Vernier EasyData Guidebook

Vernier

EasyData App

Getting Started

TM

What is EasyData?

What you Need

Quick Start: Graphing Temperature

Quick Start: Graphing a Ball Bounce

How To....

Start and Quit EasyData

Change Sensor Units

Collect Multiple Data Runs

Collect Data: Time Graph

Collect Data: Events with Entry Manually Set Up a Sensor

Connecting Devices

Navigating Menus

Collect Data: Distance Match

Collect Data: Photogates

Analyze Data

Calibrate a Sensor

More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Error Messages

Warning Messages

What is the EasyD at a Ap p

The EasyData App is a graphing calculator application. It lets you collect, view,
and analyze real-world data on certain TI-graphing calculators using Vernier USB
devices (EasyTemp and EasyLink) and other data collection devices, such as
Texas Instruments CBR 2™ motion detector, CBL 2™ System, or Vernier
Go!Motio n™, and LabPro

®

.

What You Ne ed

Note: In this guidebook, references to TI-83 Plus also apply to the TI-83 Plus
Silver Edition. References to the TI-84 Plus also apply to the TI-84 Plus Silver
Edition.

Hardware and Software Notes

Calculators



TI-84 Plus wit h op erating syst em vers ion 2.3 or

later

-or-



TI-83 Plus wit h op erating syst em vers ion 1.16 or

later

Data Collection Devices:

USB sensors and devices



EasyTemp



EasyLink



Go! Motion (motion detector)



CBR 2 (motion detector)

Standard devices



CBR and CBR 2 (motion detectors)



LabPro



CBL 2

Sensors (from Vernier Software & Technology)

Over 40 sensors available including; Temperature, pH,
Pressure, Motion, Force, Heart Rate, Conductivity,
Dissolved Oxygen and more.

You can download a free copy of the latest operating
system software for your calculator from
education.ti.com/latest.

The TI-83 Plus requires a separate data collection
devic e such as a LabPro or CB L 2.

These devices are designed to connect to the USB
port found on the TI-84 Plus. When using these
sensors , th ere is no need for an y add itional dat a­collecti on interfac es.

Using the c alc ulators I/O p or t, these devices can be
used with any of the TI graphing calculators.

For a complete list of sensors, v isit
www.vernier.com/probes/index.html.

EasyData Guidebook 1

Connecting devices

There are several data-collection devices that can be used with EasyData.
These devices include the CBL 2, LabPro

®

, CBR™, CBR 2, Go!

™

Motio n, an d

the Vernier EasyTemp and EasyLink. For more information on connecting
data-collection devices, please refer to the device's user guide.

When the calculator detects a data collection device connected to the USB
port, EasyD at a opens automati cal l y an d s tar ts a d efault experim ent
appropri a te for th at dev ice.

Navigating Eas yDa ta m en us

Selecting on-screen options

Each screen displays one or more options along
the bottom of the screen. To select an option,
press the calculator key directly below the option.

Selecting menu items

EasyData menus differ slightly among the types of sensors. You can select menu
items in the following ways:

►

Press or to highlight the menu i tem, and then

press

- or -

►

Press the number key that corresponds to the

menu item.

to select it.

2 EasyData Guidebook

Starting an d Quit tin g th e Ea syDa ta Ap p

Note: EasyData starts automatically when you connect a sensor to the USB port
of a TI-84 Plus calculator that is on the home screen.

Starting EasyData

►

If EasyData is not already running on your calculator,

press
and then select EasyData.

The application’s i nformation screen is displ ay ed for
about three seconds, f ollowed by the main screen.

Quitting EasyData

1. Select from the main screen.
A message notes the lists in whic h the data can be

found.

2. Select
to the EasyData main screen..

to display the li st of available applications,

to quit EasyData, or select to return

EasyData Guidebook 3

Changing a Se ns or’ s Mea su ring U nit

You can change the measuring unit for a connected sensor. With a temperature
probe, for example, you can change the unit from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F).

To change the measuring unit

1. From the EasyDat a m ain screen, select .

Choose the sensor display ed at the top of the menu,
such as Temp for the temperature probe.

.

2. The Sensor Set up scr een is displayed. Select

.

3. A menu is display ed sho wi ng the possible units for the
connected sensor. Select the unit that you want
EasyData to use.

