Go Direct® Electrode Amplifier User Manual
Order Code: GDX-EA
Use our Go Direct Electrode Amplifier to collect data with almost any electrode that has a BNC connector. This includes electrodes from Vernier, such as our pH electrodes, ion-selective electrodes (ISE), or oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) electrode. The Go Direct Electrode Amplifier can produce an output in mV, pH (when using a pH electrode).
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 Electrode Amplifier
- Micro USB Cable
Compatible Software
Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements.LabQuest
Interface LabQuest App LabQuest 3 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 LabQuest (discontinued) Incompatible Compatibility Notes
Computers
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support 1 2 LabQuest 3 Full support 1 3 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 3 4 Compatibility Notes
Chromebook
Software Interface Graphical Analysis No interface required Full support 1 LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 Compatibility Notes
iOS
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW No interface required Full support 1 Full support 1 LabQuest 3 Full support 1 2 3 Full support 1 2 3 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 2 3 4 Full support 1 2 3 4 Compatibility Notes
Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW Google Science Journal No interface required Full support 1 Incompatible 1 Full support 1 2 LabQuest 3 Full support 3 4 Full support 1 3 Incompatible LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 3 4 5 Full support 1 3 5 Incompatible Compatibility Notes
Python
Software Interface Python No interface required Full support Javascript
Software Interface Javascript No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
LabVIEW
Software Interface NI LabVIEW No interface required Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Getting Started
Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:
Bluetooth Connection |
USB Connection |
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Charging the Sensor
Connect the Go Direct Electrode Amplifier to the included USB micro cable and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Electrode Amplifiers using our Go Direct Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG).
Charging |
Blue LED is on steady while sensor is connected to the Charging Cable or Charge Station. |
Fully charged |
Blue LED is off when charging is complete. |
Powering the Sensor
Turning on the sensor |
Press button once. Red LED indicator flashes when 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 stops flashing when sleeping. |
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect | Red LED flashes when sensor is awake and ready to connect. |
Connected | Green LED flashes when sensor is connected via Bluetooth. |
Connecting via USB
Connected and charging | Blue and Green LEDs are solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and unit is charging. (Green LED is obscured by the blue one.) |
Connected, fully charged | Green LED is solid when sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via USB and the unit is fully charged. |
Charging via USB, connected via Bluetooth |
Blue LED is solid and green LED is flashing, but the green flashing LED looks white because it is overwhelmed by the blue. |
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user manual.
Channels
Go Direct Electrode Amplifier has two measurement channels:
- Potential
- pH
Calibration
If a pH electrode is attached, a two-point calibration is recommended for the most accurate results. It is a simple process that takes only a few minutes. For additional calibration information, see www.vernier.com/til/4011
In order to calibrate a pH electrode/electrode amplifier combination, or to confirm that a saved pH calibration is accurate, you should have a supply of pH buffer solutions that cover the range of the pH values you will be measuring. For more information about pH buffer solutions, including recipes for preparation, see www.vernier.com/til/3625
Once you have calibrated a Go Direct sensor, the calibration is automatically stored to the sensor and will be used each time you connect to your device. You can always choose to restore factory defaults if you feel the custom calibration is invalid.
If an ORP or ion-selective electrode is connected and you are measuring potential, calibration is not required. Calibration is disabled in this mode to ensure the best results.
Specifications
Range |
–1000 mV to +1000 mV |
Resolution |
0.01 mV |
USB specification |
2.0 |
Wireless specification |
Bluetooth 4.2 |
Maximum wireless range |
30 m |
Dimensions |
8.5 cm × 3.5 cm × 1.75 cm |
Battery |
300 mA Li-Poly |
Battery life (single full charge) |
~24 hours |
Battery life (long term) |
~500 full charge cycles (several years depending on usage) |
Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct Electrode Amplifier contains a small lithium-ion battery in the handle. 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 Go Direct Electrode Amplifier for extended periods of time, put the device in sleep mode by holding the power 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
Go Direct Electrode Amplifier 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 Electrode Amplifier is a circuit that allows the voltage output of the electrode to be monitored. The electrode is connected to the BNC connector on one end of the amplifier.
Go Direct Electrode Amplifier will default to report values in units of pH. If an ORP or ISE electrode is attached, however, you can choose to read in units of mV. For additional information, see www.vernier.com/til/3984
Troubleshooting
For troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/3858
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Go Direct Electrode Amplifier, 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 |
---|---|
GDX-PH-BNC |
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GDX-ORP-BNC |
|
GDX-FPH-BNC |
|
GDX-GPH-BNC |
|
GDX-K-BNC |
|
GDX-NO3-BNC |
|
GDX-NH4-BNC |
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GDX-CL-BNC |
|
GDX-CA-BNC |
|
CB-USB-MICRO |
|
Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery |
GDX-BAT-300 |
USB-C to Micro USB Cable |
CB-USB-C-MICRO |
Warranty
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.
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.