Vernier Software and Technology LQ2-LE LabQuest2 User Manual

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Reference Guide

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LabQuest 2 Reference Guide

SAFETY INFORMATION

Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection

against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can

radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,

may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that

interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment

off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the

following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver

is connected.

 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation

RF Exposure Warning

The equipment complies with RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. The

antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any

other antenna or transmitter.

You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible

for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

IC Statement

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject

to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device

must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the

device.

Industry Canada - Class B This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio

noise emissions from digital 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 conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any

interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. To reduce

potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that

the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful

communication.

LabQuest 2 Reference Guide

RF exposure warning: The equipment complies with RF exposure limits set forth for an

uncontrolled environment. The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must not be co-located or

operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio

exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l’appareil ne

doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’appareil doit accepter tout interférence radioélectrique,

même si cela résulte à un brouillage susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils

numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel interférant-brouilleur:

“Appareils Numériques,” NMB-003 édictée par industrie Canada. L’utilisation est soumise aux

deux conditions suivantes: (1) cet appareil ne peut causer d’interférences, et (2) cet appareil doit

accepter toutes interférences, y comprises celles susceptibles de provoquer un disfonctionnement

du dispositif. Afin de réduire les interférences radio potentielles pour les autres utilisateurs, le

type d’antenne et son gain doivent être choisie de telle façon que l’équivalent de puissance

isotrope émis (e.i.r.p) n’est pas plus grand que celui permis pour une communication établie.

Avertissement d’exposition RF: L’équipement est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux RF

établies pour un environnement non supervisé. L’antenne (s) utilisée pour ce transmetteur ne

doit pas être jumelés ou fonctionner en conjonction avec toute autre antenne ou transmetteur.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

LabQuest 2, released in March 2012, ships with a Quick-Start Guide intended to get you up

and running with basic data collection and analysis. The LabQuest 2 Reference Guide is an

extended guide designed as a comprehensive resource detailing the features, hardware, and

software of LabQuest 2.

LabQuest 2 Reference Guide

iii

CONTENTS

I. GETTING STARTED WITH LABQUEST 2 ......................................................................................... 1

What’s Included .................................................................................................................1

Using LabQuest 2 for the First Time ..................................................................................1

Quick Start to Data Collection ...........................................................................................2

II. LABQUEST HARDWARE .................................................................................................................... 4

Power Button ......................................................................................................................4

Touch Screen ......................................................................................................................5

Hardware Keys ...................................................................................................................5

Sensor Ports ........................................................................................................................5

Internal Sensors ..................................................................................................................6

III. LABQUEST APP .................................................................................................................................. 7

Navigating LabQuest App ..................................................................................................8

File Menu ...........................................................................................................................9

Data Collection .................................................................................................................11

Data Analysis ...................................................................................................................18

Viewing Vernier Lab Instructions ....................................................................................24

Adding Notes to Your Experiment ...................................................................................25

Storing LabQuest App Files .............................................................................................25

Exporting LabQuest App files ..........................................................................................26

Printing from LabQuest App ............................................................................................26

IV. USING LABQUEST 2 WITH A MOBILE DEVICE ............................................................................. 28

V. USING LABQUEST WITH A COMPUTER ........................................................................................ 31

Collecting Data with Logger Lite or Logger Pro .............................................................31

Transferring Data from LabQuest to a Computer ............................................................31

VI. EMAILING FROM LABQUEST .......................................................................................................... 33

VII. WIRELESSLY PRINTING FROM LABQUEST .................................................................................. 34

VIII. PROJECTING AND MONITORING STUDENTS’ LABQUEST DEVICES ........................................ 35

IX. ADDITIONAL APPS ON LABQUEST ................................................................................................ 36

Audio Function Generator ................................................................................................36

Periodic Table ...................................................................................................................36

Power Amplifier ...............................................................................................................37

Calculator .........................................................................................................................37

Sound Recorder ................................................................................................................37

Stopwatch .........................................................................................................................37

APPENDIX A. LABQUEST 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

APPENDIX B. LABQUEST MAINTENANCE

APPENDIX C. LICENSE INFORMATION

APPENDIX D. WARRANTY

APPENDIX E. ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND RELATED PRODUCTS

I. GETTING STARTED WITH LABQUEST 2

What’s Included

 LabQuest 2 interface

 Rechargeable battery

 Power adapter

 USB cable

 Quick-Start Guide

 Stylus (in unit)

 Stylus tether

 Logger Lite CD

Using LabQuest 2 for the First Time

Install the Battery

LabQuest 2 ships without the battery installed. To install the battery, follow these simple

instructions.

 Turn LabQuest over and open the battery door by sliding the door lock and lifting the

battery cover.

 Remove the small protective sticker covering the battery contacts.

 Install the battery with the label side up, ensuring the battery contacts align with the

contacts on LabQuest.

 Replace the battery door and make sure the door lock clicks closed.

LabQuest with battery door removed

Charge for 8 Hours

We recommend charging the battery for eight hours prior to using LabQuest for the first time on

battery power. To do this, connect the included power adapter to LabQuest and an AC power

source. You can also charge LabQuest using the LabQuest 2 Charging Station (order code

LQ2-CRG, sold separately).

Getting Started with LabQuest 2

LabQuest uses a high-quality lithium-ion battery. This is the same chemistry used in premium

laptop and cell phone batteries, and you can expect similar performance. There is never a need to

condition the battery by regular full discharge/charge cycles.

It is safe to leave the battery charging indefinitely, and there is no need to fully discharge the

battery before charging. Battery life will depend on the sensors used, but in most cases you can

obtain six or more hours of use before recharging. We recommend charging LabQuest overnight

to start the next day with a full charge. For more details about the battery, see LabQuest Battery.

Quick Start to Data Collection

Follow these steps to get up and running quickly with basic data collection. For more details, see

Data Collection.

1. Turn on LabQuest by pressing and releasing the

power button located on the top edge of LabQuest.

The LabQuest App will launch automatically.

2. Connect an analog sensor to the CH 1 port on

LabQuest (or connect a digital sensor to the DIG 1

port). LabQuest App will auto-ID the connected

sensor and automatically set up the default

collection rate for the sensor.

Note: If your sensor is an older-style (DIN) sensor

requiring an adapter, the sensor will not auto-ID.

Instead, you will need to set up the sensor manually.

To do this, tap the Sensors menu and choose Sensor

Setup. Next, tap the field labeled “No Sensor” adjacent to the appropriate port to view a list

of sensors. Tap to select the sensor.

3. Next, tap Collect . Data collection will begin

and LabQuest will graph the data collection in real

time.

You can stop collection early by tapping Stop .

Getting Started with LabQuest 2

4. Once data collection is complete, the graph

autoscales to the data. Tap the graph to examine a

point of interest. The coordinates of the point are

shown in the pane to the right of the graph. Tap

another point or tap the Examine buttons to move

the cursor left and right .

5. To select a region of data for analysis, tap-and-drag

across the graph to highlight the desired region.

Note: To analyze all of the data, you do not need to select a region.

Statistics

To view statistics for the selected data, tap Analyze

on the Graph screen, then choose Statistics. Tap the

checkbox to select a data set. The statistics

information is then displayed in the panel to the

right of the graph.

To remove the displayed statistics, tap Analyze on

the Graph screen, choose Statistics, then tap the

checkbox to unselect the data set.

Curve Fit

To fit a curve to the selected data, tap Analyze on

the Graph screen, then choose Curve Fit. Tap the

checkbox to select a data set. On the Curve Fit

screen, tap Choose Fit, then choose the type of

equation you would like to fit to the data.

LabQuest App will automatically determine the fit

coefficients. A preview of the fit applied to the data

Note: The Curve Fit coefficients cannot be manually

adjusted. To enter your own parameters, see the

sub-section Model within Data Analysis.

On the Curve Fit screen, tap OK to apply the fit and return to the Graph screen.

To remove the fit, tap Analyze on the Graph screen, choose Curve Fit, then tap the checkbox

to unselect the data set.

II. LABQUEST HARDWARE

Once LabQuest 2 is connected to AC power or the battery has been charged, press the power

button located on the top of the unit, near the left edge. LabQuest will complete its booting

procedure and then launch the LabQuest App by default, as shown above. If the screen does not

light after a moment, connect the power adapter to LabQuest and to an AC power source and try

the button again.

