Enable and set up UK Timing Modes

Set up a photogate to record measurements under the UK Timing Modes.

In addition to the standard timers described on other pages, Capstone supports the use of four UK Timing Modes for photogates, such as the Wireless Smart Gate (PS-3225). By default these options are not selectable and must be enabled. To enable these options, open the Preferences window, select the Language menu, and check the box next to Enable UK Timing Modes.

Timing Modes

The following timer options are included among the UK Timing Modes:

• One Light Gate and Single Interrupt Card

  Allows you to measure the motion of a card with a single segment of known length through a single photogate.

• Two Light Gates and Single Interrupt Card

  Allows you to measure the motion of a card with a single segment of known length through two photogates, including at least one Photogate Head.

• One Light Gate and Double Interrupt Card

  Allows you to measure the motion of a card with two segments of known (equal) length through a single photogate.

• Two Light Gates and Double Interrupt Card

  Allows you to measure the motion of a card with two segments of known (equal) length through two photogates, including at least one Photogate Head.

Single photogate setup

Follow these instructions for setting up a single photogate to use the One Light Gate and Single Interrupt Card or One Light Gate and Double Interrupt Card Timing Modes.

1. Connect the photogate to Capstone.
2. Select Timer Setup from the Tools palette.
3. At the top of the Timer Setup tool, click the Delete button to delete the premade Smart Timer.
4. Select Pre-Configured Timer, then click Next.
5. Ensure that exactly one photogate is selected from the list of available timing devices, then click Next.
6. Select One Light Gate and Single Interrupt Card or One Light Gate and Double Interrupt Card from the list of available timers.

7. Check the boxes for the measurements of interest for your experiment, then click Next.

   

   Note

   The Acceleration measurement is disabled when using the Single Interrupt Card mode, as it cannot be accurately measured.

8. Check the boxes for each of the measurements you wish to be visible, then click Next.

9. Measure the length of the entire card (for the Single Interrupt Card) or a single segment (for the Double Interrupt Card). Enter this value, in meters, into the text box and click Next.
10. Enter a name for the timer, or use the default name, then click Finish.
11. Create an experiment page and begin recording data when ready.

Double photogate setup

Using the Two Light Gates and Single Interrupt Card or Two Light Gates and Double Interrupt Card Timing Modes will require two photogates. You may use any of the following combinations:

• A Wireless Smart Gate (PS-3225) and a Photogate Head (ME-9498A)
• A Smart Gate (PS-2180) connected to a PASPORT interface and a Photogate Head
• 2 Photogate Heads connected to a digital interface

To set up the photogates:

1. Connect the Smart Gate, Wireless Smart Gate, or one of the Photogate Heads to Capstone.

2. Connect the second photogate using the appropriate method below:

   • If your first photogate is a Smart Gate or Wireless Smart Gate, plug the digital jack of the Photogate Head into the Auxiliary Port of the Smart Gate. Locate the image of the Smart Gate in the Hardware Setup tool, click inside the yellow circle over the Auxiliary Port, and select Photogate from the list. (See below.)

     

   • If your first photogate is a Photogate Head, follow the same connection procedure to connect the second Photogate Head to the same digital interface.

3. Click Timer Setup in the Tools palette.

4. At the top of the Timer Setup tool, click the Delete button to delete the premade Smart Timer.
5. Select Pre-Configured Timer, then click Next.

6. Ensure that the appropriate photogates are selected from the list of available timing devices, then click Next.

   • If you are using a Smart Gate or Wireless Smart Gate with a Photogate Head, select channels 1 and 3.
   • If you are using two Photogate Heads, select both photogates.

7. Select Two Light Gates and Single Interrupt Card or Two Light Gates and Double Interrupt Card from the list of available timers.

8. Check the boxes for the measurements of interest for your experiment, then click Next.

   

9. If you selected the Two Light Gates and Double Interrupt Card option, click the gate order box and select an appropriate option for your experiment setup from the list, then click Next.

10. Check the boxes for each of the measurements you wish to be visible, then click Next.
11. Measure the length of the entire card (for the Single Interrupt Card) or a single segment (for the Double Interrupt Card). Enter this value, in meters, into the text box and click Next.
12. Enter a name for the timer, or use the default name, then click Finish.
13. Create an experiment page and begin recording data when ready.