PASCO ME-9488 User Manual
Instruction Sheet
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for the PASCO
Model ME-9488
012-05876C
CART LAUNCHER
Cart Launcher
mounting Screw
Cart Launcher/Track
Screw
Square Nut
Mounting Bracket:
Cart Launcher/Dynamics Track
Adjustable Attachment Slot
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Cart Launcher Body
Adjustable Latching Clamp
• Reference scale indicates same launch setting
• Easy-pull trigger
• Adjustable latching clamp
• Hook for hanging weights for launcher calibration.
Mounting the Cart Launcher to the
Dynamics Track
The Cart Launcher mounts to the Dynamics Track in the
track’s side T-slot. See Figure 1.
The height of the Cart Launcher must be adjusted to the
Equipment
Introduction
The PASCO ME-9488 Cart Launcher is used with the
Introductory Dynamics System (ME-9429A or ME-9452)
to launch dynamics carts with repeatable speeds. It will
level of the center of mass of the cart to get a smooth
launch. The center of mass of the cart varies, depending
on the accessories that are attached to the cart. To adjust
the height of the launcher, loosen the screw in the vertical
slot on the launcher bracket, move the launcher to the desired height, and tighten the screw.
launch a 500 g dynamics cart horizontally at speeds ranging from approximately 0.2 m/s to 2 m/s.
Features
• Mounting bracket - allows Cart Launcher to be
mounted to the dynamics track horizontally or vertically
• Rubber tip on launch end
To mount the Cart
Launcher in the vertical
position for calibration,
remove the screw in
the slot of the bracket,
turn the launcher to its
vertical position, and re-
Vertical/Horizontal
Screw Attachment
attach the launcher to
the bracket using the
other screw hole on the
launcher. See Figure
2. In the vertical position, the Cart Launcher
Dynamics Cart
Cart Launcher
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should be used near
one end of the dynamics track so the
launcher can be extended out over the
Dynamics Track
T-slot
Figure 1
edge of the table.
Figure 2
Cart Launcher 012-05876C
Operation of the Cart Launcher
Adjusting the launch speed: The speed of the launcher
➀
is adjusted by changing the amount the spring is compressed. The amount of compression is increased by
moving the adjustable latching clamp closer to the rubber end of the shaft. The thumb screw is loosened to
allow the clamp to move and it must be tight to hold in
place when the launcher is cocked.
➁ To cock the launcher, pull back on the clamp thumb
screw until the trigger is engaged on the clamp. Then
pull the string on the trigger to launch.
➤➤
➤ NOTE: It may be necessary to clamp the track
➤➤
to the table to keep the track from “kicking” back
when the cart is launched.
➂ Triggering two launchers simultaneously: If it is de-
sired to launch two carts simultaneously from opposite
ends of the track, use two launchers and attach one
long trigger string between the two triggers. Then pull
sideways at the center of the string to launch both at
once.
Suggested Uses for the Cart Launcher
➀ Launch a cart at the same speed repeatedly.
➁ Launch a cart equipped with the Ballistic Cart Acces-
sory (ME-9486). Use a second cart launcher to as a
soft bumper to “catch” the cart: A cart will stop
smoothly without jumping off the track if the cart hits a
cart launcher in its extended position.
NOTE: When launching the cart with the Ballistic Cart Accessory on board, the center of mass is
higher than for an empty cart and it is necessary to
raise the launcher up until it pushes on the Ballistic
Cart Accessory rather than pushing on the cart.
➂ Use two cart launchers at opposite ends of the track to
launch two carts toward each other.
➃ Mount a force sensor on the dynamics cart so the cart
launcher pushes on the force sensor. Measure the
force as the cart is launched.
➄ Tie a string to the hook to pull on something when you
pull the trigger.
➤➤
➤ NOTE: One of the launchers must be mounted
➤➤
upside-down so that both triggers are on the same
side of the track.
➃ Calibration: If it is desired to launch two carts with the
same speed, calibrate each of the two launchers by
mounting them vertically and hanging the same weight
on each. With the weight hanging from the hooked
end of the shaft, secure the clamp in the position with
the trigger engaged. Then return the launchers to the
horizontal positions and each launcher will deliver the
same force, resulting in the same speed for identical
carts. It is also possible to note the numbers on the
reference scale for several different hanging weights.
This allows each launcher to be calibrated in terms of
force.
Limited Warranty
PASCO scientific warrants this product to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
year from the date of shipment to the customer. PASCO
will repair or replace, at its option, any part of the product
which is deemed to be defective in material or workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage to the product
caused by abuse or improper use. Determination of
whether a product failure is the result of a manufacturing
defect or improper use by the customer shall be made
solely by PASCO scientific. Responsibility for the return
of equipment for warranty repair belongs to the customer.
Equipment must be properly packed to prevent damage
and shipped postage or freight prepaid. (Damage caused
by improper packing of the equipment for return shipment
will not be covered by the warranty.) Shipping costs for
returning the equipment, after repair, will be paid by
PASCO scientific.
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