Power Button

 Power on – If the screen is off for any reason (LabQuest is off, asleep, or the screen has

turned off to conserve battery power) pressing and releasing the power button once will

turn LabQuest back on. If LabQuest was off, LabQuest will also complete its booting

procedure which takes about a minute and then display LabQuest App.

 Sleep/wake – When LabQuest is on, pressing and releasing the power button once will

put LabQuest into a sleep mode. Note that the sleep mode does not start until you release

the power button. In this mode, LabQuest uses less power but the battery can still drain.

This mode is useful if you are going to return to data collection again soon, in which case

waking LabQuest from sleep is quicker than a cold boot. To wake LabQuest from sleep,

simply press and release the power button.

 Shut down – To shut down LabQuest, hold the power button down for about five

seconds. You will then see a message indicating that LabQuest is shutting down. Release

the power button, and allow LabQuest to shutdown. To cancel the shutdown procedure at

this point, simply tap Cancel. You can also shutdown LabQuest by tapping Home ,

tapping the System folder, then tapping Shut Down .

 Emergency Shutdown – If you hold the power button down for about eight seconds, the

unit will power off uncleanly. This is the same as pulling the battery out of the unit while

it is running. This is not recommended unless LabQuest is frozen, as you may lose your

data and potentially cause file system corruption.

LabQuest Hardware

Touch Screen

LabQuest has an LED backlit resistive touch screen that quickly responds to pressure exerted on

the screen. LabQuest is controlled primarily by touching the screen. The software is designed to

be finger-friendly. In some situations, you may desire having more control for precise

navigation. In such cases, we recommend using the included stylus.

If you are having trouble viewing the color screen or are using LabQuest outside in bright

sunlight, we recommend changing to the High Contrast mode. From the Home menu, tap

Preferences, then Light & Power. Tap the checkbox for High Contrast to enable this mode.

Hardware Keys

In addition to using the touch screen, the three hardware keys

can also be used to control your LabQuest.

 Collect – This key starts and stops data collection within

LabQuest App

 Home – This key launches the Home screen

 Escape – This key closes most applications, menus, and

exits dialog boxes without taking action (i.e., cancels

dialog boxes)

Sensor Ports

LabQuest has three analog sensor ports (CH 1, CH 2, and CH 3) for analog sensors such as our

pH Sensor, Temperature Sensor, and Force Sensor. Also included is a full-size USB port for

USB sensors, USB thumb drives, and USB printers. In addition to the power button, the top edge

of LabQuest has two digital sensor ports (DIG 1 and DIG 2) for Motion Detectors, Drop

Counters, and other digital sensors.

LabQuest Hardware

Also located on the top edge are the audio ports and a micro SD card slot for expanding disk

storage. On the side opposite of the analog ports, there is a stylus storage slot, an AC power port

for recharging the battery, and a mini USB port for connecting LabQuest to a computer. In

between these ports, there is a serial connection for charging the unit in a LabQuest 2 Charging

Station (order code LQ2-CRG, sold separately), and a stylus tether attachment point.

Internal Sensors

LabQuest also has several built-in sensors, including a GPS, microphone, accelerometers,

temperature sensor, and relative light sensor.

To enable internal sensors within LabQuest App, tap Sensors, and choose Sensor Setup. Within

the Sensor Setup dialog box, tap a checkbox to enable the associated sensor. Then tap OK to

return to the LabQuest App Meter screen.

Sensor Setup dialog box

LabQuest Hardware

To enable internal sensors within LabQuest App, tap Sensors, and choose Sensor Setup. Within

the Sensor Setup dialog box, tap a checkbox to enable the associated sensor. Then tap OK to

return to the LabQuest App Meter screen.

 GPS – The internal GPS collects latitude, longitude, and altitude readings, and may be

used with other sensors. You can choose units of decimal degrees, degree minutes, or

UTM. Note: It may take up to 15 minutes to acquire an initial signal outdoors. We do not

recommend using the GPS indoors.

 Microphone – The internal Microphone is located on the top surface of LabQuest and

measures waveforms. Note: This sensor cannot be used with external sensors.

 Accelerometers – The Accelerometers measure accelerations up to 2 g in the x-, y- and

z-axis directions.

 Light Sensor – The internal Light Sensor is located on the top surface of LabQuest. This

is an uncalibrated sensor which measures visible light intensity.

 Temperature – The internal Temperature Sensor monitors ambient temperature.

III. LABQUEST APP

The data-collection and analysis software, LabQuest App, is the heart of your LabQuest. When

you turn on LabQuest, the LabQuest App starts automatically. If the LabQuest App is not

showing on your screen, tap Home , and tap LabQuest App .

Navigating LabQuest App

The LabQuest App has five different screens. Tap on the desired tab to display the associated

screen.

LabQuest App

Meter screen – Set up sensors, data-collection

parameters, and see a digital meter for your

connected sensors. For a detailed description of

how the Meter screen is used for data collection,

see Data Collection.

Graph screen – See a graph of your data and

perform statistical analysis of your data,

including curve fits. For a detailed description of

how the Graph screen is used for data analysis,

see Data Analysis.

LabQuest App

Table screen – See a tabular representation of

your data, create manual and calculated

columns, and manually enter data. For a detailed

description of how the Table screen is used for

data analysis, see Manipulating Data from the

Table Screen.

Lab Instructions screen – Access one of over

100 preloaded labs for paperless labs (more labs

are available online). For detailed instructions

for how to add additional labs, see Viewing

Vernier Lab Instructions.

Notes screen – Record observations about your

experiment. For more information, see Adding

Notes to Your Experiment.

File Menu

A LabQuest App file can contain data collection settings, graphs, data tables, analyses, and even

notes. These files have a .qmbl extension and can be saved to the internal storage space on

LabQuest or to an external storage space such as a USB thumb drive or micro SD card.

LabQuest App files can also be opened and manipulated on a computer with our Logger Pro

software.

All five tabs within LabQuest App share the same File

menu which is similar to the File menu on a computer.

From the File menu, you can perform a number of tasks

related to LabQuest App files, such as opening, saving,

and closing files, adjusting file settings, printing, and

more. These are described in more detail as follows.

 New – Choosing New from the File menu will

close the existing file and open a new file. If you

have unsaved data, you will be prompted to

either save or discard the data before continuing. This is an easy way to reset the data

collection mode and calibrations back to default values.

LabQuest App

 Open – Choosing Open from the File menu

displays a list of files that you have saved on

LabQuest. To open a file, tap on the file name,

then tap Open. To open a file from an external

storage source, tap the source icon ( USB,

SD) to display the files available on that

source, then tap on the file name, and tap Open.

 Save – Choosing Save from the File menu

displays the Save As dialog box where you can

tap on a source icon ( USB, SD, LabQuest) to select a destination, then tap in the

File name field to assign a name to the file.

 Delete – Choosing Delete from the File menu displays a file list similar to that accessible

by choosing open. Tap on a source icon ( USB, SD, LabQuest) to select the source

of the file to be deleted, then tap the file name to be deleted, then tap Delete. You can

delete only one file at a time.

 Email – Choosing Email from the File menu allows you to email the Data File, Graph,

Text File, or Screen Shot from the current file, if you are connected to a wireless network

with Internet. For detailed instructions on setting up this feature, see Emailing from

LabQuest.

 Export– Choosing Export from the File menu allows you to export the currently opened

data file in a text format for use with other applications. Tap on a source icon ( USB,

SD, LabQuest) to select a destination, then tap OK to complete the export.

A typical use of this feature is to export a text file to an SD card or a USB flash drive for

further data manipulation on a computer with a spreadsheet program. The exported file

contains all column values from all runs in the current session, delimited by tabs. For

more detailed instructions on using this feature, see Storing LabQuest App Files.

 Print – Choosing Print from the File menu allows you to print the Graph, Table, Lab

Instructions, Notes, or Screen from the current file to a USB or Wi-Fi-enabled printer.

For detailed instructions, see USB Printing and Wirelessly Printing from LabQuest,

respectively.

