{"id":4197,"date":"2018-12-30T17:09:12","date_gmt":"2018-12-31T01:09:12","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-07-18T14:31:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T21:31:40","slug":"4197","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/4197","title":{"rendered":"Go Direct Photogate 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-photogate\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Photogate<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-VPG<\/nobr>)<\/h3>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/manuals\/GDX-VPG\">Specifications and User Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column 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\/11\/product.gdx-vpg._hero.001-scaled.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>Primary Test:<\/strong> Is the unit powered on or connected to a USB power source?<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secondary Test: <\/strong>Connect the Photogate to the data-collection program. Confirm that the Photogate has been identified by the program, and then use your hand to block and unblock the gate to confirm that the Photogate is working.<\/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\/4314\/\">How do I set up a Go Direct Photogate to collect data using LabQuest App?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/4315\/\">How do I set up a Go Direct Photogate to collect data using Graphical Analysis or Graphical Analysis Pro?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/4322\/\">How do I set up Go Direct Photogate for data collection in a projectile motion experiment?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/4317\/\">How do you measure acceleration using Go Direct Photogates (GDX-VPG)?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/4318\/\">How can I use Go Direct Photogates (GDX-VPG) to time the Science Olympiad Scrambler event?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/22664\/\">How do I set up Graphical Analysis to use two Go Direct Photogates and only show time between gates?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/1467\/\">What is the timing precision of photogate measurements?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2195\/\">Can I use a photogate to record animal movements?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2507\/\">How can I use a photogate to count events?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2620\/\">What nut size will work with the accessory rod that comes with photogates and force sensors?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2698\/\">Why does my data table have holes (empty cells) in it?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3212\/\">Can I use a photogate to measure the muzzle velocity from a gun or air cannon?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3862\/\">How do I collect data using a Motion Encoder and a photogate simultaneously?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/4135\/\">Can you trigger a photogate with a green laser?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/3435\/\">Can I measure g with a photogate and Time of Flight Pad?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/18204\/\">Graphical Analysis photogate settings revert to Vernier Picket Fence settings, causing incorrect distance and velocity data.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>WITH PICKET FENCE<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> If the Photogate is not working with your Picket Fence, make sure that the protective plastic covering on the picket fence has been removed.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2311\/\">How can I use a Vernier Photogate to measure g?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2275\/\">How can I compare my g measurements to a local value and improve their accuracy?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2312\/\">Why does my photogate record a really high velocity at the beginning of a trial with a picket fence?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2074\/\">Why is my picket fence blue and black instead of clear and black?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2313\/\">How do I measure motion with a photogate using the Vernier Cart Picket Fence?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2210\/\">Does the Pasco picket fence work the same as the Vernier picket fence?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2170\/\">What are the dimensions of the cart picket fence? <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/til\/2936\/\">Why does the Cart Picket Fence edge get detected by a photogate?<\/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>Infrared source: Peak at 880 nm<\/li>\n<li>Gate width: 77.5 mm <\/li>\n<li>Internal gate separation: 20 mm <\/li>\n<li>Distance from internal gates to bottom of photogate arms: ~10 mm <\/li>\n<li>Distance from internal gates to sides of photogate arms: ~5 mm <\/li>\n<li>Gate LED indicators: Off for unblocked gate; On for blocked gate<\/li>\n<li>Signal Output: Unblocked is high; Blocked is low<\/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-650-mah-replacement-battery\/\">650 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<p>Calibrate? No. This sensor cannot be calibrated.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" 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-650-mah-replacement-battery\/\">Go Direct&reg; 650 mAh Replacement Battery<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-BAT-650<\/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\/L5umag5f_KA\">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\/sensor-cart-charge-station\/\">Go Direct<sup>&reg;<\/sup> Sensor Cart Charge Station<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-CART-CRG<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/ultra-pulley-attachment\/\">Ultra Pulley Attachment<\/a> (<nobr>SPA<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/picket-fence\/\">Picket Fence<\/a> (<nobr>PF<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/cart-picket-fence\/\">Cart Picket Fence<\/a> (<nobr>PF-CART<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/bar-tape\/\">Bar Tape<\/a> (<nobr>TAPE<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/laser-pointer\/\">Laser Pointer<\/a> (<nobr>LASER<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/laser-pointer-stand\/\">Laser Pointer Stand<\/a> (<nobr>STAND<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-photogate-timing-cable\/\">Go Direct&reg; Photogate Timing Cable<\/a> (<nobr>VPG-CB-GDX<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/go-direct-time-of-flight-pad-cable\/\">Go Direct&reg; Time of Flight Pad Cable<\/a> (<nobr>TOF-CB-GDX<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/time-of-flight-pad\/\">Time of Flight Pad<\/a> (<nobr>TOF-VPL<\/nobr>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/product\/photogate\/\">Photogate<\/a> (<nobr>VPG-BTD<\/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-650-mah-replacement-battery\/\">Go Direct&reg; 650 mAh Replacement Battery<\/a> (<nobr>GDX-BAT-650<\/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<\/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":1698,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[7046,4177,7049,7048,720,491],"class_list":["post-4197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tag-gdx-pl-gdx-vpl","tag-gdx-vpg-gdx-pg","tag-gdx-vpgmain","tag-go-direct-photogate","tag-maintil","tag-photogate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4197","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\/1698"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4197\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vernier.com\/til\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}