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Calibrate a Smart Cart

Create a two-point calibration for the Smart Cart's force sensor.

Before you start

Calibrating the Wireless Smart Cart's force sensor will require the following supplies:

  • A 1 kilogram mass
  • The Smart Cart hook attachment
  • A horizontally mounted support rod to hold the Smart Cart
  • String

The Smart Cart will need to be connected to a tablet or computer.

Calibration

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

    Hook Attachment

  2. Tie a string to the attachment point on the opposite end of the Smart Cart from the hook; use this string to hang the cart from a horizontal rod.

  3. From the Experiment Screen, select Hardware Setup.

  4. Locate Force from the list of measurements, then click Calibrate Measurement next to Force to open the Calibrate Sensor menu.

    Calibration Start

  5. Check to make sure that the selected sensor is Smart Cart Force Sensor, the measurement is Force (N), and the Calibration Type is 2 point (Adjust Slope and Offset), then click Continue.

    Calibration 1

  6. Hang the 1 kilogram mass on the hook attachment.

  7. The force on the sensor is now 9.8 N. Enter this known value into the first Standard Value box and click Set Calibration.
  8. Remove the 1 kilogram mass from the hook attachment.

  9. The force being exerted on the sensor is now 0 N. Enter this second known value into the second Standard Value box and click Set Calibration.

    Calibration 2

  10. Review your new calibration to ensure it is accurate, then click OK.

    Calibration End