 Settings – Choosing Settings from the File menu

allows you to adjust file settings for the current

session. These settings are not global; rather,

they are specific to and saved within the

LabQuest file. These settings return to the

default upon choosing New from the File menu.

o Angle Units for Trigonometric Calculcations -

Calculated columns, curve fits, and modeled

functions may use trigonometric

calculations; choose Degrees or Radians

here. The default is set to radians.

o Number of Points for Derivative Calculations – Calculated columns, curve fits,

modeled functions, and even the automatic setup for sensors (e.g., Motion Detectors)

may use numerical derivatives. The algorithm for such derivatives utilizes a user-

defined number of points. The default value of seven points is good for many

LabQuest App

experiments but you may want to choose a larger number for human-scale Motion

Detector experiments (e.g., our Motion Match lab), or a smaller number for cart-

based Motion Detector experiments (e.g., our Impulse and Momentum lab).

 Quit – Choosing Quit from the File menu exits the LabQuest App. Since other

applications can be run simultaneously with LabQuest App, there is typically no need to

quit the LabQuest App during standard use.

Data Collection

The Meter screen, selectable by tapping the Meter tab , is the default view for the

LabQuest App. Use the Meter screen to set up your sensors and data-collection parameters, as

well as to monitor a real-time reading of your sensor.

Digital Meters

A digital meter for each connected sensor is shown on

this screen. Tap on a meter to change the sensor’s

settings. The available options will depend on the

sensor and may include options such as change units,

calibrate, zero, and reverse. These options can also be

accessed by tapping Sensors, and choosing the desired

option from the menu.

Data-Collection Summary

A summary of the data-collection settings (Mode, Rate, Duration) is

shown in the pane at the right of the Meter screen.

For most sensors, the default data-collection mode is Time Based. The

default collection rate for the connected sensors is set up automatically

when LabQuest identifies the sensor. To modify the data-collection

settings, tap on the summary box. Alternatively, you can tap Sensors,

then choose Data Collection. For detailed descriptions of data-collection

modes and parameters, see Data-Collection Settings.

Data-Collection Controls

Tap the Collect button displayed in the lower right corner of any LabQuest App screen to

start data collection. During data collection, this button changes to a Stop button which you

can tap at any time to end data collection.

During selected data-collection modes (e.g., Events with Entry), a Keep button will appear

to the right of the Stop button. In this mode, you must tap to record the data point in the

data table. For more information, see Events with Entry.

LabQuest App

Data-Collection Settings

The Sensors menu gives access to detailed setup

controls. Use this menu to set up the internal sensors,

non-auto-ID sensors, and the Wireless Dynamics Sensor

System (WDSS). You can also use this menu to change

the data collection parameters and specific sensor

settings.

 Sensor Setup – Choosing Sensor Setup from the

Sensors menu displays a dialog box showing

which sensors are currently connected. If you

are using a sensor that does not auto-ID, you

will need to manually set up the sensor. To do

this, tap on the field displaying “No Sensor” for

the channel to which your sensor is connected.

In response, LabQuest displays a list of possible

sensors. Tap to select the appropriate sensor.

Then tap OK.

You can also activate (or deactivate) the internal sensors from the Sensor Setup. Check

the box next to the desired sensor to make that sensor available for data collection.

 Data Collection – Choosing Data Collection

from the Sensors menu displays allows you to

set the data-collection mode and associated

parameters. The parameters listed will depend

on the mode selected.

o Mode: Time-Based – Time-based data

collection is the default data-collection

mode for most sensors. In this mode,

sensor readings are recorded at regular

time intervals.

Adjustable parameters for this mode

include the rate (or interval) and the

duration of data collection. The total

number of samples to be collected based

on these parameters will be displayed.

Under some circumstances, the Rate and

Duration fields may be highlighted in

yellow or red. The yellow warning

indicates that the rate has been set to

value slower or faster than what is

recommended for the connected sensor,

or that the number of samples could lead

LabQuest App

to performance issues. The red warning indicates one of the following: the rate

has been set to a value slower or faster than what a connected device and/or

sensor configuration can support; the number of samples exceeds the storage

available; or, the number of samples exceeds 2000 (for rates faster than 80,000

samples per second).

Triggering – Triggering is only available

in the Time Based mode, and can be

enabled by simply tapping the associated

checkbox. When enabled, LabQuest will

wait for a trigger condition to be met

before beginning data collection. The

sensor name, the level, and the direction

of change (increasing or decreasing) can

all be set here. You can also set the

number of points to be saved before the

trigger condition is met.

Advanced – The Advanced field has

three options that can be independently

enabled by simply tapping the associated

checkbox.

Oversampling can be used with

data-collection rates less than ten

samples per second. When

Oversampling is enabled, the sensor

will sample at a rate higher than the

number of samples per second that

you set, and then LabQuest averages those readings and records the averages

in the data table. This setting can be used to reduce measurement noise by

combining a burst of readings into one value. For example, oversampling can

sometimes reduce the influence of unseen but real variations, such as as those

from a flickering light source.

Repeat can be used with data-collection rates less than 250 samples per

second. When Repeat is enabled, a new data-collection run is started as soon

as the current run has ended. Data for each run is overwritten when a new run

is started. This setting is helpful when doing exploratory investigations.

Enable Data Marking can be used to

mark points of interest during a

time-based data collection. When

enabled, a Mark Data button

will appear when data is being

collected. Simply tap duing

data collection to mark that

particular point as a point of interest.

After completing data collection,

data marks can be named as part of

the analysis process.

LabQuest App

o Mode: Events with Entry – Sometimes

experiments do not depend on time, but

depend on the setting of another

quantity. For example, in a Boyle’s law

experiment one wants to know the

pressure as a function of the volume of

gas. Thus, in Events with Entry mode, no

time information is recorded.

When setting up this mode, you can

enter a name and units for the entry, or independent variable, column. One or two

additional columns of data can be entered as you collect data. You also have an

option to average data over ten seconds and report the averaged reading.

In Events with Entry mode, once data

collection is started, a Keep button

appears. Tap the Keep button to record

the sensor value (e.g., gas pressure in the

Boyle’s law experiment). In response,

LabQuest will prompt for the Entry

value (e.g., gas volume in the Boyle’s

law experiment). Sensor values are

plotted versus the Entry values, as shown

in the screenshot at right.

o Mode: Selected Events – Selected Events

is similar to the Events with Entry mode,

except that entries of 1, 2, 3… are

entered automatically for you. No time

information is recorded in Selected

Events mode.

o Mode: Photogate Timing – Photogates

require a different set of timing options.

When a photogate is detected, LabQuest

switches to the data-collection mode

Photogate Timing mode.

You have two options for ending data

collection in this mode: the collection

runs until the user taps Stop, or the

collection can be set to end after a defined number of events. A block/unblock

pair counts as two events. Various photogate modes are available to set what

parameters LabQuest calculates from the block and unblock times. For more

information, see www.vernier.com/til/1623/

LabQuest App

o Mode: Full Spectrum – Full Spectrum

data-collection mode can only be used

with Spectrometers and is the default

mode when a Spectrometer is connected.

In Full Spectrum mode, Intensity,

Absorbance, Fluorescence (SpectroVis

Plus only), or %Transmittance can be

measured as a function of wavelength.

Detailed instructions for setting up data

collection with spectrometers are included in each of our spectrometer labs.

o Mode: Gas Chromatograph – LabQuest 2 supports the use of the Vernier Mini Gas

Chromatograph (GC). When a Mini GC is plugged in the LabQuest 2 USB port,

the software will automatically identify the Mini GC and select the Gas

Chromatograph mode. This mode should not be entered unless a Mini GC is

attached.

In this mode, various parameters are

defined for the user to establish a

temperature and pressure profile

adequate for the current experiment.

When the mode is first entered, a set of

default parameters is displayed. If you

wish to change these parameters, tap in

the parameter field to enter a new value

or adjust the default value by tapping the

arrow buttons. These values will be

reflected in the preview of the time-dependent temperature graph displayed at

right. After setting the parameters, tap OK to initiate the Mini GC warm up.

Note: A new message will appear, “Do not inject until GC is ready.” The

Mini GC will take a few minutes to warm up and stabilize. When the Mini GC is

ready for injection, the message will read, “Inject and select Collect

simultaneously.”

