{"id":3924,"date":"2017-11-16T18:13:42","date_gmt":"2017-11-17T02:13:42","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-07-25T10:54:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T17:54:00","slug":"3924","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/3924","title":{"rendered":"Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor 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\/go-direct-force-and-acceleration-sensor\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Force and Acceleration Sensor<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-FOR<\/nobr>)<\/h3>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/manuals\/GDX-FOR\">Specifications and User Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/product.gdx-for._hero.001-e1705618138499.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<p><strong>General: <\/strong>Press the power button on the sensor to turn it on. Connect your sensor as described in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/get-started\/go-direct\">Getting Started instructions for your device<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Force Sensor<\/strong>\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:lower-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does the sensor read near zero when no force is applied? Does the sensor read a positive value when pulling, and a negative value when pushing?<\/li>\n<li>Point the hook downward. With nothing attached, note the force reading. Then hang a 500 g mass from the hook and note the new reading. Is the difference approximately 4.9 N?<\/li>\n<li>Was the force sensor properly zeroed? In general, before collecting data you should zero the force sensor in the orientation in which you want to use it, with no force applied. This additional step makes force measurements more accurate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accelerometers<\/strong>\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:lower-alpha\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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\/s<sup>2<\/sup>?<\/li>\n<li>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, rounded sides. Narrow \u201cfeet\u201d on the rounded sides make this step easier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gyroscope: <\/strong>Zero unit while it is at rest on a surface. Then shake unit in one hand while collecting data. Are there readings?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" 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\/589\/\">How can I change the sign of the force reading? (Make either push or pull positive or negative)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2581\/\">What replacement parts are available for the Force Sensor?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1862\/\">What is the thread on the bumpers and hooks for Vernier Force Sensors?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3658\/\">Which version Dual-Range Force Sensor do I have?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3706\/\">What does an accelerometer actually measure?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3974\/\">How do I connect the Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor to a plastic Vernier dynamics cart?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/16406\/\">When collecting force data, why aren't the measured impulses synced?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/19713\/\">How can I make my own hoop bumper to use with a Vernier force sensor?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/18404\/\">Go Direct Sensor always reads zero (or some other constant value).<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/15786\/\">Go Direct sensor does not connect to LabQuest 2 via Bluetooth.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/4014\/\">How do I remove or replace a Go Direct battery?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/6827\/\">Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connections with Go Direct Sensors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/12943\/\">What can I do if a Go Direct sensor's Bluetooth LED flashes red and green when I try to connect to it and the connection fails?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3857\/\">Will my device work with Go Direct Sensors via Bluetooth?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3085\/\">How do I know if my LabQuest will work with Go Direct Sensors and Go Wireless devices?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specifications<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Response time: 1 ms<\/li>\n<li>Force range: \u00b150 N<\/li>\n<li>Acceleration (3-axis) range: \u00b1156.8 m\/s\u00b2 (\u00b116 g)<\/li>\n<li>Gyroscope (3-axis) range: \u00b134.9 rad\/s (\u00b12000\u00b0\/s)<\/li>\n<li>Maximum sampling rate: 1000 samples\/s<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions:<br \/>\u26ac Length: 7.6 cm, not including the post or hook or bumper<br \/>\u26ac Width: 5.7 cm<br \/>\u26ac Height: 3.3 cm<\/li>\n<li>Accessory Threading<br \/>\u26ac Hooks and Bumpers: 6 \u2013 32 thread<br \/>\u26ac Accessory Rod: \u00bc \u2013 20 thread<\/li>\n<li>Connections:<br \/>\u26ac Wireless: Bluetooth<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> v4.2 (wireless range 30 m unobstructed) <br \/>\u26ac Wired: USB 2.0 full speed<\/li>\n<li>Battery: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/product\/go-direct-300-mah-replacement-battery\/\">300 mAh Li-Poly<\/a><br \/>\u26ac Battery Life (single, full charge): ~10 hours continuous data collection<br \/>\u26ac Battery Life (lifetime): 2 \u2013 5 years (typical)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calibration<\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FORCE SENSOR<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Calibrate? Generally, no. This sensor is factory calibrated. However, the sensor may need re-calibration at some time. 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>Two Point Calibration<\/strong><br \/>\u26ac First Point: no force applied<br \/>\u26ac Second Point: a known force applied. We recommend a 1 kg mass (9.8 N). <br \/>Do not exceed the maximum of 50 N during calibration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Force Sensor can be zeroed.