®
Go Direct
Static Charge
(Order Code GDX-Q)
Go Direct Static Charge is used as
an electronic electroscope. Unlike a traditional electroscope, Go Direct Static
Charge can make quantitative measurements. Numerical measurements improve
many electrostatics experiments, such as charging by induction, charging by
friction, and charging by contact. The sensor can also be used to determine
charge polarity.
An extremely high impedance voltage sensor with a 0.01µF input capacitor
makes these measurements possible. The sensor has a zeroing switch to
discharge the input capacitor.
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 Static Charge
l Low-leakage BNC/Alligator Clip Cable
l Micro USBCable
Compatible Software
See www.vernier.com/manuals/gdx-q for a list of software compatible withGo
Direct Static Charge.
Getting Started
Please see the following link for platform-specific connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-q
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
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
power button once. The 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
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-q
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-q
Note: This sensor does not work with
the original LabQuest. It works with
LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3.
Charging the Sensor Battery
Connect Go Direct Static Charge to the included USB Charging Cable and any
USB device for two hours.
You can also charge up to eight Go Direct Static Charge Sensors using our
GoDirect Charge Station, sold separately (order code: GDX-CRG). An LED on
each Go Direct Static Charge indicates charging status.
Charging
Fully charged
Orange LED next to the battery icon is solid
while the sensor is charging.
Green LED next to the battery icon is solid
when the sensor is fully charged.
Powering the Sensor
Turning on the sensor
Putting the sensor in sleep
mode
Press button once. Red LED indicator 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.
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Connecting the Sensor
See the following link for up-to-date connection information:
www.vernier.com/start/gdx-q
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.
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 low leakage BNC/alligator clip cable to the BNC connector on the
sensor body. Prepare the sensor for data collection following the steps in the
Getting Started section of this user manual.
General Tips
l When the sensor is stored, it is a good idea to clip together the wires in
order to protect the sensor from high static potential that could damage the
unit. Press the Reset button (Q = 0) with the red and black wires connected
to a common conductor for a few seconds to zero the sensor.
l Pressing and releasing the Reset button with the clips connected to a voltage
source, such as a power supply or battery, will cause an error in the reading
and is not recommended, because it will short the power supply as well.
l Since the sensor is capable of measuring very small amounts of charge, it is
essential to begin experiments by zeroing the sensor.
l You must be careful when handling the leads or you may alter the readings
with stray charge. The insulator on the clip lead quickly becomes oily from
handling, and fingers often carry small amounts of charge at high potential
that can easily leak through the insulator and affect your reading. The best
way to minimize this is by grounding your fingers, or wearing a grounding
strap on your wrist, to remove any charge before releasing the positive (red)
wire from its ground connection. Start recording data before removing the
lead from ground so you will be aware if any stray charge accumulates
before making your connection. When connecting to static sources (not a
fixed voltage like a battery), the Reset button can be used while connected
to a passive charge receptor. Make sure the output reads zero after reset. If it
does not, re-connect the clips to a common conductor and re-zero the sensor.
l The sensor is not differential; therefore the negative (black) side is always at
ground potential. The supplied cable is shielded and has a low leakage
dielectric. When using other cables, the unit should be tested to make sure
the cable does not allow excessive leakage currents.
l The negative (black) wire is the ground connection. The effects of stray
static charges will be minimized by connecting the black lead to a metal
ground plane below your experiment, such as a sheet of aluminum foil or a
baking pan.
l Synthetic clothing can carry significant charge, as can the experimenter’s
body. Grounding the experimenter by using a ground strap on one wrist will
help. Wearing all cotton clothing can also help.
l When not using a Faraday Pail and ground plane, it helps to connect a metal
cup to the positive (red) wire. This cup adds negligible capacitance to the
system, but makes it easy to see induced or deposited charges. Insulate the
cup from the ground plane using a glass jar or beaker. Plastic does not work
well because it will accumulate stray charge quickly.
l Complete all experiments quickly. Due to leakage currents in the cable and
apparatus, the reading will rarely be reliable after 15 seconds.