For more detailed information on the Vernier Mini Gas Chromatograph, see

www.vernier.com/gc-mini/

o Mode: Drop Counting – In this mode, you can choose to calibrate drops so that the

volume of titrant is recorded in units of milliliters. Choose Calibrate from the

Sensors menu. The Vernier Drop Counter is set to use a default calibration of 28

drops/mL. If you choose to calibrate the sensor, the volume of an individual drop

will be determined by the number of drops that pass through the Vernier Drop

Counter and dividing by the total volume of the drops. Follow the instructions on

the screen to complete a custom calibration. Alternately, the Equation tab allows

you to input a previously determined value for drops/mL. Enter the drops/mL

value (e.g., 28.0), then choose OK.

LabQuest App

o Mode: Data Matrix – This mode is

primarily used for field work. It provides

a way to collect data referenced to two

parameters such as the locations of the

sampling sites and the dates on which

they were sampled. It also allows you to

collect data from an unlimited number of

sensors by permitting sensors to be

swapped in and out of LabQuest during

data collection. For more detailed

information, see www.vernier.com/til/2366/

 WDSS Setup – Selecting WDSS Setup from the

Sensors menu allows you to scan for, select, and

configure Wireless Dynamics Sensor Systems.

You can then choose to scan for any available

WDSS devices. This scan may take some tens of

seconds, and may have to be repeated several

times to find all available WDSS units.

A list of detected WDSS is displayed. Tap to

select the desired WDSS by name and tap OK.

Next, select which of the five sensor channels to

be used (and/or scan for additional WDSS units,

or disconnect from a connected unit). Tap OK to

enable sensors.

Once sensors are enabled, they can be controlled

like other sensors in terms of data collection rate

and duration.

Note: WDSS cannot be set up for remote data collection using LabQuest. Use Logger Pro

on a computer to set up WDSS for remote use.

 Change Units – In some cases, you may have the option to display the sensor data in

another set of units. Choosing Change Units from the Sensors menu allows you to select

a different set of units. Choosing a new unit will change all existing runs for that sensor

to the new unit, as well as any subsequent runs. If this feature is grayed-out in the menu,

then the data for that particular sensor cannot be displayed in another set of units.

 Calibrate – Most sensors do not need to be calibrated, as a factory calibration for that

sensor is read from the sensor when LabQuest identifies it. However, some sensors do

require calibration and you will use the Calibrate tool accessible from the Sensors menu.

In such cases, follow the detailed calibration instructions provided in the booklet included

with the sensor. Booklets are also available online at:

www.vernier.com/support/manuals/

LabQuest App

 Zero – Choosing Zero from the Sensors menu will set the current sensor reading to zero

by adding an offset to the current reading. Not all sensors can be zeroed.

 Reverse –Some sensors read both positive and negative values. For example, the Dual-

Range Force Sensor reads positive values when pulled, and negative when compressed,

be default. Choosing Reverse from the Sensors menu will swap the sign of the readings

with respect to the default settings. Not all sensors can be reversed.

Graph Settings

LabQuest App automatically switches to the Graph

screen when data collection begins. From this screen,

you can adjust graph settings in real-time during data

collection, or after data collection has ended. You can

choose what is plotted, how the graph is scaled, how the

data is formatted, and choose data to ignore by striking

through the values.

 Graph Options – To control how the data are

graphed, tap the Graph menu and choose Graph

Options. Here you can choose the columns used

for the x- and y-axes and the axes limits.

Selecting Autoscale will cause the graph range

to adjust to the data range after data collection

ends. Autoscale from 0 does the same, but

includes the origin. Manual scaling will respect

values entered in the range limits, unless

incoming data falls outside the range. In this

case the range will expand to include the data.

To enter range limits, tap in each field and use

the keyboard to enter numeric values.

The Point Symbols option is selected by

default, and will surround some, but not all, of

the points with a circle. This allows easy

identification of a trace by the corresponding

mark in the graph legend. Simply tap the associated checkbox to disable this feature.

The Connect Points option connects data points with straight-line segments. These lines

help the eye follow the data trend, but in some cases are not appropriate. On by default,

unchecking Connect Points will leave only the actual points on the graph.

To specify which columns are being graphed, tap the desired column under the proper

run heading to place a checkmark.

LabQuest App

LabQuest can display a single graph, or two graphs. The two graphs share a common x-

axis column and range. Tap the triangle next to Graph 1 Y-Axis or Graph 2 Y-Axis to

show or hide the settings for that axis. If no column is selected for Graph 2, only one

graph will be drawn.

When you are done setting Graph Options, tap OK to return to the Graph screen.

 Show Graph – Choosing Show Graph from the Graph menu lets you quickly jump

between displaying one or two graphs. You can also choose the Full Width option, to

remove the data collection summary box and maximize the graphs on the screen.

 Store Run – You can collect several runs for

comparison. Choosing Store Run from the

Graph menu allows you to save the current run,

and then proceed with more data collection. As a

shortcut, you can simply tap the File Cabinet .

Collect another run by tapping the Collect

button. Your new run is displayed on the graph.

To see your first run, tap the Run 2 button to the

left of the Filing Cabinet, and select either Run 1 or All Runs. In this way, you can gather

multiple runs for comparison, and view just the ones you want.

Data Analysis

In addition to data collection, LabQuest App also allows you to analyze the data within

LabQuest.

Data can be analyzed from the Graph screen, selectable by tapping the Graph tab , as well as

the Table screen, selectable by tapping the Table tab . Several common analysis features are

described in greater detail, below.

Examining Data on the Graph Screen

To examine data from the Graph screen, tap on a data point of interest. The Examine cursor

jumps to the data point with the nearest x-value to that which you tapped. Cursor lines highlight

the x- and y-axis values, and the right-side readouts display the associated numerical values of

the point. You can make fine adjustments to the cursor location by using the Left Examine

Button and Right Examine Button located on either side of the horizontal-axis label.

In some cases, you may want to examine data for a particular region on the graph. To select a

portion for analysis, simply tap and drag across the desired region. You can adjust the trailing

endpoint of the selected region using the Examine Buttons, if needed. Or, for greater control, you

can optionally use the stylus.

LabQuest App

Adjusting the Graph View

You can adjust the graph view in real time during data collection, or after data collection has

ended, by applying one of the following actions from the Graph menu.

 Autoscale Once – Tap Autoscale Once will

quickly reset the axes of the currently selected

graph based on the data. It is an easy way to

automatically scale both axes.

 Zoom In – Select a region on the graph, then tap

Zoom In to automatically adjust the axes for

viewing the selected region.

 Zoom Out –Tap Zoom Out to undo a Zoom In

and return the graph axes to the previous

settings. If Zoom In is used several times, Zoom Out will undo each Zoom In, one at a

time.

 Graph Options – Tap Graph Options to manually adjust graph settings. To adjust the

graph view, change the values in the Left and Right fields for the x-axis and y-axis.

Manipulating Data from the Graph Screen

You can manipulate data from the Graph screen or from the Table screen. If using the Graph

screen, first tap to select a data point of interest or tap-and-drag to select a region of data. Then,

choose the desired tool from the Graph menu. Upon tapping on the tool, the action will be

applied to the data.

 Strike Through Data and Restore Data – Use these tools to ignore/restore selected data.

Struck data are ignored for analysis and graphing, and the graph will update accordingly.

To restore all data, tap the Graph menu and choose Restore Data.

 Tag Data – Use this tool to tag a data point with a comment. After selecting the point and

tapping Tag Data, a circle will be displayed on the graph to “tag” the data. To add a

comment, tap in the info box at the right and enter a comment into the blank field.

Analyzing Data from the Graph Screen

The Analyze menu on the Graph Screen gives you

access to additional tools such as tangent lines,

integrals, statistics, and curve fits. To apply one of these

tools, tap the Analyze menu and tap to select the desired

tool. If prompted, select a column or data set to which

the analysis will be applied.

Upon enabling an analysis tool, a summary of analysis

information is displayed at the right. Scroll arrows will

appear, if needed. Optionally tap the summary to

display the values on a detail dialog for ease of reading.

The following analysis tools are available from the

Analyze menu.

 Tangent – The Tangent mode enhances the

Examine cursor by adding a tangent line and

numeric display of the slope as you tap different locations on the graph.