.

4. The Sensor Set up scr een sho ws the sel ec ted unit.
Select

to return to the main screen.

.

4 EasyData Guidebook

Setting a Zero Ref er en ce (z eroi ng t he s en sor)

When using so me sensors, it is useful to set the sensor to read zero under certain
conditions. With a force sensor, for example, you can set the sensor to read a
value of zero when no force is applied. This is often as helpful, and simpler, than
calibrating the sensor.

To zero sensor readings

1. From the EasyDat a m ain screen, select .

Choose Zero… displayed at the bottom of the menu.

.

2. The Zer o Sensor(s) screen is displayed, with a
continuall y updated sensor reading.

Set up the sensor in the manner t hat you want it to read
zero. For example, remove any mass from a force
sensor.

3. W hen the display ed reading stabilizes, select
You are returned t o the main screen and the sensor’s referenc e is set to z er o.

.

EasyData Guidebook 5

Restoring Eas yDa ta Def aul t Settin gs

The default EasyData settings are appropriate for a wide variety of sampling
situations. If you are unsure of the best settings, begin with the default settings,
and then adjust the settings for your specific activity.

1. Make sure an Auto- ID sensor is connected.

2. Select
EasyData restarts in the default data-collection mode, and the default settings are

restored. Note: All unsaved data is also erased.

, from the main screen and choose New.

6 EasyData Guidebook

Quick Start: Gr ap hin g Tem p era tu re wit h
Vernier EasyTem p™

You can connect the EasyTemp™ USB temperature sensor to a TI-84 Plus
calculator and use EasyData to watch the effect of holding the sensor in your
hand. This exercise uses the Time Graph mode to collect samples automatically
at regular time intervals.

1. Turn the TI-84 Pl us calculator on, and display the home screen.

2. Connect the EasyTem p sensor to t he c alc ulator.
After a few seconds, the EasyData main screen is

displayed. T he screen shows the cur r ent EasyData
mode and the current sensor reading.

3. Select to start collecti ng data, and then wait five
seconds.

4. Hold the end of the EasyTemp sensor for about 30
seconds.

The graph shows the temper ature as it changes.

5. Select
EasyData displays a scaled graph of the collected

temperatures.

6. Press
note the temperature at each data point.

7. When you finish explor ing the graph, select
return to the EasyData main screen.

EasyData Guidebook 7

to stop collecti ng data

repeatedly to scroll the cursor to the right, and

to

8. Select to quit EasyData.

9. Select
A message notes the lists in whic h the data can be

found.

You have completed the Quick Start exercise for collecting t em perature. To learn how to
collect dat a with a m otion sensor, c om plete the Quick Start exercise for collec ting motion
data. The remainder of this guide contains detailed instruc tions and reference information
for using EasyData f eatures.

.

8 EasyData Guidebook

Quick Start: Gr ap hin g a Ball Boun ce wit h a CBR 2

You can connect the CBR 2 motion sensor to a TI-84 Plus calculator and use
EasyData to graph the motion of a bouncing ball. This exercise uses the Ball
Bounce mode to collect samples automatically at regular time intervals.

1. Turn t he TI - 84 Pl us calc ulator on, and display the home screen.

2. Connect t he CB R 2 to the calculator’s USB port.
After a few seconds, the EasyData main screen is

displayed. T he screen shows the cur r ent EasyData
mode and the current sensor reading.

3. Select and choose Ball Bounce.

4. Pic k up a ball and hol d the CBR 2 abov e the ball.

5. Select
Follow the on-screen i nstr uc tions to collect motion data for the

bouncing ball.

to begin data collec tion.

EasyData Guidebook 9

6. Once t he m otion dat a has been tr ansferred, a graph of
the ball’s motion is displayed.

7. Identify a bounce on the graph with a uniform shape to it.
Select

analyze menu.
A Region Select warning message will be displayed.

Select

8. Press
beginning of a uniform bounce. Select
left boundary marker.

Press
the uniform bounce. Select
boundary marker. A graph of the selec ted region will be
displayed.

