Go Direct®Force and
Acceleration
(Order Code GDX-FOR)
Go Direct Force and Acceleration couples a 3-axis
accelerometer with a stable and accurate force sensor
that measures forces as small as ±0.1 N and up to
±50 N.
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational
use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any
industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient
diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.
What's Included
l Go Direct Force and Acceleration
l Hook
l Bumper
l Nylon screw
l Accessory rod
l Micro USBCable
Compatible Software
See www.vernier.com/manuals/gdx-for for a list of software compatible with Go
Direct Force and Acceleration.
Assembly
The hook and bumper attach to the sensor by screwing them into the post.
Hook attached
Getting Started
Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-for
Bluetooth Connection USB Connection
1. Install Vernier Graphical
Analysis™ on your computer,
Chromebook™, or mobile device. If
using LabQuest®, make sure
LabQuest App is up to date. See
www.vernier.com/ga4 for Graphical
Analysis availability or
www.vernier.com/downloads to
update LabQuest App.
2. Charge your sensor for at least
2hours before first use.
3. Turn on your sensor by pressing the
power button once. The Bluetooth
LED will blink red.
4. Launch Graphical Analysis or turn
on LabQuest.
5. If using Graphical Analysis, click
or tap Sensor Data Collection. If
using LabQuest, choose Wireless
Device Setup > Go Direct from the
Sensors menu.
6. Select your Go Direct sensor from
the list of Discovered Wireless
Devices. Your sensor's ID is located
near the barcode on the sensor. The
Bluetooth LED will blink green
when it is successfully connected.
7. Click or tap Done. You are now
ready to collect data.
8. This is a multi-channel sensor. To
change the channel selections, see
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-for
1. If using a computer or
Chromebook, install Vernier
Graphical Analysis. If using
LabQuest, make sure LabQuest
App is up to date. See
www.vernier.com/ga4 for Graphical
Analysis availability or
www.vernier.com/downloads to
update LabQuest App.
2. Connect the sensor to the USB
port.
3. Launch Graphical Analysis or turn
®
on LabQuest. You are now ready to
collect data.
4. This is a multi-channel sensor. To
change the channel selections, see
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-for
Note: This sensor does not work with
the original LabQuest. It works with
LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3.
Bumper attached
Charging the Sensor
Connect Go Direct Force and Acceleration to the included Micro USB Cable
and any USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensors
using our GoDirect Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG).
An LED on each Go Direct Force and Acceleration indicates charging status.
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Charging
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid while
sensor is charging.
Fully charged
Green LED next to battery icon solid when
sensor is fully charged.
Powering the Sensor
Turning on the sensor
Putting the sensor in sleep
mode
Press button once. Red LED indicator next to
Bluetooth icon flashes when unit is on.
Press and hold button for more than three
seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED
indicator stops flashing when sleeping.
Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-for
Connecting via Bluetooth
Ready to connect Red LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when
sensor is awake and ready to connect.
Connected Green LED next to Bluetooth icon flashes when
sensor is connected via Bluetooth.
Connecting via USB
Connected and charging Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connected to Graphical Analysis via
USB and the unit is charging. LED next to
Bluetooth icon is off.
Connected, fully charged Green LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connect to Graphical Analysis via USB
and fully charged. LED next to Bluetooth icon is
off.
Charging via USB,
connected via Bluetooth
Orange LED next to battery icon is solid when
sensor is connected to charger via USB and the
unit is charging. Green LED next to Bluetooth
icon flashes when sensor is connected via
Bluetooth.
Identifying the Sensor
When two or more sensors are connected, the sensors can be identified by
tapping or clicking Identify in Sensor Information.
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of this user
manual.
Channels
Go Direct Force and Acceleration has seven measurement channels. The channel
names are
l Force
l X-axis acceleration
l Y-axis acceleration
l Z-axis acceleration
l X-axis gyro
l Y-axis gyro
l Z-axis gyro
Force
The default channel that is active when the sensor is connected is Force. The
force channel measures pushes and pulls along the main axis of the sensor body.
Use the hook attachment for pulling and the bumper attachment for pushing.
Pulls are registered as positive forces and pushes are registered as negative
forces, unless sensor readings are reversed in Graphical Analysis.
