Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1428

Differential Voltage Probe Troubleshooting and FAQs

Differential Voltage Probe, order code DVP-BTA, $39.00
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
-Primary Test: Are the leads properly and securely connected? The probe is designed to be used like voltmeter leads. It should be placed across a circuit element.
-Secondary Test: When measuring DC voltages with power supplies, some power supplies do not provide a steady DC signal. If the sensor voltage is fluctuating, try DC source such as a battery. If the sensor reading is correct, the problem may be the power supply.
- Third test: Is the output appropriate? The differential input range is -6 volts to +6 volts. Over-voltage protection is provided so that slightly higher voltages will not damage the sensor. You should NEVER use high voltages or household AC with these probes.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES
-TIL 1026: The readings from my Current and/or Voltage Probe are erratic, but if I measure the voltage with a multimeter instead, I get a solid reading. What is wrong with my sensor?
-TIL 1076: What is the difference between a Differential Voltage Probe and the simple LabPro voltage probe?
-TIL 1351: What is the overvoltage protection on the Differential Voltage Probe and Current Probe?
-TIL 1230: What is the accuracy of a DVP-BTA voltage probe?
-TIL 1972: How do I measure voltages larger than 6 (or 10) volts?
-TIL 2031: Is it possible to use VP-BTA when doing an Ohm's Law-type of experiment, or is the differential probe required?

SPECIFICATIONS
-new order code: DVP-BTA
-old order code: (use CV-DIN)
-Differential Voltage Probe input voltage range: � 6.0V
-Maximum voltage on any input: �10 V
-Input Impedance (to ground): 10 M
-Differential Impedance : >20 M
-Linearity: 0.01%
-Resolution, 12-bit (LabPro, ULI II, SBI): 3.1 mV
-Resolution, 10-bit (ULI, CBL, CBL 2): 12.5 mV
-Supply voltage: 5 VDC
-Supply current (typical): 9 mA
-Output voltage range: 0 - 5 V
-Transfer function: Vo = -0.4 (V+ - V-) + 2.5

CALIBRATION
-Calibrate? No. The sensor is set to the stored calibration before shipping.
-If you wish to calibrate the sensor, you will conduct a two-point calibration. Refer to the sensor booklet, page 3, for detailed instructions.
-You may also zero the sensor before collecting data, as an alternative to calibration. This is done by shorting out the leads of the sensor, then choosing the Zero option in the data-collection software. This option adjusts the calibration offset but does not adjust the calibration gain.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
-Current & Voltage Probe System, order code CV-DIN, **PRICE NOT AVAILABLE**

Created by: jrandall on May 07 2005
Last updated by: jhopkins on July 14 2009