9. Select
acceleration graphs.

10. When you finish exploring the graphs, sel ec t
to return to the EasyData main screen.

11. Select
data can be found.

Select

You have completed the Quick Start exercise for collecting motion. The remainder of
this guide cont ains det ailed instructions and reference information for using EasyDat a
features.

and choose Select Regi on fr om the

.

repeatedly to scroll the cursor to the

to set your

repeatedly to scroll the cursor to the end of

to set your right

to view the corresponding velocity and

. A message notes the li sts i n whic h the

to quit EasyData.

10 EasyData Guidebook

Collecting Multiple D at a Ru ns

In order to compare consecutive runs of data, it is necessary to store your current
data before performing the next data-collection trial. When collecting data with a
single sensor, EasyData will allow you to store two runs of previous data for
comparison and analysis with your current data.

Each time a run is stored, list L3 is copied into L4 and list L2 is copied into L3.
Your independent variable will always remain in list L1 and should be kept
consistent between data-collection trials. To view all data runs on a single graph,
refer to the Graph Features and Analysis section. Keep in mind that storing data is
not th e same as saving data in an experimen t. For inf ormation on saving data,
refer to the Managing Data section.

Storing Data

1. W hen data collection has been completed, sel ect ,
and then select Store Run.

2. The St or e Latest Run screen will appear identifying
where the data will be stored. Select
data.

3. You are now ready to collect a new run of data. Note: It is not necessary to store the
data following your third data-collecti on trial.

to store your

EasyData Guidebook 11

Data Collectio n Mod es

EasyData has several modes that let you collect data automatically or
manually. The five most common modes are listed below.



In Time Graph mode, EasyData automatically collects a specific

number of samples at regular time interva ls. Yo u set th e interval (in
seconds) and the total number of samples to collect. You can stop the
sampling manually, if you wish.



In Events with Entry mode, you capture samples manually for a set

of events that you define. For example, you might want to collect
Boyle's law data using a gas pressure sensor to sample pressure
readings for corresponding volumes of a container.



In Selected Events mode, you capture samples manually every time

is selected. For example, you might want to collect individual
temperat ur e and pH readings al o ng a str eam bank at differe nt
locations.



In Single Point mode, an averaged reading is collected for each data

collection. A consecutive reading is collected each time a new data
collection is started. This mode is ideal for environmental monitoring
such as stream temperature or pH.



In Rate mode, the rate of periodic data, such as heart rate or soun d

waveforms, is calculated. This mode can be set to collect rate
readings in beats per minute (bpm) or Hertz (Hz). Only select sensors
support rate mode.

When you change an EasyData mode or se tting, the change
remains in effect until you restore the default settings, or
connect a different sensor. If a new sensor is added, you have
the option of ad di ng the new s e nsor an d ret ai ning the
previously set mode or restoring the mode to the default
settings.

12 EasyData Guidebook

Collecting Dat a Aut om atic a lly (Time Gra ph)

To collect data in the Time Graph mode

This example uses a force sensor connected to an EasyLink and a TI-84 Plus
calculator. Your screens will vary depending on which sensor and data-collection
device is attached.

1. Turn t he c alc ulator on, and start the EasyData app.

After a few seconds, the EasyData main screen is
displayed. T he screen shows the cur r ent EasyData
mode and the current sensor reading. The default mode
for most sensors is Time Graph.

2. Select
and sensor defaul ts.

3. Select

4. Data collection will automatically end when all samples
have been collected. To stop data collection early,
select

When data collection has ended, E asyDat a displays a
graph of the collect ed data.

and choose New to restore data c ollection

to begin collecti ng data.

.

EasyData Guidebook 13

To change Time Graph settings

This example uses a force sensor connected to an EasyLink and a TI-84 Plus
calculator. Your screens will vary depending on which sensor and data-collection
device is attached.

1. From the EasyDat a m ain screen, select , and
then select Time Graph.. to open the Time Graph
Settings wizard.

The current Time Graph settings are displ ay ed.

2. Select

Press
in the new interval. Select
number of samples screen.

Press
type in the new number of sam ples. S elec t
finished to display a summary of the new settings.

3. Select

14 EasyData Guidebook

to enter new Tim e Graph settings begi nning with the sample interval.

to clear the old sampl e interv al and type

to advance to the

to clear the old number of samples and

when

to return to the main screen.

Collecting Data Manually (Events with Entry)

In E vents with Entry mode, each reading collected from a sensor becomes a y
value. After each reading, EasyData prompts you to enter the corresponding x
value.