LabQuest App

 Integral – The Integral tool numerically

integrates graphed data. Select a region, if

needed, then choose Integral from the Analyze

menu. Enable the tool by tapping on the

displayed sensor or column name. The integral

will be drawn, and the numeric result will be

displayed to the right of the graph.

 Statistics – The Statistics tool displays statistics

for graphed data. Select a region, if needed, and

then choose Statistics from the Analyze menu.

Enable the tool by tapping on the displayed

sensor or column name. Descriptive statistics

will be displayed to the right of the graph. If a

region is selected, brackets are drawn to indicate

the region used for calculations

 Delta – The Delta tool opens a preview window

where you can examine x- and y-deltas. Choose

Delta from the Analyze menu to open the

preview window. Then tap-and-drag to create a

box overlaid on the graph. The vertical side of

the box yields y, and the horizontal side of the

box yields x. Tap OK to keep these values and

display the box on the Graph screen. To exit the

Delta tool without displaying the box on the

Graph screen, tap Cancel.

 Curve Fit – The Curve Fit tool allows you to

automatically fit a chosen function to your data.

If a region of the graph is selected, only that

region is used for fitting. If there is no selection,

the entire graph is used.

Enabling the curve fit displays a Curve Fit

dialog box. Choose the desired fit equation from

the drop-down menu. Upon choosing the fit

equation, LabQuest will display the fit in the

preview graph at left. The fit coefficients and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are also

displayed. Tap OK to keep this fit and display the curve on the Graph screen. To exit the

Curve Fit tool without applying the curve, tap Cancel.

Tip: The RMSE (root mean square error) is a measure of how well the fit matches the

data. The smaller the RMSE, the closer the data are to the fitted line. The RMSE has the

same units as the y-axis data.

LabQuest App

 Interpolate – Once you have performed a curve

fit, you can use the Interpolate function to read

values off of the fitted function. Choose

Interpolate from the Analyze menu to enable the

tool, then tap on the graph. The lines associated

with the Examine cursor now locate a position

on the fitted function, and coordinates along the

fitted line are shown in the summary box at the

right of the graph. You can tell that LabQuest is

in the Interpolation mode by the square cursor

shown at the Examine point.

 Model –Model allows you to manually fit a

chosen function to your data. Enabling the

Model tool displays a Model dialog box where

you can choose the desired model equation from

the drop-down menu.

The model parameters (e.g., A, B and C) are

adjustable. Change them by direct entry or by

using the up and down arrows. Upon choosing

the equation, LabQuest will display the modeled

function in the preview graph at left. Tap OK to keep this function and display the

modeled function on the Graph screen. To exit the Model tool without applying the

function, tap Cancel.

Tip: If no function appears when modeling, your parameters are defining a curve that is

outside of the plot window.

 Advanced – Choosing Advanced from the

Analyze menu allows you to access advanced

analysis tools including Baseline Adjustment,

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and Peak

Integration.

o Baseline Adjustment – This tool applies

a factor that raises or lowers the x-axis.

Because the LabQuest App uses the x-

axis as its baseline when calculating an

integral, adjusting the baseline may

result in a better integral.

o FFT – The FFT tool calculates a Fast

Fourier Transform of the selected data.

The FFT is displayed in a special graph

that can be analyzed. Tap OK to return to

the main graph. The peak frequency will

be displayed on the graph legend..

LabQuest App

o Peak Integration – This option calculates the integral for a selected portion of a

graph. It is most commonly used with the Vernier Mini GC, but it can be applied

to any data plot. Peak Integration differs from the Integral tool in that it does not

use the x-axis as the baseline. Instead, the integral for Peak Integration is

evaluated from the minimum y-values to the left and right of a selected peak.

 Draw Prediction – The Draw Prediction tool

gives you a free-hand sketch tool for drawing on

the Graph screen. This can be used for a variety

of purposes, but is most often used to sketch a

prediction of how a graph will appear once data

are subsequently collected.

Upon enabling this tool, tap-and-drag across the

screen for smooth curves, or tap the screen to

connect subsequent taps with straight-line segments. The Reset button will remove your

sketch if you need to start over. Tap OK to place your sketch on the main graph. To

remove a prediction, choose Draw Prediction again from the Analyze menu.

 Motion Match – The Motion Match menu item is

only available if a Motion Detector is connected.

You have a choice of a new Position or Velocity

match. In each case LabQuest generates a

random target graph for matching exercises.

Only the selected graph, Position or Velocity, is

shown in match mode. You may collect data

over the target graph as many times as you like.

To see a new target graph, choose New Position

Match or New Velocity Match again. Remove

Match removes the target graph.

Adjusting the Table View

In addition to viewing and manipulating data from the

Graph screen, you can also work with the data from the

Table screen. Tap the Table tab to change to the Table

screen. There are several shortcuts on this screen.

Alternatively, you can also access the fields by choose

Data Column Options from the Table menu.

 Tap Run 1 in the name field to rename the run.

 Tap a column header (Time, Position, etc.) to

change the column name, units, or displayed

precision.

LabQuest App

Manipulating Data from the Table Screen

The Table menu allows you to create, modify, or delete

columns of data. Anything in columns can be graphed.

The following tools are available from the Analyze

menu:

 New Manual Column –New Manual Column

creates an empty column into which you can

enter or generate values directly. Tip: To make a

graph of data from other sources, enter values in two manual columns, and then plot

them in a LabQuest graph.

 New Calculated Column –New Calculated

Column creates a new column whose values are

based on other columns by a mathematical

formula. Tap the Name field to enter a name for

the new column, tap the units field to enter the

units, then tap the Equation Type field and

choose an equation for the calculations in this

column. For example, you might define a

calculated column as the inverse square of

another column. After creating a calculated

column, you can display the calculated data on a graph, or manipulate it further with

additional calculated columns.

 Data Column Options – This allows you to access the fields for setting the column name,

units, and displayed precision. Alternatively, you can access these fields by simply

tapping on the column name from the Table screen.

 Delete Data Column – This allows you to delete a manual or calculated column of data.

Note that you cannot delete data collected from a sensor; however, you can hide data

using the Strike Through Data tool.

 Delete Run – If you have stored at least one run using the Store Run tool, this option will

be selectable from the Table menu. Upon choosing Delete Run, tap the desired run name

to delete the run. You will not be able to delete the last run created.

 Clear All Data – This action will clear all data in the table. Upon choosing this option, you

will be prompted to confirm.

 Strike Through Data and Restore Data – Use these tools to ignore/restore selected data.

Struck data are ignored for analysis and graphing, and the graph will update accordingly.

To restore all data, tap the Table menu and choose Restore Data. Note that you can also

access these tools from the graph screen by tapping on the Graph menu.

 Tag Data – Use this tool to tag a data point with a comment. After selecting the point

within the table and tapping Tag Data, a circle will be displayed on the graph screen to

“tag” the data. To add a comment, tap to select the Graph tab, locate the tagged point and

tap to place the Examine cursor at this point. Then tap the info box at the right and enter a

comment into the blank field.

LabQuest App

 Edit – This tool allows you to copy and paste values from one place to another. In

particular, you might copy a range of values and paste them into notes on the Notes

screen.

Viewing Vernier Lab Instructions

The Lab Instructions screen, selectable by tapping the Lab Instructions tab , allows students to

view lab instructions from Vernier lab books. LabQuest comes preloaded with over 100 labs.

You can easily download labs from other books that you have purchased and load them onto

LabQuest using our easy-to-use web tool, LabQuest Organizer. You can also create new content

using our online LabQuest Creator.

Opening Vernier Lab Insructions

From the View screen, choose View Lab Instructions

from the View menu. This displays a list of the lab

books with labs preloaded on LabQuest. Tap on the

desired book, tap OK, then choose the desired lab and

tap OK.

In addition to scrolling through the instructions using

the scrollbar at right, you can also zoom in on a

particular portion of the instructions by selecting Zoom

In from the View menu. Selecting Zoom Out from the

View menu restores the previous view. Selecting Reset

from the View menu restores the original view.

