PASCO ME-6977 Fan Cart - Manual (Page 2)

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Fan Cart Introduction
2
Introduction
The PASCO Fan Cart produces Low, Medium, High or Variable Thrust either contin-
uously or for selectable time intervals of 1, 2, 4, or 6 seconds.
The direction of thrust can be adjusted from zero to 180 degrees to demonstrate the
vector nature of force.
The Fan Cart has a sophisticated rechargeable-battery powered electronic controller
that provides a constant voltage to the fan motor so that the Fan Cart approaches con-
stant fan speed operation that is not dependent on the battery terminal voltage.
The Fan Cart nests on top of the PASCO Dynamics Cart or PAScar to utilize the
Dynamics Cart’s or PAScar’s plunger and bumpers.
The Fan Cart is compatible with all PASCO tracks (please see the PASCO catalog) or
can be used on a smooth surface without a track.
The Fan Cart comes with a Sail for the “Fan Cart with Sail” demonstration.
The Fan Cart has a light-emitting diode (LED) that indicates when the battery is being
charged. The LED flashes when the battery is low.
Battery
The Fan Cart’s high energy density lithium-polymer battery can run the fan continu-
ously at medium thrust for about 1.5 hours before the ‘low-battery’ LED begins to
flash. Since the battery recharges quickly (typically in one hour), even short periords
(10 - 20 minutes) with the charger plugged in will recharge the battery sufficiently to
continue.
• Partial charging and recharging will not adversely affect the battery life.
• The replaceable battery pack is designed to last at least five years in normal
application.
• Unlike nickel-cadmium batteries, for maximum battery life, the lithium-polymer
battery pack should not be run down completely before recharging.
• The battery pack can be left in a partially charged state for long periods without
damage.
• Maximum battery life can be attained by charging the battery after each use.
• The charger may be left connected indefinitely because it shuts off automatically
after the battery reaches full charge.