Tips for Use with a Faraday Pail and Ground Plane
l Use of this sensor is simplified with the aid of a Faraday pail and ground
plane such as found in the Vernier Electrostatics Kit (ESK-CRG).
l Since the sensor is capable of measuring very small amounts of charge, it is
important to begin experiments by zeroing (resetting) the sensor. Simply
press the Reset (Q=0) button on the sensor for a few seconds to zero the
equipment. (Pressing the Reset button internally shorts the wires, shorts the
internal input capacitor, and the internal integrator capacitor.)
l The sensor should be zeroed after initial power up and before collecting
data.
l During data collection, monitor the sensor reading. If an excess charge
develops on the sensor, zero the sensor prior to a new data-collection run.
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Experiment Ideas
l Use the sensor with a Faraday pail to investigate charging by induction.
Bring a charged object near the pail. What charge is measured? Ground the
pail and remove the charged object. What charge is measured?
l Use a Faraday pail to investigate charging by contact. Do this by dropping a
charged object into the can. All of the charge on the object will be
transferred to or induced in the can.
l Without a grounding strap, scuff your feet on carpet or pull off a sweater.
Hold your hand near a Faraday pail. Do you induce a charge? What sign?
Does a ground strap remove or reduce this effect?
l Charge various objects and determine the sign of the charge.
l Measure how quickly objects lose charge. Plot the charge as a function of
time; this will take some minutes on a dry day.
l Use Go Direct Static Charge and Faraday pail to observe the separation of
charge when two strips of invisible tape are pulled apart. On two 3-inch
pieces of tape, make a tab by folding over the top of each. Stick the
combination to the table top. Pull the combination off the table and run your
thumb or finger along the smooth side of the tape to neutralize the
combination. Then pull the top strip off the bottom strip. Individually insert
each strip into the Faraday pail to measure the charge. Simultaneously insert
them in the pail to measure the charge.
l Charge a Faraday pail by contact on the inside; add more charge. How much
charge can you add from the inside of the can? Can you add as much from
the outside? More? Less? Investigate.
l Use a second pail (not connected to the red lead as a detector) and charge it
by induction. Do this by charging an insulating object, holding it inside the
pail (inducing a charge on the outside of the can) and then briefly grounding
the pail. Remove the charged insulator and you’ve got a charged pail.
Measure the charge by testing it by induction or by touching it to the inside
of the detector pail.
Many of these tips are based on suggestions from Robert Morse, PhD.
Channels
Go Direct Static Charge has two measurement channels:
l Charge—The default channel that is active when the sensor is connected is
Charge. This channel is calibrated in nanocoulombs and has a range of ±100
nanocoulombs.
l Potential—An alternative to measuring charge is measuring the difference of
potential between the red and black alligator clips. The sensor compares the
potential of the red clip to the assumed ground potential of the black clip.
Calibration
You do not need to calibrate Go Direct Static Charge. We have set the sensor to
match our stored calibration before shipping it.
Specifications
Range: ±100 nC (±10 V)
Maximum input: ±150 V
Typical bias input
0.003 pA
current:
Instrument time
0.1 s
constant:
USB specification: USB 2.0 full speed
Wireless specification: Bluetooth v4.2
Maximum wireless
30 m (unobstructed)
range:
Battery: 300 mAh Li-Poly Rechargeable
Battery life (single full
About 24 hours continuous data collection
charge):
Battery life (long term): About 300 full charge cycles (several years,
depending on usage)
Care and Maintenance
Clean the sensor with a soft, damp cloth.
Battery Information
Go Direct Static Charge 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).
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Storage and Maintenance
To store Go Direct Static Charge 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 at least two 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 Static Charge 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 Static Charge is an extremely high impedance voltage sensor with a
0.01μF capacitor in series with the input. The capacitor will accumulate charge
until the source’s voltage is reached, i.e. equilibrium is achieved. Small amounts
of charge can be measured even though their initial potential is higher than the
input range of the sensor. The input circuit also includes a 1 MΩ resistor in
series with the capacitor to protect the unit from large current surges. When
connected by USB to a computer or to a data-collection interface connected to
AC power, the negative polarity (black) input wire is grounded to Earth.