To collect data in Events with Entry mode

This example uses a gas pressure sensor connected to an EasyLink and a TI-84
Plus calculator. Your screens will vary depending on which sensor and data­collection device is attac h ed .

1. Turn t he c alc ulator on, and start the EasyData app.
After a few seconds, the EasyData main screen is

displayed. T he screen shows the cur r ent EasyData
mode and the current sensor reading.

2. From the EasyDat a m ain screen, select
then select Events with Entry.

3. Select
for you to collect the first sample.

4. W hen you are ready to collect the first sample (y value)
and the displayed reading appears stable, select

to begin collecti ng data. EasyData waits

, and

.

EasyData Guidebook 15

You are prompted to type in an x value that corresponds
to the sample you just collec ted. Enter it and select
to prepare for the next sam ple.

5. Repeat the above step for each additional sample to be
collected.

6. When you have finished col lecting data, select
The data you have collected are displayed as a graph.

7. Press

or to review your data, or select to

return to the EasyData main screen.

.

16 EasyData Guidebook

Collecting Data Manually (Selected Events)

In Selected Events mode, each reading collected from a sensor becomes a y
value. EasyData automatically assigns the sample number as the x value.

To collect data in Selected Events mode

This exampl e us es a pH sens or connected to an Eas yLink and a TI-84 Pl us
calculator. Your screens will vary depending on which sensor and data-collection
device is attached.

1. Turn t he c alc ulator on, and start the EasyData app.
After a few seconds, the EasyData main screen is

displayed. T he screen shows the cur r ent EasyData
mode and the current sensor reading.

2. From the EasyDat a m ain screen, select
then choose Selected Events.

3. Select
for you to collect the first sample.

4. When you are ready t o coll ec t t he fir st sample (y value)
and the displayed reading appears stable, select

to begin collecti ng data. EasyData waits

, and

.

EasyData Guidebook 17

5. Repeat the above step for each additional sample to be collected.

6. W hen you have fi nished collecting data, selec t

.

7. The data y ou hav e c ollec ted are displayed as a graph.
Press

or to review your data, or select to

return to the EasyData main screen.

18 EasyData Guidebook

Collecting Data Manually (Single Point)

In Single Point mode, EasyData samples readings from the sensor for a 10
second period. When sampling is finished, the mean reading is calculated and
displayed. Each time a reading is collected, it is stored in memory for future use. If
you wish to clear previously collected data, select New from the File menu.

To collect data in Single Point mode

This example uses an EasyTemp and a TI-84 Plus calculator. Your screens will
vary depending on which sensor and data-collection device is attached.

1. Turn t he c alc ulator on, and start the EasyData app.
After a few seconds, the EasyData main screen is

displayed. T he screen shows the cur r ent EasyData
mode and the current sensor reading.

2. From the EasyDat a m ain screen, select
then select Single Point.

3. Select
data for 10 seconds.

When data collection has f inished, the averaged
reading is displayed.

4. If y ou wish to keep the r eading and prepare EasyData
to take another, select

If you are finished and no other readings are to be
taken, select

5. To collect another reading, repeat Steps 3 and 4.

to begin collecti ng data. EasyData collects

.

.

EasyData Guidebook 19

, and

Specialized Data Collection Modes

Using Motion Detectors

In Distance Match mode, Easy Data helps to buil d under s t an di n g o f graphs by
letting you try to create data that matches a predefined graph. The sample interval
and number of samples are preset and cannot be changed. Each of the preset
plots is randomly generated so that students have the option of matching a new
plot every time.

In Ve locity Match mode, students work to match preset plots o f velocity rather
than distance. Interpretation of velocity plots helps to further the understanding of
graphs established during Distance Match. The sample interval and number of
samples are preset and cannot be changed. Each of the preset plots is randomly
generated so that students have the option of matching a new plot every time.

Ball Bounce mode, is a specialized routine to help students understand the
motion of a bouncing ball . When dat a is collected Eas yData adjusts the data, with
respect to the floor, so that each bounce on the distance graph has the same
minimum distance. This helps students to visually connect the data on the graph to
the perceived motion of the ball. The sample interval and number of samples are
preset and cannot be changed.

20 EasyData Guidebook