Dynamics Cart and Track System with Motion Encoder

DTS-EC—with 1.2 m track
DTS-EC-LONG—with 2.2 m track

• Specifications and User Guide
• Which model dynamics cart do I have?

Vernier Dynamics System with Motion Encoder (discontinued)

VDS-EC—with 1.2 m track
VDS-EC-LONG—with 2.2 m track

• Specifications and User Guide

Motion Encoder Cart Information

Troubleshooting

• Primary Test: Does the blue light on the encoder cart light? If not, batteries may need to be replaced.
• Secondary Test: Confirm that the encoder strip pattern on the cart, track, and receiver all line up on the same side of center. When the cart is in motion, the blue light on the receiver will flicker as the cart passes over bars on the track. The receiver must be connected to an interface for the light to function.

Warning: The Motion Encoder Receiver is not compatible with the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Lab Cradle. Connecting the Receiver to the Lab Cradle will render the Cradle inoperative, requiring repair by Texas Instruments.

Tech Tip Video

Additional Troubleshooting

• Motion Encoder System only shows position without velocity or acceleration, and units are in mm.
• What do I purchase to add a second encoder cart to my Motion Encoder System?
• Motion Encoder zero drifts when used with LabQuest App on AC power.
• I cannot use Motion Encoder System on DIG/SONIC 2 of LabPro.
• Motion Encoder System does not Auto ID.
• Motion Encoder does not measure distances over 1.2 meters.
• Can I use the Motion Encoder Cart or Motion Encoder Fan Cart with a TI-Nspire Lab Cradle?
• Motion Encoder Cart turns on but does not register motion.
• Motion Encoder System readings only increase or only decrease.
• Will the Motion Encoder Cart and Receiver work with a Pasco track?
• Will the metal cart MEC fit into a new plastic cart?
• How do I use two motion detectors or two motion encoders at once to study collisions?
• How do I use the plunger on my plunger cart?
• Motion Encoder does not maintain its zero point between runs.
• How do I collect data using a Motion Encoder and a photogate simultaneously?
• How do I get good impulse momentum data for an inelastic collision using Motion Encoder?
• Encoder Cart only reads to about 10 cm.
• Why won't my Logger Pro experiment file work with the Motion Encoder system?

Specifications

• Measurement Range
  1 m range for 1.2 m track
  2 m range for 2.2 m track
• Accuracy and Resolution: 1 mm
• Optimum data-collection rate: 15–30 Hz

Calibration

Calibrate? No. This sensor does not require calibration.

Cart and Track System Information

Using the Dynamics Track Accessories

The following articles explain how to set up the various accessories that can be used with the Cart and Track Systems.

• How do I attach an Ultra Pulley to the end of a Vernier Track?
• How do I attach a Photogate and Ultra Pulley to the end of a Vernier Track?
• How are magnets installed in the Adjustable End Stops?
• How do I attach the Motion Detector bracket to the Vernier track?
• How do I connect a dynamics track to a ring stand?
• How do I attach the Bumper Launcher Kit to a track?
• How do I attach a photogate to a track?

VDS SYSTEMS ONLY

• How do I attach a mass to a green metal Vernier dynamics cart?
• How do I put the Vernier Dynamics System mass and the dual range force sensor on the green metal dynamics cart at the same time?
• Can I use Go Direct Acceleration with a metal cart?

• My Vernier Dynamics Cart jumps off the track when after colliding with the magnetic end stop.
• What Vernier products do I need to order to implement a Real Time Physics program at my college?
• What is the spring constant on the Vernier Dynamics Carts with plunger and Sensor Carts ?
• Can I make substitutions to parts included with the Vernier Dynamics System package?
• Should I buy the Vernier Dynamics Cart and Track System with the short track or the long track?
• Does the friction pad work with the Fan Cart (CART-F) or the Encoder Fan Cart (CART-FEC)?
• What is the maximum size ring stand rod that can be used with the Rod Clamp?
• What are the dimensions of your 1.2 track and 2.2 m tracks?
• What is the best way to clean a track?
• How do I use two motion detectors or two motion encoders at once to study collisions?
• What are the dimensions for the different slots on a Vernier dynamics track?

Dynamics Cart and Track System (order code DTS) FAQs

• Can I buy a plunger-equipped encoder cart?
• How do I connect the Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor to a plastic Vernier dynamics cart?
• How can I fix a broken axle mount on a Vernier DTS cart?
• What are the dimensions of the plastic dynamics carts?

Vernier Dynamics System (order code VDS) FAQs

• How do you take apart a Vernier Dynamics Cart?
• How do I put the Vernier Dynamics System mass and the dual range force sensor on the green metal dynamics cart at the same time?
• How do I change the batteries in the Cart Fan (FAN-VDS)?
• Is the cart picket fence compatible with the mass for (green metal) VDS dynamics carts?
• What are the specs of the neodymium magnets used in the Vernier Carts?
• What are the dimensions of the green aluminum carts?

Pasco and Vernier Compatibility

• Will Pasco dynamics carts work on the Vernier tracks or vice versa?
• Can I attach a Pasco Motion Sensor to end of a Vernier track?
• Will Vernier photogate brackets work with Pasco tracks?
• Can I attach Vernier cart fans to a Pasco cart?
• Can the Vernier Optics Expansion Kit, and other optics accessories, be used with PASCO tracks?
• Does the Vernier Cart Picket Fence fit into a Pasco Dynamics Cart?
• Will Vernier Friction Pads work with Pasco carts?
• Can I use the Track-to-Track Coupler to connect a Vernier track to a Pasco track?
• Are Vernier and Pasco products compatible?
• How do I connect a Wireless Dynamics Sensor System (WDSS) to a PASCO cart?
• Can I attach a Pasco Super Pulley to the end of a Vernier track?

Accessories, Replacement Parts, & Related Products

Supported Sensors

Accessories

Replacement Parts

Related Products