PASCO PS-2201-NI Load Cell, 5 N (NI) - Manual

I n s t r u c t i o n S h e e t
012-11989A
PASCO Structures System
Load Cell, 5 N (NI)
PS-2201-NI
800-772-8700 www.pasco.com
®
*012-11989*
Recommended Equipment
• National Instruments NI-9237 Analog Input Module*
*See www.ni.com for more information
Related Equipment
• NI Structures System (ME-7006)
• NI Driven Structures System (ME-7007)
• Physics Structures Set (ME-6989)
• Truss Set (ME-6990)
• Bridge Set (ME-6991)
• Advanced Structures Set (ME-6992A)
See www.pasco.com for details about PASCO Structures System parts
and sets.
Introduction
The Load Cell, 5 N (NI) for National Instruments (NI) is
designed to work with the PASCO Structures System. For exam-
ple, the PASCO Structures System includes the ME-6990 Truss
Set, ME-6991 Bridge Set, and the ME-6992A Advanced Struc-
tures Set.
When connected to a National Instruments NI-9237 Analog Input
Module, the Load Cell can measure compression and tension
forces in any component of the PASCO Structures System. The
5 N Load Cell can also be used to find acceleration if you mea-
sure the force and divide by the mass of the beam.
About the Load Cell
The PS-2201 Load Cell measures forces ranging from -5 N to
+5 N and is wired with a RJ-50 connector for plugging into the
National Instruments NI-9237 Analog Input Module.
To find the mass of the beam, zero the load cell while it is in the
vertical direction, and then invert it. Convert the measured
weight of the beam to its mass by dividing by 9.8 N/kg.
Figure 1: The 5N Load Cell has a semi-transparent case
The National Instruments NI-9237 Analog Input Module has four
RJ-50 receptacles and an external excitation voltage source. Each
channel on the NI-9237 has an independent 24-bit analog-to-dig-
ital converter (ADC) and an input amplifier that enables you to
sample signals from all four channels simultaneously (see Figure
2).
5 N Load Cell
RJ-50 Plug
To find the mass of
the Load Cell beam,
zero the Load Cell
while it is in the
vertical direction, and
then invert it.