<\/strong><br \/>This is useful after calibration to remove the weight of the hook. <\/li>\n<li><strong>The Force Sensor can be reversed so that push is positive.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ACCELEROMETERS<\/strong> (<strong>X-, Y-, and Z-AXIS<\/strong>)<\/h4>\n<p>Calibrate? Generally, no. This sensor is factory calibrated. However, the sensor may need re-calibration at some time. For more information, see <a href=\"\/til\/418\/\">How do you calibrate an accelerometer?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Two Point Calibration<\/strong><br \/>\u26ac First Point: accelerometer aligned perpendicular to Earth&#8217;s gravitational field. (0 m\/s\u00b2)<br \/>\u26ac Second Point: aligned parallel to Earth&#8217;s gravitational Field. (\u00b1 9.8 m\/s\u00b2 depending on orientation)<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Accelerometers can be zeroed.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>GYROSCOPE<\/strong> (<strong>X-, Y-, and Z-AXIS<\/strong>)<\/p>\n<p>Calibrate? No. The gyroscope is factory-calibrated and there is no user-calibrate option.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Battery Troubleshooting<\/h3>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the sensor can be turned on when connected by USB but not when disconnected from USB, the battery likely needs charging. <\/span><br \/>\u26ac <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charge the sensor for several hours and try again. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the sensor shows fully charged but still won&#8217;t turn on when connected via USB, then the battery has likely disconnected. <\/span><br \/>\u26ac <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the battery connection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the sensor still won\u2019t turn on, try swapping the battery with a working sensor to see if the problem follows the battery or stays with the sensor.<\/span><br \/>\u26ac If the problem stays with the sensor, the battery is probably not the issue.<br \/>\u26ac If the problem follows the battery, <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the battery has likely reached its end of life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the battery is indeed at the end of its life, the sensor cannot be used even if connected by USB, so the battery will need to be replaced. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-300-mah-replacement-battery\/\">Go Direct&reg; 300 mAh Replacement Battery<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-BAT-300<\/nobr>)<\/span><\/li>\n<li>See <a href=\"\/til\/4014\/\">How do I remove or replace a Go Direct battery?<\/a> for more information (including a <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xZdAl7C4Prg\">video<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Rechargeable batteries are covered by a one-year warranty.<\/strong><\/span><br \/>Batteries <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">should last two to five years in typical use. <\/span><\/p>\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\/micro-usb-to-usb-c-cable\/\">Micro USB to USB-C Cable<\/a> (<nobr>CB-USB-C-MICRO<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-charge-station\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Charge Station<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-CRG<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/reflex-hammer-accessory-kit\/\">Reflex Hammer Accessory Kit<\/a> (<nobr>RFX-ACC<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/bumper-and-launcher-kit\/\">Bumper and Launcher Kit<\/a> (<nobr>BLK<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/clay-holder-bumpers-with-clay\/\">Clay-Holder Bumpers with Clay<\/a> (<nobr>CLAY-BMPRS<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/magnetic-bumpers\/\">Magnetic Bumpers<\/a> (<nobr>MG-BMPRS<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/hoop-bumpers-for-bumper-and-launcher-kit\/\">Hoop Bumpers for Bumper and Launcher Kit<\/a> (<nobr>HOOPS-BLK<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/air-track-adapter\/\">Air Track Adapter<\/a> (<nobr>ATA-DFS<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/force-table-adapter\/\">Force Table Adapter<\/a> (<nobr>FTA-DFS<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/adapter-for-pasco-cart\/\">Adapter for PASCO Cart<\/a> (<nobr>PCA-DFS<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/centripetal-force-apparatus-sensor-bracket\/\">Centripetal Force Apparatus Sensor Bracket<\/a> (<nobr>CFA-SBK<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-centripetal-force-system\/\">Go Direct&reg; Centripetal Force System<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-CFA<\/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<li><a href=\"\/product\/3-axis-accelerometer\/\">3-Axis Accelerometer<\/a> (<nobr>3D-BTA<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/dual-range-force-sensor\/\">Dual-Range Force Sensor<\/a> (<nobr>DFS-BTA<\/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\/go-direct-300-mah-replacement-battery\/\">Go Direct&reg; 300 mAh Replacement Battery<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-BAT-300<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/micro-usb-cable\/\">Micro USB Cable<\/a> (<nobr>CB-USB-MICRO<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/replacement-rod-for-the-dual-range-force-sensor-photogate-or-the-wdss\/\">Replacement Rod, 5 inch<\/a> (<nobr>ACC-ROD<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/dual-range-force-sensor-replacement-parts-kit\/\">Dual-Range Force Sensor Replacement Parts Kit<\/a> (<nobr>DFS-RPK<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Specifications and User Guide Troubleshooting General: Press the power button on the sensor to turn it on. Connect your sensor as described in the Getting&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[371,7682,6596,720],"class_list":["post-3924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tag-gdx-for","tag-gdx-for-maintil","tag-gdx-formain","tag-maintil"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3924","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\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3924"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3924\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}