Acceleration
There are three acceleration channels, measured by a single chip, which is
located under the 3-axis icon on the label. The icon shows the positive direction
for each axis, with the x-direction of acceleration parallel to the pulling force on
the force sensor and the z-direction straight up through the label. Each direction
of acceleration can be measured separately.
If you choose to activate all three acceleration channels at once, you can create
a calculated column for the total acceleration magnitude.
Gyroscope
Use the gyroscope channels to measure the rotation rate of the unit. Measured
values are positive when the rotation is counter-clockwise relative to the axis
directions indicated by the 3-axis icon on the label. For example, when placed
label upward on a turntable rotating clockwise, the x- and y- gyroscopes will
read close to zero and the z- gyroscope will show a negative reading.
If you choose to activate all three gyroscope channels at once, you can create a
calculated column for the total magnitude of angular velocity.
Collecting Data with Go Direct Centripetal Force Apparatus
Slide Go Direct Force and Acceleration onto the Go Direct Centripetal Force
Apparatus beam. Attach the mass carriage to the apparatus and secure the sensor
at the desired location. As you turn the spindle to rotate the apparatus beam, the
sensor will apply the force necessary to pull the carriage in a circular motion.
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Channels
Turn on the sensor and connect it to Graphical Analysis on your device. Select
the appropriate Go Direct Force and Acceleration data-collection channels in
Graphical Analysis for your investigation:
l Z-axis gyro to capture angular velocity
l X-axis acceleration for centripetal acceleration
l Force for centripetal force
For additional information, refer to www.vernier.com/til/4258
Calibrating the Sensor
Force
This sensor is factory calibrated. If you would like to calibrate the force sensor
yourself, use a two-point calibration: no force applied and a known force
applied. It is easiest to simply hang a mass from the hook. We recommend a 1
kg mass or greater. Do not exceed the maximum of 50 N during calibration.
Acceleration
This sensor is factory calibrated.
Gyroscope
This sensor is factory calibrated.
Specifications
Response time 1 ms
Force range ±50 N
Acceleration range ±156.8 m/s
Gyroscope range ±34.9 rad/s
Maximum sampling rate 1,000 samples/s
USBspecification USB 2.0 full speed
Wireless specification Bluetooth v4.2
Maximum wireless range 30 m (unobstructed)
Dimensions Length: 7.6 cm, not including the post or hook or
bumper
Width: 5.7 cm
Height: 3.3 cm
Battery 300 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable
Battery life (single full
~10 hours continuous data collection
charge)
Battery life (long term) ~300 full charge cycles (several years depending
on usage)
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Care and Maintenance
Battery Information
Go Direct Force and Acceleration contains a small lithium-ion battery. The
system is designed to consume very little power and not put heavy demands on
the battery. Although the battery is warranted for one year, the expected battery
life should be several years. Replacement batteries are available from Vernier
(order code: GDX-BAT-300).
Storage and Maintenance
To store Go Direct Force and Acceleration for extended periods of time, put the
device in sleep mode by holding the button down for at least three seconds. The
red LED will stop flashing to show that the unit is in sleep mode. Over several
months, the battery will discharge but will not be damaged. After such storage,
charge the device for a few hours, and the unit will be ready to go.
Exposing the battery to temperatures over 35°C (95°F) will reduce its lifespan. If
possible, store the device in an area that is not exposed to temperature extremes.
Water Resistance
Go Direct Force and Acceleration is not water resistant and should never be
immersed in water.
If water gets into the device, immediately power the unit down (press and hold
the power button for more than three seconds). Disconnect the sensor and
charging cable, and remove the battery. Allow the device to dry thoroughly
before attempting to use the device again. Do not attempt to dry using an
external heat source.
How the Sensor Works
Force
The force channel uses strain gauge technology to measure force based on the
bending of a beam in a load cell.
Accelerometer
The accelerometer is a microelectromechanical device (MEMS device)
consisting of a cantilever and a test mass. As the mass is accelerated, the
cantilever bends, generating a signal proportional to the acceleration. Three
orthogonal axes provide three channels of acceleration information.
Gyroscope
The gyroscope is a microelectromechanical device that uses a vibrating structure
to determine rate of rotation using the Coriolis force on the structure. Three
orthogonal axes provide three different channels of rotation information.
