Set up a time of flight timer

Use this timer to measure the time it takes for a launched projectile to reach the floor and the initial speed of the projectile.

Equipment setup

• 2× Photogates

  Use a Wireless Smart Gate (PS-3225), a Smart Gate (PS-2180) with a PASPORT interface, or two Photogate Heads (ME-9498A) with a digital interface. You can also use one Photogate Head, but you won't be able to measure initial speed.

• Time-of-Flight Accessory (ME-6810A)

  Connect the accessory to the auxiliary port on the Smart Gate, or to a digital interface. Place the accessory on the floor as shown in the diagram below.

• Projectile Launcher with Photogate Mounting Bracket (ME-6821A)

  Use either the Projectile Launcher (ME-6800) or Mini Launcher (ME-6825) with a Photogate Mounting Bracket attached. Attach the photogates to the bracket as shown in the diagram.

Set up the timer

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

2. Connect the Time-of-Flight Accessory to Capstone using the appropriate method for your photogate(s).

   • If you are using a Smart Gate or Wireless Smart Gate, plug the digital jack of the Time-of-Flight Accessory 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 Time Of Flight Accessory from the list.
   • If you are using two Photogate Heads, plug the digital jack of the Time-of-Flight Accessory into an additional digital input on your chosen interface. Locate the image of your digital interface in the Hardware Setup tool, click inside the yellow circle over the input to which the accessory is connected, and select Time Of Flight Accessory from the list.

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 both photogate channels and the Time-of-Flight Accessory are selected in the list of available timing devices, then click Next.
7. Select Time of Flight from the list of available timers.
8. Check the boxes next to the measurements you want to be visible, then click Next.

9. Measure the value between the photogate beams. Enter this value into the Photogate Spacing text box, then click Next. (Note that Capstone automatically enters this value when using a Smart Gate or Wireless Smart Gate.)

   

10. Give the timer a custom name, or use the default name, then click Finish.

Record data

Click Record , then launch the projectile. The timer starts when the projectile passes through the photogates and stops when it hits the Time-of-Flight Accessory.