Adding Labs to LabQuest

If you have purchased Vernier lab books and have labs

in your books that you would like to load onto LabQuest, you can do so using our online tool,

LabQuest Organizer. Follow these simple instructions:

1. Visit our web site: www.vernier.com/labquest/organizer/

2. Select the labs that you wish to add. (Note that you can either select individual labs or add

entire books)

3. Follow the on-screen guide to create and download a LabQuest Library update and save it to

a USB flash drive or SD card.

4. Follow the provided instructions to transfer the update from the flash drive or SD card to

your LabQuest units.

Creating Your Own Labs

If you would like to create your own lab content, you can do so using our online tool, LabQuest

Creator.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Visit our web site: www.vernier.com/labquest/creator/

LabQuest App

2. Choose your starting point. You can create a new lab from scratch, start with a template, or

paste an existing lab into our Lab Creator.

3. Follow the on-screen guide to create your content. Note that you can save your content and

finish another time. Simply click Save, and a web link will be displayed which you can click

on and then bookmark from your browser for later access.

4. When your content is complete, follow the on-screen guide to preview, name, and download

your lab to a USB flash drive or SD card.

5. Follow the provided instructions to transfer the update from the flash drive or SD card to

your LabQuest units.

Adding Notes to Your Experiment

The Notes screen, selectable by tapping the Notes tab , allows students to enter notes as they

perform an experiment. The menu gives access to standard edit commands of Cut, Copy, Paste,

and Clear All.

Storing LabQuest App Files

LabQuest files have a .qmbl extension and

can be saved to the internal storage space on

LabQuest, or to an external storage space

such as a thumb drive. LabQuest App files

can also be opened and manipulated on a

computer with our Logger Pro software.

LabQuest will recognize additional storage

space in a connected micro SD (Secure

Digital) card or a USB flash drive. The

drive or card may be formatted in FAT16 or

FAT32 (the most common Windows and

Mac OS formats) for reading and writing.

LabQuest cannot read NTFS- or HFS+-

formatted drives.

To save a LabQuest App file,

1. If saving to a micro SD card or USB flash drive, make sure the drive is inserted in the

appropriate port on LabQuest. Note: After inserting the drive wait a few seconds while

LabQuest recognizes the drive before proceeding.

2. Choose Save from the File menu. This opens a Save As dialog box.

3. Tap on the appropriate icon to select your storage destination.

- LabQuest internal hard drive

LabQuest App

- Micro SD card

- USB flash drive (thumb drive)

4. After selecting your destination, tap on the name field to pull up the keyboard. Then enter the

file name.

5. Tap OK to return to the Save As screen.

6. Tap Save to save the file.

Note: You cannot create directories within LabQuest App, but you can use directories that

already exist on the SD card or USB drive. We recommend organizing your files on a USB drive

or SD card by creating any needed folders on a computer before you use the drive or card with

LabQuest.

Exporting LabQuest App files

In some cases, you may wish to export the LabQuest App file in a text format (.txt) for further

analysis within a program other than Logger Pro.

To do this, select Export from the File menu. Follow steps similar to those described in Storing

LabQuest App Files and choose Export from the File menu instead of Save As.

To open the file in a spreadsheet program, be sure the program’s file browser is set to look for all

files. Select your text file, then

If you have access to a wireless network with Internet, you can email the data file, graph, text

file, or screenshot. For detailed instructions, see Emailing from LabQuest.

Printing from LabQuest App

You may choose to print the graph, data table, lab instructions, your own notes, or the screen as

it is currently displayed in LabQuest App. LabQuest can print to a compatible printer via a USB

cable or via a Wi-Fi network. For a list of compatible printers see: www.vernier.com/til/1659/

USB Printing

For printing to a USB printer for the first time, simply

connect a compatible printer to the full-size USB port

on LabQuest, and turn on the printer.

1. Tap the Home icon at the bottom of the screen, tap

Preferences, and then tap Printers.

2. Tap the Add Printer button on the Printer

Configuration screen.

LabQuest App

3. Select the printer that appears in the list and tap

Install.

4. Tap Install again to complete the printer installation

process.

5. Close the Printer Configuration by tapping the X at the top right of the screen. This

procedure need only be performed the first time you connect a particular printer.

To print, choose Print from the File menu. Tap to choose the item that you want to print. The

Print Options screen appears and you may choose the printer and enter a Title and/or Footer for

your printout. Tap Print to send the item to the selected printer.

Even though your printer may initially appear in the Printer list, a driver may not be found when

you tap the Install button. Not all printers are supported - see the compatible printer list above. If

a driver is found, printing may still error due to an incompatible printer - see the incompatible list

at the end of the compatible list above. If you are sure that the printer is compatible and you are

still getting an error, it may be caused by one of the following conditions: out of paper, out of

ink/toner, a door on the printer is ajar, a paper jam, or you may have selected the wrong printer

on the Print Options screen.

If you have access to a Wi-Fi enabled printer, you can print wirelessly. For detailed instructions,

see Wirelessly Printing from LabQuest.

IV. USING LABQUEST 2 WITH A MOBILE DEVICE

LabQuest 2 includes Vernier Data Share, a feature that broadcasts sensor data to one or more

devices wirelessly from the LabQuest 2 interface. Using a compatible web browser, students can:

 collaboratively collect experiment data

 analyze an individual copy of the data on their device

 examine their data and perform analyses such as statistics, linear fits, and quadratic fits

 add a title and comment to their graph

 use photo or screenshot features on their device to capture an image of the graph for their

lab report

Data Share is used with our Connected Science System, a networked collection of technology

that supports hands-on, collaborative learning with individualized accountability.

To use LabQuest 2 with a mobile device, follow these instructions.

Set up data sharing on LabQuest

1. From the Home screen, tap Connections.

2. From the Connections screen, tap Connection

Information.

3. From the Connection Information dialog box, tap

the Name field to enter a name for the LabQuest

(e.g., LabQuest A). Then tap to close this

window.

Note the HostName that is displayed. The

HostName will be a combination of the name

(without spaces) followed by .local (e.g.,

LabQuestA.local).

Using LabQuest 2 with a Mobile Device

4. From the Home menu, tap Connections, then tap

Data Share/Graphical Analysis.

5. From the Data Share/Graphical Analysis dialog,

turn on data sharing by tapping On. Optionally, you

can also choose to allow remote control of data

collection on the LabQuest from the mobile device.

Tap to close this window.

Connect LabQuest to a Network

6. Tap Connections on the Home screen, then tap

Network.

7. Tap to enable the Wi-Fi radio.

A Network Configuration dialog box is displayed

listing any networks that LabQuest sees, as well as

an option to Create Network.

Existing network

If you have an existing network to which you would like to connect, locate the network

within the list and tap to select.

Create a new LabQuest Network (Ad-Hoc Network)

If you do not have access to an existing Wi-Fi

network, or are not permitted to access your school's

network, you can quickly and easily set up a

network with LabQuest 2.

Note: This will allow your students to connect to

this network with their mobile devices. This network

will not support access to the internet. The email

function of LabQuest will not work with a LabQuest

ad-hoc network.

 From the Network Configuration box, tap Create Network.

 Tap the Network Name field and assign a name to this new network (e.g., Ms. Johnsons

classroom).

Using LabQuest 2 with a Mobile Device

 Optional: Protect your network by assigning a

password to your network that you will provide

only to your students. To do this, select the

Passphrase check box and assign a password to

your new network (e.g., science). The

Passphrase must meet certain criteria. See our

web site for additional information:

www.vernier.com/til/2699/

 Tap Create.

Note: Some Android implementations seem to have trouble viewing and connecting to ad-hoc

networks. These devices require the use of an existing (infrastructure) network.

Access LabQuest from your Mobile Device

8. On your mobile device, connect to the same network to which LabQuest is connected

(step 7).

9. On your mobile device, open the browser and type

in the HostName for your device (e.g.,

LabQuestA.local).

Optional: If your mobile device has a QR-code

reader, tap Connections from the Home screen on

LabQuest and then tap Data Share/Graphical

Analysis. A QR-code associated with the HostName

is displayed. Use a QR-scanning application on

your mobile device to connect to your LabQuest.

Access LabQuest from your iPad®

If your classroom has iPad devices, you might be interested in purchasing our Graphical

Analysis™ for iPad App. This app is used with our Connected Science System, a networked

collection of technology that supports hands-on, collaborative learning with individualized

accountability. This app can be purchased from the App Store. Educational discount pricing is

available.

