Calibrate a force sensor

Improve the accuracy of a force sensor, such as the Wireless Force-Acceleration Sensor (PS-3202), via calibration.

Before you start

Calibrating a force sensor will require the following supplies:

• A 1 kilogram (kg) mass
• The hook attachment provided with the sensor
• A horizontally mounted support rod to hold the sensor

Note

All PASCO force sensors that are compatible with Capstone can be calibrated using the procedure shown below. For simplicity, the Wireless Force-Acceleration Sensor (PS-3202) will be used for these instructions.

Calibration

1. Screw the hook attachment into the force sensor; this will connect the hook to the internal sensing components, allowing reliable force measurements to be collected.

2. Mount the sensor to the support rod as shown in the diagram below. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the sensor in place.

   

3. Connect the sensor to Capstone.

4. Click Calibration in the Tools palette to open the Calibration tool.
5. Select Force from the list of measurements to calibrate, then click Next.

6. Select Two Standards (2 point) from the list of calibration types, then click Next.

   

7. Hang the 1 kg mass from the hook attachment on the sensor.

8. The force on the sensor is now -9.8 newtons (N). Enter -9.8 into the Standard Value box, then click Set Current Value to Standard Value.
9. Remove the mass from the hook attachment. The force on the sensor is now 0 N.

10. Enter 0 into the Standard Value box, then click Set Current Value to Standard Value.

    

11. Review the new calibration, then click Finish.