What is the best way to arrange the Dual Range Force Sensor and PASCO masses on the same dynamics cart?

In 2003, we introduced a mass that is designed to fit onto a PASCO dynamics cart the same time as a Dual Range Force Sensor. This is the preferred way to attach a mass to the PASCO track. Mass for Dynamics Cart, order code MASS, $12

There is a bracket available, Adapter for Pasco Cart, order code PCA-DFS, $4, for attaching a Dual-Range Force Sensor, order code DFS-BTA, $109 to a PASCO cart. This is the preferred way to attach the DFS to a PASCO cart.

Here are three other ideas for placing masses (standard size masses or PASCO weight bars) on a dynamics cart fitted with a Dual-Range Force Sensor:

1. Place two Pasco weight bars on the cart, placed at about a 30-degree angle from the horizon with one end of the masses on the bottom of the cart and the middle of the masses resting on the top edge of the force sensor. This orientation is pretty stable unless the collisions are rather violent. If so, a little tape may be neccessary.

2. Velcro can be used in one of two ways:
a. Attach the Pasco weight bars to the top of the force sensor.
b. Attach a standard mass to the cart. Place the mass between the screw head of the force sensor and the end of the cart.

3. Place a standard mass, from a weight set, on the cart between the screw head of the force sensor and the end of the cart. Wedge the mass in rather than using Velcro or tape. With 1000-g masses, at least the ones from OHaus, this works very well. With 500g masses, it is more difficult.