Graphical Analysis for iPad supports advanced networking and exporting capabilities, providing

additional features such as:

 automatic discovery of LabQuest 2

 advanced curve fits

 manual data entry

 prediction tool

 auto-saving of projects

 exporting of graphs and/or data

 printing

V. USING LABQUEST WITH A COMPUTER

LabQuest comes with Logger Lite computer software. Use either Logger Lite 1.6 (or newer) or

Logger Pro 3.8.5 (or newer) with LabQuest 2. If you already own Logger Pro 3, updates to

Logger Pro are available for free download at www.vernier.com/updates/logger-pro/

LabQuest can be used with a computer in one of two ways: (1) data can be collected directly to

Logger Pro or Logger Lite, or (2) you can transfer previously collected data from the LabQuest

to either program. Each of these is described in more detail as follows.

Collecting Data with Logger Lite or Logger Pro

1. Connect a sensor to LabQuest.

2. Connect LabQuest to your computer using the included USB cable. The mini end of the

cable connects to LabQuest, and the full-size end connects to an available USB port on

your computer.

3. Open Logger Pro or Logger Lite on your computer. The computer will detect the

LabQuest and the attached sensor, and display a graph ready for data collection.

LabQuest will display a screen with two arrows indicating it is connected to the

computer.

4. Click the Collect button in Logger Pro or Logger Lite to collect data.

Transferring Data from LabQuest to a Computer

Automatically Transferring Data

If you collect data in LabQuest App, and you then connect the LabQuest to a computer,

Logger Lite or Logger Pro will automatically detect the presence of the remote data and offer to

retrieve it.

To try this, collect data on LabQuest and then connect the LabQuest to your computer and

launch Logger Lite or Logger Pro. The computer application will detect the LabQuest and its

data, and display a dialog indicating that remote data are available. Follow instructions in that

and subsequent dialogs to download data to the computer.

Note: If you want to automatically transfer data from a LabQuest to a computer from a file that

has been stored on your LabQuest, you must first open the file on the LabQuest.

Manually Transferring Data

In addition to the automatic detection of recent data in LabQuest by Logger Pro or Logger Lite

(described in the preceding sections) you can also download any saved data from LabQuest to

the computer. After an experiment is complete on LabQuest, choose Save from the LabQuest

File menu. Give the experiment an identifying name. You may save multiple LabQuest files on

LabQuest this way.

Tip: When taking data in the field, store experiments as files on the LabQuest. To do this, choose

Save from the File menu, and give the experiment a descriptive name. Choose either the

Using LabQuest with a Computer

LabQuest, or optionally a USB drive or SD card, as the location. This way you can save as many

experiments as you like. Later, you can either use LabQuest Browser in Logger Pro or

Logger Lite to open the files, or connect the USB drive or SD card to your computer and open

the files directly in Logger Pro or Logger Lite.

On the computer, choose Open from the LabQuest Browser, which is found in the File menu.

Select the desired file from the LabQuest, and open it. Your LabQuest file will be opened on the

computer, including any data, notes, and data collection configuration. Only one file can be

opened at a time. You may choose to subsequently save the data as a Logger Pro or Logger Lite

file.

Tip: If sensors are still connected when a LabQuest file is opened in Logger Pro or Logger Lite,

the sensors will be ignored. To enable the sensors, choose New from the File menu in the

computer application.

Another option is to Import data from the LabQuest. Import differs from Open in that only the

data in the LabQuest file are added to the current computer session. This allows you to compile

data from multiple LabQuest sessions into a single computer session for graphing and

comparison.

Tip: Compile class results from multiple LabQuest files (or multiple LabQuests) by repeatedly

importing data into a single Logger Pro or Logger Lite file.

Manually Moving Data from Computer to LabQuest

Data and/or sensor configurations can be saved to the LabQuest from your computer. Open a

computer file, or set up the computer for the data collection details you desire. Choose Save As

from the LabQuest Browser (found in the File menu), and enter a descriptive file name. Any

data, and the sensor configuration, will be stored on the LabQuest as a LabQuest file. Any

features in the computer file not existing on LabQuest (such as embedded images, video analysis,

graph annotations, or most calculated columns) will be ignored on LabQuest.

Deleting Data on LabQuest

The LabQuest Browser includes a Delete function. Choose Delete from the LabQuest Browser,

and select the file you want to remove from LabQuest.

Tip: Use the LabQuest Browser to mass delete files from LabQuest. Click to select multiple files,

and click Delete. This is the only way to delete more than one file at a time.

VI. EMAILING FROM LABQUEST

If LabQuest is connected to a network with Internet access, you can email your data file, graph,

text file, or screen shot.

To set this up, follow these instructions:

1. First, you will need to connect LabQuest to a network with Internet. To do this, follow steps

6-8 from Connect LabQuest to a Network.

Note: A LabQuest Network (Ad-Hoc Network) does not have Internet access. You will need

to join an existing network with Internet.

2. From the Home screen, tap Connections, then tap

Email.

3. The Email Configuration dialog box is displayed. Enable email by selecting On.

4. Enter your outgoing email server information and tap Save. For additional information, see

www.vernier.com/networking

VII. WIRELESSLY PRINTING FROM LABQUEST

As described in USB Printing you may print wirelessly by connecting directly to a compatible

Wi-Fi enabled printer or by connecting to a Wi-Fi access point that is wired to a network which

includes a compatible printer.

You can set this up as follows:

1. First, you will need to connect LabQuest to a network with Internet. To do this, follow steps

6-8 from Connect LabQuest to a Network.

2. Once you have connected, either to the Wi-Fi printer itself, or to a Wi-Fi access point, you

are ready to follow the same instructions as described in USB Printing.

VIII. PROJECTING AND MONITORING STUDENTS’ LABQUEST DEVICES

Use our LabQuest Viewer software (order code, LQ-VIEW) to view and control the LabQuest

wirelessly from your Windows or Macintosh computer. When LabQuest 2 is connected to a

computer wirelessly or via USB, LabQuest Viewer can be used in conjunction with a projector to

share the LabQuest 2 screen with the entire class.

This allows an instructor to demonstrate LabQuest 2 for a class, and also allows students to share

or present their work to fellow classmates. LabQuest Viewer can also be used with an original

LabQuest connected wirelessly to a computer via a Wi-Fi adapter. LabQuest Viewer is part of

the Connected Science System.

With LabQuest Viewer, you can:

 View and control one or more LabQuests from a computer

 Connect to a computer and projector or interactive white board for class demos or sharing

 Monitor student progress on any LabQuest connected to your network

 Create screenshots of the LabQuest screen to copy and paste into lab instructions

 Set customizable permissions that permit viewing without control, or password-protect a

connection

 Install LabQuest Viewer on any computer in your school or college department with the

included site license

System Requirements

 Windows – Windows XP (32 bit only), Vista (32 and 64 bit), and Windows 7 (32 and 64

bit)

 Macintosh – Macintosh OS X 10.5 (Intel-based Macs only), 10.6, and 10.7

LabQuest Compatibility

 LabQuest 2 (Wi-Fi or USB connection)

 LabQuest with Wi-Fi USB Adapter (Wi-Fi only)

For additional information, see: www.vernier.com/lq-view

IX. ADDITIONAL APPS ON LABQUEST

Several accessory applications can be launched from the Home menu. It is not necessary to quit

the LabQuest App to use these accessories; to return to LabQuest App, either close the accessory

using the close button in the upper right corner of the screen, or switch to the LabQuest App by

tapping LabQuest App from the Home menu.

Access additional apps and accessories from the Home screen

Audio Function Generator

From the Home screen, tap Audio Function Generator

to launch this app. The function generator is used to

create waveforms in the audio frequency range. Select a

waveform, frequency, and volume for each channel.

Start and stop using the buttons at left. The link between

left and right channels is on by default, so that both start

and stop together. Click the link icon to control the

channels independently.

The sliders can also be used to control frequency. Tapping left or right of the slider will halve or

double the frequency.

A common use of the Audio Function Generator is to create tones and beats for waveform study

using a microphone. For the best waveform quality, connect a powered computer speaker to the

audio output jack of LabQuest.

