Carolina NeuLog Motion User Manual
NEULOG MOTION SENSOR GUIDE
NeuLog motion sensor
NUL-213 Carolina # 369642
The NeuLog motion sensor can be used for any science experiment or activity which
requires accurate distance, velocity, or acceleration readings such as in the fields of
Physics, Mechanics, Physiology, Biology, etc
The sensor comes pre-calibrated so you can start experimentation right out of the box
using any of the following guides.
The motion sensor uses an ultrasonic transducer to both transmit an ultrasonic wave,
and to measure its echo return. Objects in the range of 0.15 to 6 meters can
accurately be measured to give distance, velocity, and acceleration readings using
this method.
Just a few of the thousands of possible experiments that can be done with the NUL213 sensors are: gravity experiments, ball drops, momentum, impulse, conservation of
energy, kinetic vs. potential energy, and many more.
The motion sensor can collect data using the following units of measure:
Meters (m): The SI distance unit
Meters/second (m/s): The SI velocity unit which measures the distance
traveled over time.
Meters/second2 (m/s2): The SI acceleration unit which measures the change
in velocity over time.
For best results:
The NUL-213 motion sensor has a working range between 0.15m and 6.0 meters,
results may be inconsistent outside of this range. Ultrasonic waves that are emitted
from the sensor and spread out in a cone pattern at about 15° around the point of
reference.
If possible, attach the sensor to something stable to avoid movements which can
give skewed readings.
If you get poor readings, another object in the foreground or background that is
within the cone that may be reflecting the ultrasonic waves to add noise to the
experiment.
Use objects which are at least 10cm x 10cm when tracking specific targets.
For smaller targets we recommend starting the object closer to the sensor, for
larger objects we recommend starting farther away.
When testing in areas with many hard surfaces; the waves may bounce around
and create extra noise for the detector. This can cause irregular graphs. To
reduce the noise level try covering some of the surrounding surfaces with a soft
material to dampen sound such as cloth or foam.
When using the motion sensor to detect an individual’s movements; trying
carrying the sensor instead of pointing the sensor at one self. For example to
measure a student’s velocities have them walk or run with the sensor while
pointing it at the wall.
Make sure your motion sensor is not mounted near a computer, monitor, or
television.
Sometimes other sources of sound (such as fans, motors, etc can affect results).
Try various sample rates until the cleanest data is observed, slow rates may
provide better results for certain experiments.
Distance, velocity, and acceleration graphs:
During motion experiments it is often beneficial to show distance, velocity, and
acceleration all on the same graph. Using the NeuLog software it is very easy to plot
all three graphs at once:
NEULOG MOTION SENSOR GUIDE
1. Use one of the following guides located in the “Quick start procedure”
section of the instruction manual to connect the motion sensor to your
chosen device.
2. Once your motion sensor has been detected; click the motion sensor icon
and change the range to “Distance”
3. Ensure the “Speed & Acceleration” button is selected; it will have a pink
color when selected.
4. Collect data.
5. Click the motion sensor icon again.
6. This time click on the pink “Speed & Acceleration” button, this will cause the
data to change into table form on the right.
7. Underneath the graph select the “Graph” button to see the data in graphic
form.
Note: The velocity and acceleration graphs are assigned colors; to view
which is which you can click the motion sensor icon again and this time the
words “Speed” and “Acceleration” will be colored according to the graph.
Quick start procedure:
PC or Mac Computer
Materials needed:
NUL-213 Motion Sensor
USB-200 USB Module
A USB to mini USB cable (which comes with the USB-200)
Your motion sensor needs to be connected to a USB-200 module. The USB-200
module then connects to a computer via a USB to mini-USB cable. Please note that
you cannot plug the motion sensor directly into the computer.
Resident PC software and browser based software can be downloaded for free at
www.NeuLog.com/dowload as well as a full software user guide. Note: Make sure not
to download and install both types of software they will conflict on the computer.
Procedure:
1. Install the NeuLog software
2. Connect the USB-200 module to the PC or Mac
3. Connect the motion sensor to the USB-200 module (they directly plug
together). Please note there is no calibration required for this sensor.
4. Open the NeuLog software.
5. Once a motion sensor logo appears on the left side of the screen the probe
has been automatically identified and you can begin experimentation.
6. If the motion sensor is not automatically identified then click the “Search for
sensors” icon to find the sensor.
7. Select the “On-line experiment” button; this will open a graph below.
8. Click on the “Module setup” button located on the motion sensor icon in the
module window to change the sensor settings if need be.
9. Click on the experiment set up button to change the experiment settings if
need be (experiment duration for example).
10. The motion sensor will give a live reading in the box to the left of the screen
while plugged in.
11. To run an experiment and collect data click “Run experiment”.
12. To end data collection early, click “Stop experiment”.
Tablet, smart phone device
Materials needed:
NUL-213 Motion Sensor
WIFI-201 WIFI module
BAT-200 Battery
Your motion sensor needs to be connected to a WIFI-201 module. The WIFI-201
module will create a closed NeuLog wifi network which will stream the NeuLog data to
a device of your choosing. Once your device is wirelessly connected to the NeuLog
network you can run experiments and collect data through a browser of your choosing.
Procedure:
1. Connect the motion sensor directly to the left side of a WIFI-201 module (no
wires required).
2. Connect a BAT-200 module to the right side of the WIFI-201 module.
3. Although not required, we recommend plugging the BAT-200 to an outlet
using a USB to micro USB charger (such as a typical cell phone charger).
The WIFI-201 module will run for 15-75 minutes (depending on the sensor)
without being plugged in.
4. For further WIFI-201 instructions or the WIFI-201 quick start guide please
visit www.NeuLog.com/download.
5. The WIFI-201 indicator lights will flash; take no action until the LED to the
far left turns blue.
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