Vernier Go Direct Energy GDX-NRG User Manual

1

the power button once. The
Bluetooth®LED will blink red.

4. Launch Graphical Analysis 4.

5. Click or tap Sensor Data
Collection.

6. Click or tap 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. This is a multi-channel sensor. The
active channel is listed in the
Connected Devices Sensor
Channels list. To change channels,
select the check box next to the
Sensor Channel(s) you would like
to activate.

8. Click or tap Done to enter
data-collection mode.

2. Connect the sensor to the USB port.

3. Launch Graphical Analysis 4 or turn
on LabQuest 2. You are now ready
to collect data.

4. This is a multi-channel sensor. To
change the default channel
selections, see
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-nrg

WARNING: To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, do not
connect the red or black leads to household power. This product is designed to
measure low-voltage sources such as classroom-scale wind turbines and small
solar panels. It should never be connected to an electrical outlet.

Charging the Sensor

Connect Go Direct Energy to the included USB Charging Cable and any USB
device for tw o hours.

You can also charge up to Go Direct Energy Sensors using our Go Direct
Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on each
GoDirect Energy indicates charging status.

Charging

Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid
while the sensor is charging.

Fully charged

Green LED next to the battery icon is solid
when the sensor is fully charged.

Go Direct

®

Energy

(Order Code GDX-NRG)

Go Direct Energy measures the voltage
and current of a renewable energy
source. Connect a source, such as a small
wind turbine or solar panel, and Graphical Analysis 4 calculates the power,
resistance, and energy output.

Go Direct Energy is ideal for a wide variety of renewable energy experiments:

l Investigate the electrical energy generated by a wind turbine or solar panel.
l Explore the effect of load on wind turbine or solar panel output.
l Test blade design variables and evaluate data to determine optimal blade

design.

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 Energy
l Micro USBCable

Compatible Software

See www.vernier.com/manuals/g dx- nrg for a list of software compatible with the
Go Direct Energy.

Getting Started

1. Connect the Go Direct Energy red lead to the red wire of your energy source
(generator, solar panel, etc.).

2. Connect the Go Direct Energy black lead to the black wire of your source.

3. Make sure the Load switch is set to 30 Ω Load.

Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-n rg

Bluetooth Connection USB Co nnection

1. Install Graphical Analysis 4 on
your computer, Chromebook™, or
mobile device. See
www.vernier.com/ga4 for software
availability.

2. Charge your sensor for at least
2hours before first use.

3. Turn on your sensor by pressing

1. If using a computer or Chromebook,
install Graphical Analysis 4. If using
LabQuest 2, make sure LabQuest
App is up to date. See
www.vernier.com/ga4 for Graphical
Analysis 4 availability or
www.vernier.com/downloads to
update LabQuest App.

2

In the most common configuration, the Load switch should be set to
Internal30Ω Load.

To use an external load, such as a pump, lights, buzzers, etc., set the Load
switch to External Load.

The Check Load LED, , will flash when Go Direct Energy detects that there
is a potential between the red and black leads, but no load is connected. If you
do not have an external load connected, make sure the Load switch is set to
Internal 30 Ω Load. Using Go Direct Energy with this LED flashing will result
in measurements of potential, but since no current flows, there will be no other
quantities measured.

Channels

Go Direct Energy records data in five measurement channels:

l Potential (V)
l Current (mA)
l Power (mW)
l Resistance (Ω)
l Energy (J)

Energy

If your goal is to simply compare the total amount of electrical energy produced
in a given time, such as in the KidWind Challenge, the most common number
to use is the final value of the Energy column. Energy is the measure of how
much total power is generated or used over a period of time. This sensor uses
units of joules, abbreviated J, to measure energy.

Current

Current is the measure of the flow of electrons through the wires. When the
current is high, the electrons flow quickly through a circuit. When the current is
low, the electrons flow more slowly. This sensor uses units of milliamperes,
often called milliamps for short. The symbol used to represent milliamps is mA.

Potential

To make the electrons move through the wire, they need to be "pushed." The
amount of push is called the potential difference. Potential difference is
measured in units of volts. The letter V is used to represent a volt.

Power

Power is the measure of how quickly energy is generated or used. This sensor
uses units of milliwatts, abbreviated mW, to measure power.

Resistance

Resistance is a measure of the amount of opposition to the passage of an electric
current. The unit for resistance is ohm and is represented by the Greek letter
capital omega, Ω.

Using the Load Switch

When the Load switch is set to Internal, the load is an internal 30 Ω resistor
inside the Energy sensor. When the Load switch is set to External Load, you

Powering the Sensor

Turning on the sensor

Press the Power button once. Red LED indicator
next to the Bluetooth icon flashes when the unit
is on.

