PASCO PS-2142 User Manual

Instruction Manual

2-Axis Force Platform

PS-2142

012-09113B

Included Equipment Part Number

2-Axis Force Platform PS-2142

Required Equipment

PASPORT Interface

Optional Equipment

Handle Set PS-2548

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Compatible PASPORT interfaces include the Powerlink (PS-2001), Xplorer GLX (PS-2002), USB Link
(PS-2100), and others. See the PASCO catalog, visit www.pasco.com, or contact PASCO tech support for
more information. Xplorer (PS-2000) with firmware version 1.14 or earlier is compatible in computer-based
(non-logging) mode.

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See PASCO catalog or www.pasco.com

Introduction

The PASPORT Force Platform, used with a PASPORT interface, continuously measures force applied to it in two
separate directions: normal to its surface (up to 4400 N) and along an axis parallel to its surface (up to 1100 N).
You can use the 2-Axis Force Platform to measure the static forces of a person standing or leaning on it, or the
dynamic vertical forces involved in moving and jumping. It has the measurement range and strength to accom­modate people of all sizes and the sensitivity to measure smaller forces such as the weight of a ball. Put the plat­form horizontally on the floor or a tabletop, or mount it vertically on a wall. With the optional handle set, you can
use the platform to measure both “pulling” and “pushing” force.

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2-Axis Force Platform How It Works

How It Works

When an object is placed on the platform, it applies a force normal to the platform's
surface; this force is the object's weight. Because the platform does not move (much),
the force applied by the floor to the platform's feet increases by an amount equal to
the object’s weight. Each of the four feet is connected to a beam with a strain gauge,
through which the platform's electronics measure the force. The platform calculates
and outputs the sum of these four forces. Force is measured in this way even if it is
not constant, for instance, the force applied by a bouncing ball or jumping person.

As well as the sum of the normal forces applied to the four beams, the platform can be
set to output the separate normal force measured by each beam. See below for
instructions on making these measurements visible.

Parallel force is measured by a fifth beam attached to the top plate of the platform.
Note the arrow printed on the platform indicating the direction of the parallel axis.

Hardware Setup

On the floor

Place the 2-Axis Force Platform on the floor. It works best on
a hard floor such as tile or wood, rather than carpet, which
would allow the platform to move slightly when you step on
it. If the floor is not perfectly level, adjust the platform's feet
by turning them to make the platform level and stable. The
platform should have all four feet on the floor with nothing
touching the flat bottom surface.

Hang the Force Platform using side tabs

On a Wall

Use the tabs on the side of the platform to hang it from a pair
of bolts or hooks on a wall. Make sure that all four feet are in
stable contact with the wall.

With the Optional Handle Set

Fasten the handles to the threaded brass inserts on the top of
the platform, or remove the feet and fasten the handles to the
bottom of the platform. With the handles, you can hold the
platform against a wall to measure horizontal pushing force. If
you have two platforms with handles (attached to the bottom),
you can demonstrate Newton's third law by pushing the plat­forms together.

Note that the handles do not connect to the top plate when fas­tened to the top of the platform; therefore, parallel force
applied to the handles will not be measured. To measure parallel force using the han­dles, attach them to the bottom of the platform. Hold the handles and press the top
plate against a surface.

Optional handles

attached to bottom of

Force Platform

Turn feet to level Force Platform

Tare button

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