PASCO CI-6400 User Manual
Instruction Sheet
for the PASCO
Model CI-6400
SCIENCEWORKSHOP® 500 INTERFACE
Logging
button
Digital
channels
500
PASCO
scientific
Interface
ANALOG CHANNELS
PASCO
scientific
Science Workshop DATA LOGGING INSTRUCTIONS
Science
Workshop
300
Interface
012-07915A
Back panel of the 500 interface
Indicator light
Analog input channels
Introduction
The PASCO CI-6400 Science Workshop® 500 Interface
is a data acquisition computer interface designed for
use with DataStudio™ software and ScienceWorkshop®
sensors.
Equipment included:
• ScienceWorkshop® 500 Interface (1)
• 9 V AC adapter (1)
• Serial cables (2), 6 ft. each., one for a Windows -
compatible PC, and one for a Macintosh
Additional Equipment Required:
• Computer, with Windows 3.1 or later operating
system, 1 MB RAM available; OR 1 Macintosh,
operating system 7.0 or later, and Color Quickdraw
• PC or MAC serial cable, with USB and R232
adapter for Macintosh iMAC and Power
Macintosh G-3 computers
• One copy of DataStudio software per interface
• 4 AA batteries (for standalone operation)
• At least 1 ScienceWorkshop® sensor
9 V AC adapter
Features:
Data Logging Capability - The 500 ScienceWorkshop
Interface is a portable datalogger for taking measurements
in the laboratory or field. To record data, all you need is the
interface and a sensor. Students can set up an experiment
using the 500 interface, disconnect the computer to collect
data at their lab table or out of the classroom, and then
reconnect the interface to the computer to upload data for
analysis inside DataStudio.
50 KB Storage Buffer - The interface uses a 50 KB storage
buffer to store multiple data runs and experiment setup
information.
Cross-platform Compatible - Logged data will open on
either a Macintosh or Windows-compatible computer. The
interface stores the ScienceWorkshop sensor and data display
information so it knows what experiment setup to open.
Portability and Plug-in - You can carry the interface in the
field or plug the interface into your computer. The interface
operates on 4 “AA” cell batteries or a 9 V AC adapter.
© 2001 PASCO scientific
Science Workshop
®
500 Interface 012-07915A
Specifications
Analog Inputs:
A: Differential input - 2MW impedance; gain = 1or 10
B: Single-Ended input- 200 k
C: Single-Ended input - 200 k
Analog output capability:
Analog range
no
+/- 10 V range (+/- 0.02 V + 0.1% of reading), 5 mV resolution
Analog-to-Digital Conversion: 12-bit
Battery option:
Crystal-controlled timebase:
Data storage:
yes
50 microsecond timing resolution
50 KB data storage buffer, with multiple data runs,
collects up to 17,000 data points in Data Log mode
Digital channels:
Momentary overvoltage protection (ESD):
Power supply:
Host connection:
Remote data measurement:
Sampling rate (maximum):
(Note: The speed of the computer is a
factor, especially if it is busy with many
displays.)
2 channels, 0.1 millisecond
yes
9V @ 500 mA DC supply or 4AA batteries
Serial, RS232
yes
One or two analog channels, burst mode: 20,000 Hz
One or two analog channels, sustained rate: 200 Hz
Three analog channels, burst mode:10,000 Hz
Three analog channels, sustained rate:100 Hz
Any combination of analog and digital sensors: 10,000 Hz
W
impedance; gain = 1 or 10
W
impedance; gain=1
Selectable gain (analog channels A and B):
1x, 10x
Setup Procedures
Connecting the
Interface to a IBMcompatible Windows PC:
1. With your computer turned off,
locate the serial port on the
back of your computer. The
serial port may have 25 pins or
9 pins or the symbol “10101” next to it.
2. Connect and secure the serial cable to the back of the
computer. The cable is keyed so that you cannot plug
it in incorrectly.
3. Connect the other end of the serial cable to the port
labeled “TO COMPUTER” on the back of the 500
interface box.
4. Insert the AC adapter plug into the “Power” port on
the back of the 500 interface. Plug the AC adapter
into a standard AC power outlet (a grounded
electrical receptacle).
ScienceWorkshop®
9-pin serial
port
500
Back panel of the
ScienceWorkshop®
500 Interface
5. Switch the interface on using the power switch on the
back of the interface. The green light will illuminate
on the front on the interface.
6. Turn on the computer and run DataStudio to install
the Science Workshop 500 interface.
2
012-07915A Science Workshop
Setup Procedures (continued)
®
500 Interface
Connecting the
ScienceWorkshop
® 500 Interface to a
MacIntosh Computer
1. With your computer turned off, locate the modem or printer port on
the back of your computer.
2. Connect either end of the modem/printer cable( mini DIN 8- pin to
mini DIN 8-pin cable included with the 500 interface) to the port on
your computer. The cable is keyed so that you cannot plug it in
incorrectly.
NOTE: For the iMac, iBook, or the new G3/G4 or new PowerBook,
you will need a ‘USB-to-serial adapter’ (such as PASCO’s CI-6654
USB Port Adapter). Connect one end of the interface cable into the
adapter. Connect the other end into the back of the interface box.
3. Connect the other end of the modem/printer cable to the port labeled
“TO COMPUTER” on the back of the 500 interface box.
4. Insert the AC adapter plug into the back of the 500 interface. Plug
the AC adapter into a standard AC power outlet.
5. Switch the interface on using the power switch on the back of the
interface. The green light will illuminate on the front on the
interface.
printer port
modem port
6. Turn on the computer and run DataStudio to install the Science Workshop 500® interface software.
If you have any difficulties, see the Troubleshooting section of this manual or the DataStudio online help.
Interface Operation
Turning on the
Interface
1. Turn on the interface (with the power switch on the
back). A green light-emitting diode (LED) on the
front panel should light.
Note: If the LED does not turn on, check the power
connections.
2. Turn on the computer and start DataStudio.
3. In the “Welcome to DataStudio™” window, select
“Create Experiment.”
4. When the DataStudio window asks whether you
want the program to scan for an interface or to pick
one to use for setup, click Scan to continue.
Result: If the program is able to find the interface,
the Experiment Setup window opens. You are ready
to begin collecting or retrieving data.
ScienceWorkshop
500
Unable to Find the Interface?
If the program can’t find the interface, the program asks
whether you want to scan again or to pick an interface.
Check the connections between the interface and the
computer, make sure the power is on, and then click Scan
Again. If the program fails again, see the Troubleshooting
section in this manual.
Collecting Data
1. Plug a sensor into the appropriate interface channel
(analog or digital). When you are ready to collect
data, press the LOG button on the front of the 500
Interface. Result: The green LED flashes slowly for
10 seconds and then flashes quickly. When the light
flashes quickly, data is being recorded.
2. Press the LOG button to stop recording data.
Result: The green LED resumes flashing very
slowly, indicating the interface box is in a “sleep”
mode.”
3
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