Follow these steps to use the Vernier Projectile Launcher:
Vernier Projectile Launcher (VPL)

  1. Place the launcher on a flat surface and secure using table clamps.
  2. Level the launcher and adjust the launch angle indicator if necessary.
    For detailed instructions, see page 5 of the Specifications and User Guide.
  3. Connect the hand pump to the launcher.
  4. Connect the launcher to a Vernier interface using the included photogate cable.
    If you are not using an interface, you need to connect a LabQuest® Power Supply (LQ3-PS) (not included) to the power port.
  5. Set the desired launch angle.
  6. Set the release pressure by adjusting the range knob.
    Turn the knob clockwise for higher pressure and higher muzzle velocity
    Turn the knob counter-clockwise for lower pressure and lower muzzle velocity
  7. Insert one steel ball into the barrel.
  8. Pump the hand pump until the pressure stabilizes.
    (You should hear a small release sound when that pressure is reached.)
  9. Press and hold the arm button then launch to projectile.
  10. Observe range of ball position wax tape along line of sight for subsequent data collection. see Specifications and User Guide for more detailed instructions and suggested experiments.

Follow these steps to use the Go Direct Projectile Launcher:
Go Direct® Projectile Launcher (GDX-PL)

  1. Place the launcher on a flat surface and secure using table clamps.
  2. Connect the hand pump to the launcher.
  3. Connect the launcher to a USB outlet, USB brick, or USB port on a device.
  4. Launch the Graphical Analysis 4 software or LabQuest 2 App and connect to the sensor.
    If the sensor is connected to your device via USB, the software will automatically connect to the sensor.
  5. Set the desired launch angle.
  6. Set the release pressure by adjusting the range knob.
    Turn the knob clockwise for higher pressure and higher muzzle velocity
    Turn the knob counter-clockwise for lower pressure and lower muzzle velocity
  7. Insert one steel ball into the barrel.
  8. Pump the hand pump until the pressure stabilizes.
    You should hear a small release sound when that pressure is reached.
  9. Press and hold the Arm button and then press the Launch button to launch the projectile.
  10. Observe the range of the ball and position the wax tape along the line of sight for subsequent data collection.

See the Specifications and User Guide for more detailed instructions and suggested experiments.

Troubleshooting
Why don't I get consistent launch speeds with my projectile launcher?
The projectiles for the Vernier Projectile Launcher and Go Direct Projectile Launcher do not easily go into the barrel.
My Vernier Projectile Launcher does not fire.
My software does not recognize the Projectile Launcher.
Projectile launcher does not register block / unblock events.