Additional Information about Acceleration
Since the Accelerometer is sensitive to both acceleration and the Earth’s
gravitational field, interpreting accelerometer measurements is complex. A useful
model for understanding accelerometer measurements is a spring-based scale
with a reference mass (or object) attached to the scale. If the scale is pointing
upward (the usual orientation for such a device) the weight of the mass causes
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the spring to compress, and you get a non-zero reading. If you were to turn the
scale upside down, the spring will be extended, instead of compressed, and we
get a reading of the opposite sign. If you turn the scale so it points sideways,
and keep it motionless, then the spring will just be at its relaxed length, and the
reading will be zero. If you accelerated the scale toward the mass, then the
spring would compress. If you accelerate the scale away from the mass the
spring would stretch. In each case the scale is reading a value corresponding to
the normal force on the mass. This reading can be made relative by dividing out
the mass, giving units of N/kg, which is the same as m/s2.
Q: What does an accelerometer measure?
A: Normal force per unit mass, otherwise known as proper acceleration.
Note that it’s not the net force per unit mass (which is acceleration), but it is the
normal force per unit mass. This somewhat unusual quantity corresponds with
what a rider on a roller coaster feels during the turns. This interpretation is
useful even for the scalar total acceleration value, which is 9.8 N/kg for a 3-axis
accelerometer at rest, zero for one in free fall, and greater than 9.8 for one
rounding a corner.
This normal force interpretation works even for a one-axis accelerometer being
accelerated in a horizontal direction. The reading is non-zero as the test mass
inside the device has to have a force applied to accelerate it. That’s just a
normal force that happens to be horizontal.
When discussing the accelerometer reading, we can call it the Normal Force per
Unit Mass, with units of N/kg.
Q: I thought the Accelerometer measured acceleration!
A: Here we are being very careful to not call something an acceleration when it
is not a kinematic acceleration. For example, an “acceleration” of 9.8 m/s2for an
object that remains at rest is clearly a problematic interpretation, yet that’s what
the accelerometer reads.
You can correct the Accelerometer reading to get a true acceleration by adding
the component of the gravitational acceleration field along the direction of the
sensor arrow. For example, if the axis of the accelerometer is pointing upward,
then the gravitational component is –9.8 m/s2. The Accelerometer reads 9.8 m/s
when the arrow is upward and the device is at rest. By adding –9.8 m/s2, we get
zero, which is the correct acceleration. If the arrow is horizontal, then the
reading is zero, but the gravitational component is zero, and we still have zero
for the true acceleration.
Q: What about g-force measurements?
A: We avoid the term g-force because the quantity doesn’t have units of force.
Instead, g-factor can be used as a simplified label for Normal Force per Unit
Mass in axis labels and discussions.
You can see that the g-factor is then 1 for an object sitting at rest on a table,
zero in free fall, etc. The g-factor is dimensionless. If the Normal Force is a
vector, then so is the g-factor. g-factor is completely optional–it is just a
shortcut to avoid a long name.
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with
your Go Direct Force and Acceleration, contact Vernier Technical Support at
support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with
you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will
be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.
Accessories/Replacements
Item Order Code
Dual Range Force Sensor Replacement Parts Kit
Bumper and Launcher Kit
Accessory Ro d
Adap ter for Pasco Cart
Force Table Adapter
Go Direct Centripetal Force Ap paratus
Replacement Battery
Micro USBCable
USB-C to Micro USBCable
DFS-RPK
BLK
ACC-ROD
PCA-DFS
FTA-DFS
GDX-CFA
GDX-BAT-300
CB-USB-MICRO
CB-USB-C-MICRO
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at
www.vernier.com/gdx- for
General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty
Disposal
When disposing of this electronic product, do not treat it as household waste. Its
disposal is subject to regulations that vary by country and region. This item
should be given to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical
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and electronic equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly,
you help prevent potential negative consequences on human health or on the
environment. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling this product, contact your local
city office or your disposal service.
Battery recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org
Do not puncture or expose the battery to excessive heat or flame.
The symbol, shown here, indicates that this product must not be disposed of
in a standard waste container.
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Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement
This equipment has been tes ted and found to comply with the li mits for a Class B digital dev ice, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCCrules .
