PASCO DataStudio New Features Guide - Manual (Page 8)

DataStudio New Features Calibration
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If you are using a ScienceWorkshop interface, the Timer Setup dialog box will open.
For instructions on creating a ScienceWorkshop timer, open the Help menu and
search for “Timer Setup dialog.”
If you are using a PASPORT Photogate Port or Digital Adapter, the PASPORT Timers
list will open when you click Setup Timers. (The Timing list also opens automatically
when you plug in a switch-type digital sensor.) For instructions on selecting and con-
figuring a PASPORT Timer, open the Help menu and search for “Timing Sequences.”
Calibrate Sensors
Click the Calibrate Sensors button to open the calibration dialog box. See page 8 for
information and instructions on calibrating sensors.
Sampling Options
Click the Sampling Options button to set Manual Sampling or Start and Stop condi-
tions. For instructions, open the Help menu and search for “Sampling Options.”
Choose Interface
In most cases, DataStudio will automatically detect and configure itself for the inter-
face (or interfaces) connected to the computer. Click the Choose Interface button to
manually select an interface type, or to enable sound capture through the computer’s
sound card with the optional WavePort software plug-in.
Calibration
The new calibration window in DataStudio 1.9.6 features three different types of cali-
bration and the ability to calibrate multiple measurements simultaneously.
Though calibration is usually unnecessary, most analog ScienceWorkshop sensors
and certain PASPORT sensors can be calibrated. Calibration can make a measurement
more accurate or adjust multiple measurements so that they agree with each other.
Theory of Calibration *
One of the functions of DataStudio is to take the stream of raw data from a sensor and
transform it into the calibrated data that you see in the Graph, Table, and other dis-
plays. If you do not calibrate a sensor yourself, DataStudio uses a default calibration
for that sensor.
You can think of DataStudio as containing a device that takes in raw data and outputs
calibrated data.
When you perform a calibration, DataStudio redefines the linear equation that trans-
forms the raw input into the calibrated output. The linear function is of the form:
Or:
*To skip to step-by-step
instructions on calibrating
a sensor, turn to page 11.
Raw Input Measurement
(from sensor)
Calibrated Output Measurement
(to Graph, Table, etc.)
Calibration
Raw Input Slope Calibrated Output Offset +  =
Calibrated Output Raw Input Offset –   Slope  =