Periodic Table

From the Home screen, tap Periodic Table to launch

this app. The Periodic Table contains standard reference

information on the elements. Tap an element to see

details; close the detail window using the upper right

close button.

Additional Apps on LabQuest

Power Amplifier

From the Home screen, tap Power Amplifier to launch

this app. The Power Amplifier App is used to control

the Vernier Power Amplifier (order code PAMP) used

to create waveforms with up to 10 V amplitude and

currents of 1 A. Connect the Power Amplifier to the

LabQuest audio output.

Select the desired output (AC or DC). DC output levels are limited to 0.2 V steps. AC

waveforms include sine, square, sawtooth, and ramps. Select an amplitude and frequency using

the controls. The frequency can be changed by factors of two using either the buttons, or in small

steps using the slider. Start and stop the output using the control at left.

Calculator

From the Home screen, tap Accessories, then tap

Calculator.

This app is a standard scientific calculator which uses

algebraic notation. You can use this calculator at any

time; to dismiss it, tap Home. You can copy a calculator

result and paste it into the Notes tab.

Sound Recorder

From the Home screen, tap Accessories, then tap Sound

Recorder.

The sound recorder is used to capture short audio clips,

typically for voice notes. To record a clip, tap the record

button . To stop, tap the square red stop button. Play

the clip back using the green play button. The disk

button allows you to save the clip, which can later be

opened using the open file folder icon. The blank page

icon clears out any current audio clip.

Tip: Use Sound Recorder to quickly make audio notes on experiments.

Stopwatch

From the Home screen, tap Accessories, then tap

Stopwatch.

The Stopwatch Application is a simple timer. Tap the

start button to begin timing; tap it again to stop.

Subsequent taps will continue to start and stop the

timer. Tap the middle reset button to return the timer to

zero. The copy button will place the current time on the

clipboard for pasting into the Notes screen of

LabQuest App, or into the calculator.

Appendix A – 1

APPENDIX A. LABQUEST 2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Display

 11.2 cm x 6.7 cm (13.1 cm diagonal)

screen

 800 x 480 pixel color display at 188 dpi

 LED backlight

 Portrait or landscape screen orientation

 High-contrast mode for outdoor visibility

Processor

 800 MHz Application Processor

Connectivity

 Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

 Bluetooth for WDSS

User Interface

 Resistive touch screen

 Touch and stylus navigation for efficiency

and precision

Data Acquisition

 100,000 samples per second

 12-bit resolution

 Built-in GPS, 3-axis accelerometer ( 2 g),

ambient temperature sensor, light sensor

(uncalibrated intensity), and microphone

Environmental Durability

 Operating Temperature: 0 – 45°C

 Storage Temperature: -30 – 60°C

 Splash resistant

 Rugged enclosure designed to withstand a

fall from lab bench

Size and Weight

 Size: 8.8 cm x 15.4 cm x 2.5 cm

 Weight: 350 g

Ports

 5 sensor channels

 USB port for sensors, flash drives, and

peripherals

 USB mini port

 DC power jack

 MicroSD/MMC slot

 Audio in and out

Storage

 200 MB

 Expandable with MicroSD and USB flash

drive

Power

 Rechargeable, high-capacity battery

 DC charging/powering through external

adapter (included)

Non-compatible Sensors

LabQuest 2 does not support the following

sensors at this time:

 Digital Control Unit* (DCU)

 Heat Pulser

 Ohaus balance

* Not supported with LabQuest as a standalone

device. The DCU can be used with Logger Pro

software and LabQuest 2.

Appendix B – 1

APPENDIX B. LABQUEST MAINTENANCE

LabQuest Battery

LabQuest uses a high-quality lithium-ion battery. This is the same chemistry used in premium

laptop and cell phone batteries, and you can expect similar performance. There is never a need to

condition the battery by regular full discharge/charge cycles.

Use only the supplied AC adapter or optional LabQuest 2 Charging Station (order code

LQ2-CRG, sold separately) to charge the LabQuest battery. A replacement adapter can be

purchased from our web site (order code LQ-PS).

The battery takes about eight hours to completely charge. It is safe to leave the battery charging

indefinitely, and there is no need to fully discharge the battery before charging. Battery life will

depend on the sensors used, but in most cases you can obtain six or more hours of use before

recharging. We recommend charging LabQuest overnight to start the next day with a full charge.

For use with a computer, either the battery must be charged or the LabQuest must be connected

to AC power. The LabQuest cannot operate on USB power alone. When the LabQuest is running

and connected to the computer, the USB connection will, however, slowly charge the battery.

When using LabQuest as a standalone device, the screen will dim after a few minutes of no use,

even during data collection. However, LabQuest will not turn itself off until the battery is almost

discharged. No data will be lost, as LabQuest App will save a backup file before shutting down.

Battery life will depend on the sensors and features used. To optimize day-to-day battery life, set

the screen brightness to the minimum acceptable level, and turn off LabQuest when it is not in

use. Also disconnect any sensors you are not actively using. To access power-saving options, tap

Preferences on the Home Screen, then tap Light & Power.

The long-term life of the battery will vary, but you can expect about three hundred to four

hundred full charge/discharge cycles before the battery will need to be replaced. In this count, a

charge from half-way to a full charge would count as half of a charge cycle. In typical school

use, the battery can last three years or more. Exposure to temperatures over 35°C will

significantly reduce battery life.

As a battery reaches the end of its useful life, the run time will become shorter and shorter.

Eventually the run time will be too short for your application, and you will want to replace the

battery. Rechargeable batteries are considered a consumable, and as such are warranted for one

year. A replacement battery can be ordered from our web site (order code LQ2-BAT).

Recycling information is available at www.call2recycle.org.

LabQuest Case and Screen

The LabQuest is water and shock resistant. Do not submerge in liquids. Wipe clean with a damp

cloth only; do not use any solvents including ammonia or glass cleaners.

Appendix B – LabQuest Maintenance

Appendix B – 2

Stylus Tether

LabQuest includes a stylus and a tether. If desired, you can attach the tether to the stylus and the

LabQuest. Additional styluses are available from Vernier.

LabQuest Software

LabQuest arrives with its own software, LabQuest App, preloaded. The LabQuest App will be

updated from time to time to introduce new features and to improve performance. Most users

will want to run the latest version available.

Free updates with step-by-step instructions are available on our web site:

www.vernier.com/downloads/

Screen Calibration

To do this, tap System from the Home menu.

Then choose Calibrate Screen.

Follow the on-screen instructions for tapping the

plus sign with the stylus.

If you are unable to access the Calibration tool,

press and hold the Home key until the Calibration

tool is displayed.

Getting Additional Help

For access to user manuals, forums, and our technology information library, please visit our web

site at:

www.vernier.com/labq2

If you are located in the United States or Canada, you may also contact Vernier directly:

888.837.6437

info@vernier.com

www.vernier.com

Otherwise, please contact Vernier International:

941.349.1000

info@vernier-intl.com

www.vernier-intl.com

Appendix B – 1

APPENDIX C. LICENSE INFORMATION

This product contains certain open source software originated by third parties that is subject to

the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, GNU

Library/Lesser General Public License (LGPL) and different and/or additional copyright

licenses, disclaimers or notices. These licenses give you the right to redistribute and/or modify

the software.

The software is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY

WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR

A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.

Complete source code for the open source software is available on request from Vernier

Software & Technology. Contact us at info@vernier.com, or by writing to

Source Code Request

Vernier Software & Technology

13979 SW Millikan Way

Beaverton OR 97005

USA

Source code will be made available for download, or you may request a CD-ROM of the code. A

shipping and handling fee will be charged for a CD-ROM.

The exact terms of GPL, LGPL and some other licenses are provided to you with the source code

distribution. You may also read the license at http://www.gnu.org/licenses/

Appendix D – 1

APPENDIX D. WARRANTY

Vernier warrants this product (with the exception of the battery) 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.

The LabQuest 2 battery is a consumable, and as such, Vernier warrants this product to be free

from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of shipment to

the customer.

Appendix E – 1

APPENDIX E. ACCESSORIES, REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND

Vernier Software and Technology LQ2-LE LabQuest2 User Manual

Vernier Software & Technology LabQuest2

User manual

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