Force Plate (FP-BTA)
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
-Primary Test: Set the range switch, located on the same side of the force plate as the cable, to the 3500 N range. Reset the data-collection program by starting a new experiment file to access the appropriate calibration equation for the range setting. Does the plate read approximately zero? Choose Zero in software. Stand on the plate; using F=mg, does the reading make sense?
-Secondary Test: Changing the physical orientation of the sensor will change the reading when no force is applied. Reset the data-collection program or zero the sensor.

The most common failure mode is to have the plate not respond to changes in the force. This may be seen as a constant -1000N or +4000N reading when on the 3500 N range. If the force plate does not respond at all to a change in force, check that the range switch is moved all the way to the side on the 3500 N range, and not in the middle. If plate still does not respond, contact technical support.

It is common for the force plate to exhibit some hysteresis (on the order of a few newtons) after hard impacts.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES
What activities are available for the Force Plate?
My Force Plate reading does not change.
Can I use your equipment for a bridge-building contest?
How short an impulse can I measure with the Force Plate?
What does the Force Plate measure?
How do I repair a Force Plate?
How do I replace the cable on a Force Plate?
The force plate handle does not line up with the mounting holes in the force plate.
My Force Plate does not read correctly and it sounds like something is rattling inside.

SPECIFICATIONS
-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
-Minimum impulse duration for reliable data: 20 ms
-Dimensions: 28 cm by 32 cm by 5 cm

CALIBRATION
-Calibrate? No. The sensor is set to the stored calibration before shipping.
-If you wish to calibrate the sensor, you will conduct a two-point calibration. The first point is zero. Set the Force Plate on a level surface and remove all force from the Force Plate. Enter 0 (zero). Second point: apply a known force (known mass) to the Plate. To obtain a good calibration, the weight should be at least 25% of the range used for the plate (200 or 850 N). Enter the weight of the mass (note: 1 kg weighs 9.8 N). Be careful not to exceed the selected range setting during the calibration.

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
–Extra Force Plate Handles (FP-HAN)