fence?
-TIL 2170: What are the dimensions of the cart picket fence?

Public List of TIL Entries for VPG-BTD

SPECIFICATIONS

-new order code: VPG-BTD
-old order code: VPG-DG (ULI only)
-Power requirements: 5 VDC at 40 mA
-Infrared source: Peak at 880 nm
-Output is high and LED off for unblocked gate
-Output is low and LED on for blocked gate

CALIBRATION

It is not necessary to calibrate this sensor.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS

Ultra Pulley Attachment, order code SPA, $24
Picket Fence, order code PF, $7
Bar Tape, order code TAPE, $5
Laser Pointer, order code LASER, $19
Laser Pointer Stand, order code STAND, $14