Putting the sensor in
sleep mode

Press and hold the Power button for more than
three seconds to put into sleep mode. Red LED
indicator next to Bluetooth icon stops flashing
when sleeping.

Connecting the Sensor

See the following link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vernier.com/start/gdx-n rg

Connecting via Bluetooth

Ready to connect Red LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes

when sensor is awake and ready to connect.

Connected Green LED next to the Bluetooth icon flashes

when sensor is connected via Bluetooth.

Connecting via USB

Connected and charging Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid

when the 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 the battery icon is solid

when the sensor is connected 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 the battery icon is solid
when the sensor is charging. Green LED next to
the Bluetooth icon flashes.

Using the Product

Connect the sensor following the steps in the Getting Started section of the user
manual.

Connecting the Energy Sensor to an Energy Source

The Vernier Energy sensor is designed to measure the output of simple
generators and solar panels, such as the KidWind renewable energy kits.
Connect the red clip lead on the sensor to the positive (red) side of the energy
source and the black clip lead to the negative (black) side of the energy source.

3

Water Resistance

Go Direct Energy 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

Go Direct Energy measures the potential across the load, as well as the current
through the load. The power, energy, and resistance values are all calculated
from the potential and current.

Does the sensor need to be grounded?

No, Go Direct Energy does not need to be grounded. However, be aware that
the black lead is common to the USB ground, so if you are using Go Direct
Energy connected to USB, the ground of your USB device is the same as the
circuit ground.

Connecting an External Load to the Energy Sensor

You can connect an external load such as any electrical device that is meant to
run on DC electricity at a voltage that matches the power source. Examples
include the Vernier Variable Load (order code VES-VL), the V ernier Resistor
Board (order code VES-RB), single component resistors, motors, pumps, or
LEDs. The metal-coated holes are designed to accommodate alligator clip
connectors.

Self-resetting Fuse

The circuit in Go Direct Energy includes a self-resetting fuse to protect the
components from accidental overloading. Currents over 1 A (external load) or

0.18 A (internal load) may cause the fuse to open the circuit. In this case, you
will have to wait a few minutes for the fuse to reset itself before using
GoDirect Energy again.

will need to connect an external load. For example, in several experiments
students explore the effect of load on energy output.

Calibrating the Sensor

The sensor is factory calibrated. You should never have to perform a new
calibration for Go Direct Energy.

Specifications

Source input potential
range

±5 V (for internal load)

±30 V (for external load)

Source input current range ±0.18 A (for internal load)

±1 A (for external load)

Resolution 1 mV

40 µA

Input impedance 1 MΩ

Insertion resistance 1 Ω

Wireless specification Bluetooth 4.2

Maximum wireless range 30 m

Battery 300 mA Li-Poly

Battery life (single full
charge)

~24 hours

Battery life (long term) ~500 full charge cycles (several years depending

on usage)

Care and Maintenance

Battery Information

Go Direct Energy contains a small lithium-ion battery. The system is designed
to consume very little pow er 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 Energy 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 w ill 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.

4

Item Order Code

Vernier Variable Load

VES-VL

Vernier Resisto r Board

VES-RB

KidWin d Advanced Wind Experiment Kit

KW-AWX

KidWin d Basic Wind Exp eriment Kit

KW-BWX

KidWin d MINI Wind T urbine

KW-MWT

KidWin d 2V/400mA Solar Panel

KW-SP2V

KidWin d 12V/500mA Solar Panel

KW-SP12V

Warranty

Vernier warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of five years from the date of shipment to the
customer. This warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by abuse
or improper use. This warranty covers educational institutions only.

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
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.

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to c omply with the li mits fora Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of theFCC rules.
These limi ts are designed to provide reasonable protection agai nst harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses andc an radiate radio frequency energy and, if not i nstalled and used i n acc ordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occ ur in a particular ins tallation. If
this equipmentdoes cause harmful interference to radio or tel evisi on reception, which can bedetermined by turning the equi pment off and
on, the us er is encouragedto try to c orrect the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equi pment into anoutl et on ac ircuit differentfrom that to which thereceiv er is connected.

Consult the dealeror anex perienced radio/TV techni cian forhelp.

FCC Caution

This devi ce complies with Part 15 of theFCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following twoc onditions:

(1)thi s device may not cause harmful interference and

(2)thi s device must accept any interference receiv ed, inc luding interference that may cause undesi red operation

RF Exposure Warning

The equipment compli es with RF exposure li mits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used forthis transmitter must
not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. You are cauti oned that c hanges or modifi cations not
expressly approved by the party responsible forc ompliance could voi d your authority to operate the equipment.

Can I use this as a Current Sensor or a Voltage Sensor?

