{"id":1416,"date":"2019-05-13T22:13:05","date_gmt":"2019-05-14T05:13:05","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-07-25T14:04:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T21:04:46","slug":"1416","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/1416","title":{"rendered":"Force Plate Troubleshooting and FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"\/product\/force-plate\/\">Force Plate<\/a> (<nobr>FP-BTA<\/nobr>)<\/h3>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><a href=\"\/manuals\/FP-BTA\">Specifications and User Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"551\" height=\"244\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/image-1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18676\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong><a href=\"\/til\/18670\/\">Which force plate do I have?<\/a><\/strong><br \/><small>The original Force Plate (shown here) was revised in November 2023.<\/small><br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/fp-bta.pdf\">Original Force Plate Specifications and User Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/11\/product.fp-bta._hero.001-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><small><strong>Original Force Plate<\/strong><\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary Test:<\/strong> 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?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secondary Test:<\/strong> Changing the physical orientation of the sensor will change the reading when no force is applied. Use the tools in the data-collection program to zero the sensor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Note: It is common for the force plate to exhibit some hysteresis (on the order of a few newtons) after hard impacts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><small><strong>Original Force Plate<\/strong><br \/>The most common failure mode of the <em>original version<\/em> 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, see the article linked below to determine if your <em>original version<\/em> force plate can still be repaired. <a href=\"\/til\/19699\/\">Can my Original Force Plate (pre-November 2023) be repaired?<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1582\/\">What activities are available for the Force Plate?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2472\/\">My Force Plate (order code FP-BTA) reading does not change.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/553\/\">Can I use your equipment for a bridge-building contest?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1298\/\">How short an impulse can I measure with the Force Plate?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1834\/\">What does the Force Plate measure?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1241\/\">The force plate handle does not line up with the mounting holes in the force plate.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/13334\/\">My Force Plate does not read correctly and it sounds like something is rattling inside.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/18670\/\">Which force plate do I have?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/19312\/\">Can I use a Go! Link interface to connect my Force Plate?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/20464\/\">Can you use a Force Plate with a Texas Instruments calculator?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>DIY REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1934\/\">How do I replace the load cells in a Force Plate (order code FP-BTA)?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/14198\/\">How do I replace the cable on an original style Force Plate?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/19699\/\">Can my Original Force Plate (pre-November 2023) be repaired?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/19737\/\">Why doesn't my pre-November 2023 Force Plate read \"0\"?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specifications<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Force range (positive value is a compression force)<br \/>\u26ac \u2013350 to +3500 N<br \/>\u26ac \u201385 to +850 N<\/li>\n<li>Maximum non-damaging force: 4500 N (1000 lb) compression<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions: 31.5 cm x 31.5 cm x 3.5 cm<\/li>\n<li>Default Calibrations <br \/>\u26ac 3500 N Range<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Slope (gain): 850 N\/V<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Intercept (offset): \u2013550 N<br \/>\u26ac 850 N Range<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Slope (gain): 207 N\/V<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Intercept (offset): \u2013135 N<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong>ORIGINAL FORCE PLATE SPECIFICATIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">\n<li>Force range (positive value is a compression force)<br \/>\u26ac \u2013850 to +3500 N<br \/>\u26ac \u2013200 to +850 N<\/li>\n<li>Maximum non-damaging force: 4500 N (1000 lb) compression<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions: 28 cm x 32 cm x 5 cm<\/li>\n<li>Default Calibrations <br \/>\u26ac 3500 N Range<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Slope (gain): 1000 N\/V<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Intercept (offset): \u20131000 N<br \/>\u26ac 850 N Range<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Slope (gain): 250 N\/V<br \/>\u2003\u25b8Intercept (offset): \u2013250 N<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calibration<\/h3>\n<p>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. For more information, see <a href=\"\/til\/4011\/\">How do I calibrate my sensor?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>First Point<\/strong><br \/>\u26ac Set the Force Plate on a level surface and remove all force. <br \/>\u26ac Enter 0 (zero) as the first known force.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Second Point<\/strong><br \/>\u26ac Apply a known force (known mass) to the Force Plate. Use a known mass that is at least&#8230;<br \/>\u2003\u25b8875 N for the 3500 N range<br \/>\u2003\u25b8215 N for the 850 N range <br \/>\u26ac Enter the weight (note: 1 kg weighs 9.8 N). <br \/>\u26ac Do not to exceed the selected range setting during the calibration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Products<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/lateral-force-accessory\/\">Lateral Force Accessory<\/a> (<nobr>2D-FP<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/ladder-experiment-kit\/\">Ladder Experiment Kit<\/a> (<nobr>2DFP-LA<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/2-axis-force-plate\/\">2-Axis Force Plate<\/a> (<nobr>FP2D-BTA<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-2-axis-force-plate\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> 2-Axis Force Plate<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-FP2D<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-force-plate\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Force Plate<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-FP<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Replacement Parts<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/force-plate-handles\/\">Force Plate Handles<\/a> (<nobr>FP-HAN<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/bta-to-bta-long-cable\/\">BTA to BTA Long Cable<\/a> (<nobr>BTA-LONG<\/nobr>) <br \/>(revised Force Plate only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Specifications and User Guide The original Force Plate (shown here) was revised in November 2023.Original Force Plate Specifications and User Guide Troubleshooting Note: It is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":100811,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[1840,459,1405,1841,720],"class_list":["post-1416","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tag-forceplatemain","tag-fp-bta","tag-fp-din","tag-fpmain","tag-maintil"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/100811"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1416"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1416\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}