Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1961

Question

How can I update to new Vernier equiment and still make use of my old Vernier equipment?

Answer

Below you will find a list of things to consider when upgrading your equipment. Each situation is different. If you need help figuring out which options best fit your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail, phone, or fax.

1. Sensors - Most older sensors can be used with our current lab interfaces, almost without exception, by connecting them with a $5 adapter. Many older Vernier sensors have a 5-Pin DIN connector. These sensors can be adapted to newer interfaces with the following adapter:
DIN to BTA Adapter, order code DIN-BTA, $5.00

There are some exceptions to this rule, including older Motion Detectors, Photogates, Radiation Monitors, which have other types of connectors and require a different adapter or a replacement cable. We can help you determine which adapters you need, or you can use our Adapter Wizard at:
http://www.vernier.com/adapters/

You can purchase one adapter for each sensor, OR, you can save money and purchase one or two adapters per interface, using them with different sensors at different times.

2. Lab Interfaces - If you have newer computers with USB ports rather than serial ports, or you are converting from CBL (TI Calculator-Based Lab) or CBL 2, you will probably need to update to one of our USB interfaces. There are several options. Choose the one that best matches your data-collection needs:

a. Go!Link, order code GO-LINK, $61.00. This is our least expensive interface. It is easy to use, is powered by the USB port, and very convenient. There are some restrictions to keep in mind: It only supports 45 of our analog sensors, (all sensors with order codes ending in �BTA, except the Microphone), only allows for one sensor to be used at a time, and only collects up to 200 samples/s. Note: If you want to collect Motion data, you can purchase a Go!Motion, order code GO-MOT, $99.00, which will connect directly to a USB port.

b. LabPro Interface, order code LABPRO, $220.00. This interface connects to the USB port on a computer or it can be used to collect data with most TI calculators. The LabPro can collect up to 50,000 samples/s and has 4 analog and 2 digital ports (can be used with ALL Vernier sensors).

c. Vernier LabQuest, order code LABQ, $329.00. This is our state-of-the-art product. It can connect to a computer via USB, but also has a built-in color touch screen and software so it can be used as a stand-alone device. If you have a shortage of computers, LabQuest is a great solution, as no third party device is needed. It can collect up to 100,000 samples/s, and has 4 analog and 2 digital ports (can be used with ALL Vernier sensors except WDSS).

A newer interface is often the best choice, and in many cases it is also more economical than adding a serial port to your new computer. For more detail on this route, see: TIL 595: How do I connect my ULI to a Windows computer that does not have a serial port?

3. Software - If you already own older serial interfaces, such as the ULI or Serial Box Interface, then you might have an older copy of Logger Pro software (most likely Logger Pro 2.x). Unfortunately, ULIs and Serial Boxes do not work with Logger Pro 3 or newer. If you update to newer interfaces, you can upgrade to the latest version of the software by paying an upgrade fee. The software license is good for every computer in the school or college department, PLUS students' personal computers. The order code information is:
Upgrade to Logger Pro 3, order code ULP, $70.00

Keep in mind that it is possible that someone in your school (or university department) has already purchased Logger Pro 3. If you fall under the site license for their purchase, you can update for free using their CD. If you are not sure if someone else has the updated version, ask us and we can check our records.

4. Books - Any older lab books can be used with newer equipment, IF you update the CDs that came with them. For example, if you had a copy of Chemistry with Computers, we can send you a free copy of the latest CD. The latest CD includes the updated Word files for every experiment in the current version of the book. You can continue to use the older paper copy of the book as a reference because Teacher Information sections have very few changes. Just tell us which book(s) you have, and we will send the correct CDs. To see free PDF downloads of the updated labs, or to purchase a new printed copy, please visit:
http://www.vernier.com/cmat/

Created by: dholmquist on March 10 2009
Last updated by: jhopkins on June 15 2009