Troubleshooting
For additional troubleshooting and FAQs, see www.vernier.com/til/9652
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with
your Go Direct Static Charge, 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
Electrostatics Kit
High -Voltage Electrostatics Kit
Electrostatic High-Voltage Genecon
Micro USB Cable
ESK-CRG
HVEK-CRG
HVEK-GEN
CB-USB-MICRO
Item Order Code
USB-C to Micro USB cable
Go Direct 300 mAh Replacement Battery
CB-USB-C-MICRO
GDX-BAT-300
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at
www.vernier.com/gdx- q
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
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 comply with the l imits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
These l imits are desi gned to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential install ation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, i f not instal led and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful i nterference to radio c ommunications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occ ur i n a particular i nstall ation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or televi sion reception, whic h c an be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user i s encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the fol lowing 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 receiv er i s connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technic ian for help.
FCC Caution
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation i s subject to the following two conditions :
(1) this device may not caus e harmful interference and
(2) this device must accept any interference receiv ed, including interference that may cause undesired operation
RF Exposure Warning
The equipment complies with RF exposure li mits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) us ed for this transmitter must
not be co-located or operating in conjuncti on wi th any other antenna ortransmitter. You are c autioned that changes or modific ations not
expressly approved by the party responsible for complianc e c ould void your authority to operate the equipment.
IC Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada lic ense-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditi ons:
(1) this device may not caus e i nterference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference, i ncluding interference that may c ause undesired operation of the device.
Industry Canada - ClassB This digital apparatus does not ex ceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from di gital apparatus
as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditi ons: (1)thi s device may not cause interference, and
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(2) this device must accept any interference, i ncluding interference that may c ause undesired operation of the device.
To reduce potential radio i nterference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equi valent isotropicall y
radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for succes sful communication.
RF exposure warning: The equipment compli es with RF ex posure l imits set forth for an uncontrolled env ironment. The antenna(s) used
for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating i n c onjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’ Industrie Canada appli cables aux appareil s radio exempts de li cence. L’exploitati on es t
autorisée aux deux conditions suiv antes :
(1) l’appareil ne doi t pas produire de brouil lage, et
(2) l’appareil doit accepter tout interférence radioélectrique, même si cel a résul te à un brouill age susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnement.
Cet appareil numérique respecte l es limites de bruits radioélectriques applicabl es aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans
la norme sur le matériel interférant-brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édic tée pari ndustrie Canada. L’ utili sation est s oumise
aux deux c onditions suivantes :
(1) cet appareil ne peut causer d’ interférences, et
(2) cet appareil doit accepter toutes interférences, y comprises celles susc eptibles de provoquer un disfoncti onnement du dispositi f.
Afin de réduire l es interférences radio potentiell es pour les autres util isateurs, le type d’antenne et son gain doivent être choisie de telle
façon que l’ équivalent de puis sance isotrope émi s (e.i.r.p) n’es t pas plus grand que celui permis pourune communication établie.
Avertissement d’exposition RF: L’équi pement est conforme aux limi tes d’expositi on aux RF établi es pourun environnement non
supervisé. L’antenne (s) utilisée pour ce transmetteurne doit pas être jumelés ou fonctionner en conjonc tion avec toute autre antenne ou
transmetteur.
Note: This product is a sensi tive measurement devic e. For best results, use the cables that were provided. Keep the device away from
electromagnetic noise sources, s uch as mi crowaves, monitors, electric motors, and appli ances.
13979 SW Millikan Way• Beaverton, OR 97005-2886
Vernier Software & Technology
Toll F ree (888) 837-6437 • (503) 277-2299 • Fax (503) 277-2440
info@vernier.com • www.vernier.com
Rev. 10/ 12/ 202 0
Go Direct, Graphical Anal ysi s, LabQuest , and oth er marks s hown are our trademarks or regist ered trademarks in
the United States. All oth er marks n ot owned by us that appear herein are th e property of their respectiv e
owners, who may or may no t b e affili ated wit h, connected to, or sponsored by us.
The Bluetooth®word mark and logos are regis tered t rademarks o wned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any us e of
such marks b y Vernier Software & Technolo gy is und er li cense. Other trademarks and trade names are th ose of
their respecti ve o wners.
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