Vernier MCA-BTA User Manual

Microphone

(Order Code MCA-BTA)

The Microphone can be used for a variety of
activities with sound waves.

 Demonstrate how the wave pattern changes when frequency and amplitude are

changed.

 Compare the waveforms from various musical instruments.
 Have students capture the waveform of the sound of a tuning fork and model

the sine wave using a function.

 Measure the speed of sound by using reflected sound waves in a tube.
 Demonstrate beat patterns.
 Determine the period and then the frequency of a sound by measuring the time

between peaks on the waveform.

 Display the fast Fourier transform (FFT) of a sound.

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

 Vernier Microphone

Compatible Software and Interfaces

See www.vern ier.co m/manu als/mca- bta fo r a list o f interfa ces and so ftware
compatible with the Microphone.

Getting Started

1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).

2. Start the appropriate data-collection software (Logger Pro, Logger Lite,
LabQuest App) if not already running, and choose New from File menu.

The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You
are now ready to continue your experiment.

If you are collecting data using a Chromebook™, mobile device such as iPad

®

or
Android™ tablet, or a Vernier wireless sensor or interface, please see the following
link for up-to-date connection information:

www.vern ier.co m/start /mca-b ta

Using the Product

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

Some guidelines for collecting good waveforms:

 By default, the microphone data-collection parameters are set such that it will

sample very quickly for a very brief time, effectively taking a “snapshot” of the

sound waves present when data collection is started. With this in mind, start
the sound source you wish to investigate before starting data collection.

 Make sure the sound level is in the correct range to produce good wave

patterns. If the sound is too loud, the wave pattern will be clipped off at the
top or bottom. Move the Microphone farther from the sound source or turn
down the volume of the sound.

Calibration

The Microphone is uncalibrated, which means that the vertical axis has arbitrary
units on waveform graphs. The voltage from the Microphone output is what is
graphed. For more information, see

www.vern ier.co m/til/656

Specifications

Frequency range Approximately 100 Hz to 15 kHz

Pow er 1.45 mA @ 5 VDC

Default calibration values slope: 1

intercept: 0 (arbitrary units)

How the Sensor Works

The Microphone uses an electret microphone that has a frequency response
covering essentially the range of the human ear. An op-amp circuit then amplifies
the signal and outputs it to the British Telecom (BTA) connector. The output
signal is available on two pins in the BTA connector; for additional details see

www.vern ier.co m/til/3639

Troubleshooting

The best source of clean, sine-like waveforms is an inexpensive keyboard set to
the flute sound without vibrato.

For further troubleshooting tips, see

www.vern ier.co m/til/1436

Repair Information

If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with
your Microphone, 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. A t that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to
return the unit for repair.

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.

2

Vernier Software & Technology

13979 SWM illika n Way • Beaver ton, OR 97005- 2886

Toll Free [phone] • [phone] • Fax [phone]

[e-mail]• www.vernier.com

Rev. 3/17/16

Logger Pro, Logger Lite, Vernier LabQuest 2, LabQuest Mini, and other marks shown are our trademarks or
registered trademarks in the United States.

All other marks not owned by us t hat appear herein are the property of their respective owners, who may or may
not be affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by us.

3