Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1952

Question

Can I use your BTA sensors with a different A-to-D converter?

Answer

Our analog (BTA) sensors are normally used with our inexpensive and easy to use interfaces. There are many options, see: http://www.vernier.com/mbl/ . In those cases, you just plug in the sensor, use our software, the sensor is automatically calibrated, and you start taking data. If you want to write your own software, but use our analog sensors, the easiest way to do it is to use one of our interfaces, and start with the sample code at http://www.vernier.com/diy . This is made especially easy if you use LabVIEW.

If you want to use one of our sensors with a different analog-to-digital converter, you can probably do it, but it will be a lot more work. Our BTA sensors produce a voltage output, usually in the range of 0 to 5 volts. You need to deal with several issues:

- Making the connection: We use BTA connectors. The pinout is at http://www.vernier.com/probes/specs/pinout.html . The Analog Proto Board Connector, order code BTA-ELV, $10.00 might help you make the connections.

- Supplying power: All our sensors require +5 Volt power supply.

- Calibration: Most of our sensor are linear in calibration (voltage vs signal), so calibration should be fairly easy. Exceptions are the Stainless-Steel Temperature Sensor and the Surface Temperature Sensor (both of which use Steinhart-Hart calibration curves), Ion Selective Electrodes, and Wide-Range Temperature Sensor. Calibration details for all sensors are listed in the printed booklet that comes with each sensor or can be downloaded form each sensor's web page.

Created by: dvernier on February 18 2009
Last updated by: jhopkins on February 18 2009