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Go Direct® Hand Dynamometer User Manual

Order Code: GDX-HD

Go Direct Hand Dynamometer can be used to measure grip and pinch strength and to perform muscle fatigue studies. This sensor connects directly to student devices via Bluetooth® wireless technology or USB. Students can correlate muscle strength and fatigue when they pair Go Direct Hand Dynamometer and Go Direct EKG.

Go Direct Hand Dynamometer can be used in a variety of experiments:

  • Observe the effect of a conscious effort to overcome fatigue on hand grip strength.
  • Correlate grip strength with arm circumference or height.
  • Correlate measurements of grip strength and electrical activity with muscle fatigue.
  • Evaluate grip strength and different limb positions.

Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.

What's Included

  • Go Direct Hand Dynamometer
  • Micro USB Cable

Compatible Software

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1
LabQuest (discontinued)Incompatible

Compatibility Notes

  1. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
No interface requiredFull support 1
LabQuest 3Full support 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 2 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. For Bluetooth® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0+ radio.
  2. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
  3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
No interface requiredFull support
LabQuest 3Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results. Alternatively, this sensor is fully supported when used with LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 when the LabQuest is connected to a computer or Chromebook via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
No interface requiredFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1 2Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2 3Full support 1 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results.
  3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
No interface requiredFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 3Full support 1 2Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 1 2 3Full support 1 3

Compatibility Notes

  1. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
  2. Connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth® connection for best results.
  3. Wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.
Python
Software
InterfacePython
No interface requiredFull support
Javascript
Software
InterfaceJavascript
No interface requiredFull support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. A wireless Bluetooth® connection can be made with Go Direct sensors on any platform running a browser with WebBluetooth support. However, only a few operating systems have been tested and testing has been limited.
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
No interface requiredFull support 1

Compatibility Notes

  1. For Bluetooth® connectivity, only computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS X 10.10 or newer are supported. The computer must also have a compatible Bluetooth 4.0+ radio.

Quick Start: Vernier Graphical Analysis® and Bluetooth®

  1. Charge your sensor for at least 2 hours before first use.
  2. Turn on your sensor. The LED will blink red.
  3. Launch Graphical Analysis, then click Sensor Data Collection.
  4. Select your sensor from the list. The sensor ID is located on the sensor label near the bar code. Note: If you don’t see a list of available sensors, click WIRELESS. After selecting your sensor, click Pair.
  5. This is a multi-channel sensor. Click SENSOR CHANNELS and select the channel(s) you want to use.
  6. Click DONE. You are now ready to collect data.

Using other Vernier data-collection apps or want to connect via USB?

Visit www.vernier.com/start-go-direct

Note: This sensor also works with LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3; it does not work with the original LabQuest.

Charging the Sensor

Connect Go Direct Hand Dynamometer to the included USB Charging Cable and any USB device for two hours.

You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Hand Dynamometer Sensors using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each Go Direct Hand Dynamometer indicates charging status.

Charging

Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid while the sensor is charging.

Fully charged

Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is fully charged.

Powering the Sensor

Turning on the sensor

Press button once. Red LED indicator next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when the unit is on.

Putting the sensor in sleep mode

Press and hold button for more than three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED indicator next to Bluetooth icon stops flashing when sleeping.

Connecting the Sensor

See the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-hd

Connecting via Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Ready to connect Red LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect.
Connected Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Connecting via USB

Connected and charging Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is charging. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off.
Connected, fully charged Green LED next to the battery icon is solid when the sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is off.
Charging via USB,
connected via Bluetooth
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when sensor is connected to charger via USB and the unit is charging. Green LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Identifying the Sensor

When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.

  • To assess grip strength, hold the sensor in a vertical position so that the fingers and palm of the hand make contact with the sensor pads. Squeeze the sensor so that force is applied to the pads.
  • To assess pinch strength, hold the sensor in one hand by the case avoiding contact with the pads. Using your thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, place each on the opposing pinch pads and squeeze.
  • If the default experiment duration is too long for your experiment, change the data-collection parameters in the program you are using.

Channels

Go Direct Hand Dynamometer has seven measurement channels. The channel names are

  • Force
  • X-axis acceleration
  • Y-axis acceleration
  • Z-axis acceleration
  • X-axis gyro
  • Y-axis gyro
  • Z-axis gyro

Force

The default channel that is active when the sensor is connected is Force. The force channel measures force applied to the hand or finger grips along the body of the sensor.

Acceleration

There are three acceleration channels, measured by a single chip. An icon on the sensor shows the positive direction for each axis. Each direction of acceleration can be measured separately.

If you choose to activate all three acceleration channels at once, you can create a calculated column for the total acceleration magnitude.

Gyroscope

Use the gyroscope channels to measure the rotation rate of the unit. If you choose to activate all three gyroscope channels at once, you can create a calculated column for the total magnitude of angular velocity.

Calibrating the Sensor

You should not have to perform a new calibration when using Go Direct Hand Dynamometer. We have set the sensor to match our stored calibration before shipping it. You can simply use the appropriate calibration value that is stored in the data-collection program.

Zeroing the Sensor

If the sensor does not read zero in the orientation in which you are using it, follow the standard zeroing procedure for the data-collection program you are using. For additional information, see www.vernier.com/til/4311

Specifications

Maximum sampling rate

10 samples/s

Resolution

0.1 N

Safety range (maximum force without damage to the sensor)

0 to 850 N

Operational range

0 to 600 N

USB specification

2.0

Wireless specification

Bluetooth 4.2

Maximum wireless range

30 m (unobstructed)

Battery

300 mA Li-Poly Rechargeable

Care and Maintenance

Battery Information

The Go Direct Hand Dynamometer contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier (order code: GDX-BAT-300).

Storage and Maintenance

To store the Go Direct Hand Dynamometer for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage, charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.

Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.

Water Resistance

Important: Go Direct Hand Dynamometer is not water resistant and should never be immersed in water.

If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an external heat source.

How the Sensor Works

Go Direct Hand Dynamometer is a strain-gauge based isometric force sensor. This sensor amplifies the force applied converting it into a digital signal. Go Direct Hand Dynamometer reports values in newtons (N), pounds (lb), or kilograms (kg).

Troubleshooting

Connect the sensor to the Graphical Analysis 4 app and try the following:

  • If the sensor does not read zero in the orientation in which you are using it, follow the standard zeroing procedure for the data-collection program you are using.

For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, including the standard zeroing procedure, see www.vernier.com/til/4311

Repair Information

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Hand Dynamometer, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.

Accessories/Replacements

Item Order Code

Micro USB Cable

CB-USB-MICRO

USB-C to Micro USB Cable

CB-USB-C-MICRO

Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery

GDX-BAT-300

Warranty

Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/gdx-hd/#support

General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty

Disposal

When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly, you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local city office or your disposal service.

Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org

Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.

The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of in a standard waste container.

Contact Support

Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.

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