Although Go Direct Energy can be used to measure simple circuits in a physics
classroom, it is designed primarily for use with simple motors and solar panels.
We recommend the Go Direct Voltage and Go Direct Current sensors for doing
battery-and-bulb type experiments, as the addition of a load is not necessary
when using those sensors.

Troubleshooting

The Check Load LED, , will flash when Go Direct Energy detects that there
is a potential between the red and black leads, but no load is connected. If you
do not have an external load connected, make sure the Load switch is set to
Internal 30 Ω Load. Using Go Direct Energy with this LED flashing will result
in measurements of potential, but since no current flows, no other quantities will
be measured.

Resistance Values Fluctuate

When the current and voltage values are near zero, the resistance value is not
meaningful; it may fluctuate widely.

Thermal Protection

Go Direct Energy uses internal thermal fuses to protect the sensor from
overheating. For the Internal Load, if the potential increases above 5.5 V, the
thermal fuse will start to engage and internal resistance will begin to increase.
Over approximately 7.7 V, the thermal fuse will fully engage, meaning that the
sensor is overheated and all readings will go to zero. If this happens, disconnect
all wires and allow the sensor to cool for 10 minutes before starting another
measurement.

When using the External Load, the thermal fuse will start to engage if the
current increases above 1.1 A. Continued operation above this point will cause
the thermal fuse to fully engage, meaning that the sensor is overheated and all
readings will go to zero.

For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/4123

Repair Information

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with
your Go Direct Energy, contact Vernier Technical Support at
[e-mail] 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

Micro USB Cab le

CB-USB-MICRO

USB-C t o Micro USBC able

CB-USB-C-MICRO

Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Batt ery

GDX-BAT-300

5

IC Statement

This devi ce complies with Industry Canada li cense-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation i s s ubject tothe following two conditions:

(1)thi s device may not cause interference, and

(2)thi s device 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 limits for radio noise emissions fromdi gital apparatus

as s et out in the i nterference-causing equipments tandard entitled “Digital Apparatus,”ICES-003 of Industry Canada. Operation i s subject
to the following two condi tions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and

(2)thi s device must accept any interference, inc luding interference that may cause undesired operation of the devic e.

To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type andi ts gain should bes o chos en that the equivalent i sotropically
radiated power (e.i.r.p.)i s not morethan thatpermitted forsuc cessful communication.

RF exposure warning: The equipment complies with RF ex posure li mits set forth for an unc ontrolled envi ronment.The antenna(s) used

for this transmittermust not be c o-located or operating i n c onjunction with any other antenna ortransmitter.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNRd’Industrie Canadaappli cables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditi ons s uivantes :

(1)l ’appareil nedoi t pas produire de brouillage, et

(2)l ’appareil doit accepter tout interférence radioélectrique, même si cela résulte à un brouillage susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnement.

Cet appareil numérique respecte l es l imites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans
la norme s ur le matériel interférant-brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée pari ndustrie Canada. L’uti lisati on est soumise
aux deux conditions suivantes:

(1)c et appareil ne peut causer d’interférences, et

(2)c et appareil doit accepter toutes interférences, y comprises celles susceptibles de provoquer un di sfonctionnement du dispositif.

Afin de réduirel es i nterférences radio potentiel les pourles autres utili sateurs, l e type d’antenne et son gain doivent êtrec hoisie de telle
façon que l’équivalent de puissance isotrope émis (e.i.r.p) n’est pas plus grandque celui permis pourune communication établ ie.

Avertissement d ’exposition RF : L’ équipement est conformeaux limites d’exposition aux RF établies pour un envi ronnementnon

supervisé. L’antenne(s) utilisée pource transmetteur ne doit pas être j umelés ou fonctionner en conj onction avec toute autre antenne ou
transmetteur.

Note: This product i s a sensitiv e measurement devi ce. For best results, use the cables that were provided. Keep thedev ice away from

electromagnetic noi se s ources, s uch as microwaves, monitors, electric motors, andappli ances.

Vernier Software & Technology

13979 SW Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886

Toll Fr ee (888) 837- 6437 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

[e-mail] • www.vernier.com

Rev. 2/13/ 18

Go Direct, Graphi cal Analy sis , and other marks show n are our trademarks or registered trad emarks in the Uni ted
States. All o ther marks not o wned by us t hat appear herein are the prop erty of thei r respective own ers, who may
or may not be affiliat ed with , connected to , or sponso red by us.

The Blueto oth®word mark and log os are registered t rademarks owned by t he Bluetoo th SIG, Inc. and any use of
such marks by Vern ier Software & Technolog y is un der license. Oth er trademarks and trade names are those of
their respect ive own ers.