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.

• Time-of-Flight Accessory (ME-6810A)

  Place the accessory on the floor as shown in the image below.

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

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

Set up the timer

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

2. Connect the Time-of-Flight Accessory to SPARKvue 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 or Wireless Smart Gate.
   • If you are using two Photogate Heads, connect the Time-of-Flight Accessory to the same interface as the photogates via another digital input.

3. Under Select measurements for templates, click the Properties icon next to the photogate's name, or next to the digital interface's name if using a Photogate Head.

4. Click Two Photogates and Device or Smart Gate and Auxiliary Port, select Time of Flight, then click OK.

5. Enter the Photogate Spacing. This is equal to the distance between the photogate beams. SPARKvue enters the value automatically when using a Smart Gate.

   

6. Check the boxes next to the measurements you want to display.

7. Select a template to display the selected measurements.

Record data

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