The Force Plate includes one pair of handles. They can be attached either to the top or the bottom of the Force Plate. Do not step on the Force Plate when the handles are attached.

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.

LabQuest

Interface	LabQuest App
LabQuest 3	Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)	Full support

Computers

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis App for Computers	Logger Pro	Logger Lite
LabQuest Mini	Full support	Full support	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support	Full support	Incompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support	Full support	Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)	Full support 1	Full support	Full support 1
Go!Link	Full support	Full support	Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)	Full support	Full support	Full support
LabPro (discontinued)	Incompatible	Full support	Full support

Compatibility Notes

1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.

Chromebook

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis App for Chrome
LabQuest Mini	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)	Full support 1
Go!Link	Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)	Full support

Compatibility Notes

1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.

iOS

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis App for iOS	Graphical Analysis GW for iOS
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)	Full support	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support 1	Full support 1
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1	Full support 1

Compatibility Notes

1. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.

Android

	Software
Interface	Graphical Analysis App for Android	Graphical Analysis GW for Android	Google Science Journal
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)	Full support	Full support	Incompatible
LabQuest 3	Full support 1	Full support 1	Incompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support 1	Full support 1	Incompatible

Compatibility Notes

1. iOS and Android^™ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.

Arduino

	Software
Interface	Arduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface Shield	Full support

LabVIEW

	Software
Interface	NI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)	Full support
Vernier myDAQ Adapter	Full support 1
Go!Link	Full support
LabQuest Mini	Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)	Full support
LabQuest 3	Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)	Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)	Full support

Compatibility Notes

1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.

Texas Instruments

	Software
Interface	EasyData	DataMate	TI-84 SmartView	DataQuest	TI-Nspire Software
EasyLink	Full support 1	Incompatible	Full support 2	Full support	Full support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)	Full support 3	Full support 3 4	Incompatible	Incompatible	Incompatible
LabPro (discontinued)	Full support 3	Full support 3 4	Incompatible	Incompatible	Incompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)	Incompatible	Incompatible	Incompatible	Full support	Full support

Compatibility Notes

1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
4. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).
2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite, LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.

See the following link for additional connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/fp-bta

Zeroing the Sensor

In some situations you may want to zero the Force Plate, because changing the physical orientation of the sensor will change the reading when no force is applied. After you have set up your experiment, use your data-collection software to zero the sensor. Also, in the case of experiments involving large impact forces, you may need to zero the reading after one impact has taken place.

The Two Switch Settings – Resolution and Range

The Force Plate has a range switch located on the side of the plate, next to the cable exit. As with any instrument, there is a trade-off between resolution (the smallest force that can be measured) and the range of forces that can be measured. In general, you should use the 850 N range if you can. If the forces exceed 850 N, you will need to use the 3500 N range. In normal use, the resolution with the different switch settings when used with a LabPro or LabQuest will be 1.2 N for the –1000/+3500 N range and 0.3 N for the –200/+850 N range.

The Handles – Pushes and Pulls

The Force Plate includes two handles and four screws. You can attach the handles to either the top or bottom of the plate. Do not step on the Force Plate when the handles are attached. Threaded holes for the handles are available on the bottom. For use on the top, you must remove four screws. We recommend attaching the handles on the bottom of the Force Plate. You may find it helpful to loosen all the screws on the bottom before attaching the handles, and then tightening after the handle screws are started.

With handles in place, you can support the unit by hand for pushing on a wall or other large object, or you can attach an optional second pair of handles for pulling experiments (order code FP-HAN). Note: the maximum force in extension is much less than the maximum force in compression.

Optional Calibration Procedure

For most experiments, you do not have to calibrate the Force Plate. A stored calibration is used when the software is started. Select the desired range of the sensor, and then start the data-collection program.

If you want to improve the calibration, it is easy to recalibrate following the same procedure used in calibrating most Vernier probes—a two-point calibration. One point is your zero, with no force applied to the sensor. Set the Force Plate on a level surface. Select the calibration option of the program you are using and remove all force from the Force Plate. Enter 0 (zero) as the first known intensity. Now apply a known force to the Plate. The easiest way to do this is to put an object of known weight on the Plate. The weight should be at least 25% of the range used for the plate (200 or 850 N); for example, exercise weights could be used. Enter the weight of the mass (Note: 1 kg weighs 9.8 N). Do not exceed the selected range setting during the calibration.

Calibrations are usually retained only for the current session. Restarting the software, opening a new file, or choosing New from the File menu will reset the calibration to the default calibration. To retain calibrations across sessions, consult the instructions or help files appropriate to your software. See also www.vernier.com/til/2342/

• For instructions for Force Plate calibration using Logger Pro computer software, see www.vernier.com/til/2341
• For instructions for Force Plate calibration using LabQuest App, see www.vernier.com/til/3394
• For instructions for Force Plate calibration using Graphical Analysis with a Chromebook, see www.vernier.com/til/3631
• For instructions for Force Plate calibration using Graphical Analysis with an iOS or Android device, see www.vernier.com/til/3630

Force range	–850 to +3500 N or –200 to +850 N, where positive value is a compression force
Maximum non-damaging force	4500 N (1000 lb) compression or 900 N (200 lb) pull evenly distributed
12-bit resolution	1.2 N or 0.3 N
10-bit resolution	4.8 N or 1.2 N
Dimensions	28 cm by 32 cm by 5 cm
Calibration function	Slope (gain): 1000 N/V or 250 N/V Intercept (offset): –1000 N or –250 N Force = Vout* 1000 N/V – 1000 N (3500 N range) Force = Vout* 250 N/V – 250 N (850 N range)

Do not wrap the cable tightly around the Force Plate for storage. Repeatedly doing so can irreparably damage the wires and is not covered under warranty.

• Analyze a crouched jump. Start with knees bent, hands on hips. Do NOT lower your body further; jump up only. Do not move arms. This very artificial jump is easier to analyze than a natural jump.
  1. Use the impulse of the force to find the change in momentum; find the jumper’s velocity at take-off to estimate the jump height.
  2. Use the flight and kinematics to find the jump height.
  3. From the force vs. time graph, determine an acceleration vs. time graph. Integrate to find velocity and position vs. time graphs. Construct a plot of force vs. position, and use that to determine the work done on the jumper’s center of mass by the floor. Since that work shows up as kinetic energy, use the energy to find the velocity at take-off.

• Repeat the above analysis for a natural jump, beginning with standing straight, crouching down, and then jumping. You will be able to jump higher this way, but the analysis will be more complex.
• Investigate the forces involved during the technique known as “unweighting” during ski or snowboard turns. Can you easily cut your apparent weight?
• Take the Force Plate on an elevator ride. Stand on the Force Plate, and record the force of the elevator floor on your feet as a function of time. Explain. Can you determine the speed of the elevator from the data?

1. R. Cross, “Standing, Walking, Running, and Jumping on a Force Plate,” Am. J. Phys, 67(4), 304-309 (1999).
2. N.P. Linthorne, “Analysis of Standing Vertical Jumps Using a Force Platform,” Am. J. Phys. 69(11), 1198-1204 (2001).
3. Haugland, “Physics Measurements for Sports,” Phys. Teach. 39. 350–353 (Sept. 2001).

For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/1416

If you have watched the related product video(s), followed the troubleshooting steps, and are still having trouble with your Vernier Force Plate, 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.

Item	Order Code
Force Plate Handles	FP-HAN

Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the customer. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse or improper use. This warranty covers educational institutions only.

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.

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