These li mits are desi gned to provide reasonable protection agains t harmful i nterference i n a residential ins tallation. This equipment
generates, uses and c an radiate radio frequency energy and, i f not instal led and used in accordance wi th the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communic ations. However, there i s no guarantee that interference will not occur i n a particular i nstallati on. If
this equipment does c ause harmful interference to radio or televi sion reception, whic h can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user i s encouraged to try to c orrect the interference by one or more of the foll owing measures:
Reorient or relocate the receivi ng antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment i nto an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an ex perienced radio/TV technic ian for help.
FCC Caution
This device compli es with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subjec t to the fol lowing two conditions :
(1) this devic e may not cause harmful interference and
(2) this devic e must accept any interference received, incl uding interference that may cause undesired operation
RF Exposure W arning
The equipment c omplies with RF exposure l imits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must
not be co-located or operating in conj unction with any other antenna or transmitter. You are cautioned that changes or modifi cations not
expressly approved by the party responsi ble for complianc e c ould v oid y our authority to operate the equi pment.
IC Statement
This device compli es with Industry Canada li cense-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation i s s ubject to the following two c onditions:
(1) this devic e may not cause interference, and
(2) this devic e must accept any interference, inc luding interference that may cause undesired operation of the devic e.
Industry Canada - ClassB This digi tal apparatus does not exceed the Class B limi ts for radio nois e emis sions from digi tal apparatus
as set out in the interference-causing equipment s tandard entitl ed “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada. O peration is s ubject
to the following two c onditions: (1) this devic e may not cause interference, and
(2) this devic e must accept any interference, inc luding interference that may cause undesired operation of the devic e.
To reduce potential radio interference to other us ers, the antenna type and its gai n shoul d be so chosen that the equivalent is otropical ly
radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for succ essful communic ation.
RF exposure warning: The equi pment compli es wi th RF expos ure limi ts s et forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used
for this transmitter must not be c o-located or operating i n c onjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applic ables aux appareils radio exempts de l icence. L’ex ploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditi ons s uivantes :
(1) l’appareil ne doi t pas produire de brouillage, et
(2) l’appareil doit accepter tout interférence radioélectrique, même si c ela résulte à un brouill age sus ceptible d’en compromettre l e
fonctionnement.
Cet appareil numérique respecte l es limi tes de bruits radioélectriques applicabl es aux appareils numériques de Clas se B prescrites dans
la norme sur l e matériel interférant-brouill eur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par indus trie Canada. L’uti lisati on est soumi se
aux deux c onditions suiv antes:
(1) cet appareil ne peut caus er d’interférences, et
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toutes i nterférences, y c omprises cell es s usceptibl es de provoquer un di sfonctionnement du dis positif.
Afin de réduire l es i nterférences radio potentiell es pour les autres uti lisateurs, le type d’antenne et son gain doi vent être choisi e de telle
façon que l’ équivalent de pui ssance is otrope émis (e.i.r.p) n’es t pas plus grand que celui permis pour une communication établie.
Avertissement d’exposition RF: L’ équipement est conforme aux li mites d’exposi tion aux RF établi es pour un envi ronnement non
supervisé. L’antenne (s) utili sée pour c e transmetteur ne doit pas être jumelés ou fonc tionner en c onjonction avec toute autre antenne ou
transmetteur.
Note: This product is a sensi tive measurement devic e. For best results, use the c ables that were provided. Keep the devic e away from
electromagnetic noise sources, such as microwaves, monitors, el ectric motors, and appliances.
13979 SW Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
Vernier Software & Technology
Toll Free (888) 837-6437 • (503) 277-2299 • Fax (503) 277-2440
info@vernier.com • www.vernier.com
Rev. 3/ 29/2021
Go Direct, Vernier Graphical Analysis , LabQ uest, and other marks shown are our trademarks o r registered
trademarks in the Unit ed States. Al l other marks n ot owned by us th at appear herein are t he p roperty of their
respective owners, w ho may or may not be affil iated wit h, con nected to, or spons ored by us.
The Bluetooth®word mark and lo gos are regi stered trademarks owned by the Bluet ooth SIG, Inc. and any use of
such marks by Vernier Software & Technol ogy is under license. Other trademarks and t rade names are those of
their respective owners.
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