Go Direct® Acceleration Sensor (GDX-ACC)
Specifications and User Guide

TROUBLESHOOTING
Primary Test: Press the power button on the sensor to turn it on. (The red LED should flash.) Start the Graphical Analysis app on your device and select the sensor from the list of available sensors. (The green LED will start flashing.)

  • When placed on a flat surface with the label up, do the accelerations in the x and y directions read approximately zero, and does the acceleration in the z direction measure -9.8 m/s2? Do the gyroscopes read zero?
  • Were the accelerometers properly zeroed? For more accurate acceleration readings, zero the x- and y- directions of acceleration while the sensor rests horizontally on its top or bottom surface. Zero the z-direction of acceleration while the sensor rests horizontally on one of the long sides.
  • Gyroscope test: Zero unit while it is at rest on a surface. Then shake unit in one hand while collecting data. Are there readings?
  • Altimeter test: Zero unit on a surface. Move unit upwards more than 1 meter – does the altimeter reading show the change in height above the surface?

RELATED TIL ENTRIES
What is the difference between a Go Wireless sensor and a Go Direct sensor?
Will my device work with Go Direct Sensors via Bluetooth?
Graphical Analysis App Bluetooth issues on Windows 10: Do I need to pair?
Does the Go Direct Acceleration fit inside a model rocket tube?
How do I attach my Go Direct Accelerometer to my experimental setup?
Why does GDX-ACC report inaccurate altitudes?
Can I use Go Direct Acceleration with a metal cart?
Can I use Vernier sensors to investigate factors causing concussions?
How do you calibrate an accelerometer?
What is the difference between your accelerometers?
Which Go Direct Sensor should I take to the amusement park?

SPECIFICATIONS
Accelerometer range: ±156.8 m/s2
High acceleration accelerometer range: ±1960 m/s2
Gyroscope range: ±34.9 rad/s
Altimeter range: -1800 m to 10,000 m
Angle measurement range: ±180°
Maximum wireless range: 30 m, unobstructed

CALIBRATION

  • The sensor is set to the stored calibration before shipping. It is not necessary to calibrate any of the sensors included in the Go Direct Acceleration.
  • You can use the calibration function to write an offset to the altitude chip for your physical location. You can also change the offset to read zero at your location, or simply zero the altimeter when you begin a new experiment.
  • In most cases, calibration is not necessary for the acceleration sensor. However, most accelerometers, including this one, sense gravity as well as acceleration. Thus, if you want to measure vertical acceleration separate from gravity, simply place the sensor in its measurement orientation and zero the axis that is pointing vertically upward.
  • If you plan to use this sensor exclusively for vertical acceleration, it makes sense to calibrate the sensor so that zeroing will not be necessary every time a new experiment is created in software. Calibration writes an offset value to the sensor, as opposed to setting a zero temporarily for the duration of an experiment. To calibrate the sensor, click or tap the meter for the axis you wish to offset and choose Calibrate. Orient your sensor as for measurement and enter 0 m/s2 (or whatever offset you choose, for example -19.6 m/s2 if you orient an axis vertically downward instead of upward). Click or tap Keep, then Apply the calibration.
  • The gyroscope is factory-calibrated and there is no user-calibrate option.

BATTERY TROUBLESHOOTING
If the sensor can be turned on when connected by USB but not when disconnected from USB, the battery either needs charging or has reached its end of life and can no longer hold a charge. First, try charging the sensor for several hours. If the sensor still won’t turn on when disconnected from USB, the battery has likely reached its end of life. If you intend to use this sensor wirelessly, the battery will need to be replaced. The rechargeable battery in this sensor is covered by a one year warranty but should last two to five years in typical use.

SENSOR DIMENSIONS:

  • Length: 6.7 cm
  • Width: 2.7 cm
  • Height: 1.7 cm
  • Least diagonal cross section: 2.86 cm
  • Mass: ~28 g

SENSOR REQUIREMENTS
Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor uses Bluetooth low energy technology and can only be used wirelessly with devices that support Bluetooth low energy technology running the appropriate software. Otherwise, connect the sensor to your device using the included USB cable.

This sensor requires Graphical Analysis app, Graphical Analysis Pro, or LabQuest App version 2.8.4 or newer.

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Micro USB Cable (CB-USB-MICRO)
Micro USB to USB-C Cable (CB-USB-C-MICRO)
Go Direct® 300 mAh Replacement Battery (GDX-BAT-300)

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
Go Direct® Force and Acceleration Sensor (GDX-FOR)
Go Direct® Sensor Cart (GDX-CART-G)
Go Direct® Sensor Cart (GDX-CART-Y)
3-Axis Accelerometer (3D-BTA)
25-g Accelerometer (ACC-BTA)
Low-g Accelerometer (LGA-BTA)
Wireless Dynamics Sensor System (WDSS)