Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #661

Question

Can I use older sensors with LabPro or other new interfaces?

Answer

In general, older sensors from ULIs and Serial Boxes can be used with new interfaces using an adapter that costs $5.

For a complete guide to which adapters are needed for which sensors, please use our online adapter picker at:
http://www.vernier.com/adapters

If you prefer to view the list of adapters as a chart, please visit:
http://www.vernier.com/adapters/list.html

ANALOG SENORS:
There are adapters to go from BTA to DIN and the reverse. These adapters are:

DIN to BTA Adapter, order code DIN-BTA, $5.00 for connecting a sensor with a DIN plug to a BTA socket. This adapter used to be called CBL-DIN and many people have them.
BTA to DIN Adapter, order code BTA-DIN, $5.00 for connecting a sensor with a BTA plug to a DIN port.

DIGITAL SENSORS:
Photogates-

VPG-DG photogates with original CBL require a CBL-P or CBL-2P adapter in CH1.
VPG-DG photogates with LabPro/CBL 2 require a PG-BTD cable or DG-BTD adapter.
Homemade Vernier Photogates with CBL require a CBL-P or CBL-2P adapter in CH1.
Homemade Vernier Photogates with LabPro/CBL 2 require HMP-BTD.
Pasco photogates with LED and no detachable cable require DG-BTD adapter with LabPro/CBL 2.
Old Pasco photogates with no LED and no detachable cable cannot be used with LabPro/CBL 2, even if you use HMP-BTD. It CAN be used with an original CBL.

Heat Pulser-
For LabPro/CBL 2, order the new Heat Pulser, HP-BTD.
Original Heat Pulser (HP) cannot be used with LabPro/CBL 2, but can be sent in to be adapted. There is no charge, but it is necessary to buy a CBL-RJ11 adapter.

Radiation and Student Radiation Monitor-
SRM-DG with CBL requires CBL-P adapter in CBL (CH 1). (The CBL-2P adapter will also work.)
SRM-DG with LabPro/CBL 2 uses RAD-BTD cable, or DG-BTD adapter.
RM-DG with CBL requires CBL-P adapter in CBL (CH 1). (The CBL-2P adapter will also work.)
RM-DG with LabPro/CBL 2 uses RAD-BTD cable, or DG-BTD adapter.

Rotary Motion Sensor-
Rotary Motion Sensor does not work with original CBL.
RM-ULI has RJ11(phone plug) connector and connects to Port 1 on the ULI.
RM-ULI requires ROT-BTD adapter for use with LabPro/CBL 2.

Motion Detectors-
Old ULI Motion Detectors (dark blue, no detachable cable) with RJ11 connector needs CBL-RJ11 adapter for use with CBL/CBL2/LabPro.
MPLI Motion Detector needs CBL-8MD adapter for CBL/CBL2/LabPro.
Motion Detectors with a pivoting head require CBL-MDC cable for CBL/CBL2/LabPro.
Motion Detectors with a pivoting head require ULI-MDC cable for ULI.
Motion Detectors with a pivoting head require M-MDC cable for MPLI.

Created by: dvernier on April 05 2000
Last updated by: jhopkins on September 11 2006