Feb 16 2011
Vernier has launched four scientific testing products that will be deployed in school science projects. The anemometer, a high-current sensor, a 30V probe, and a melt station incorporating the company’s LabQuest handheld products, helping students to test wind speed, current, voltage, and melting temperatures.
The anemometer is a small portable sensor to determine power/energy for compact wind turbines or solar thermal system capability. It can measure wind speeds up to 67MPH and has an accessory rod that helps it to be mounted in front of wind tunnels. The melt station has a resistance temperature sensor with a range of 30° to 260°C with a 6x zoom lens to help observation. Its tilt can be adjusted to change the viewing angle, while a cooling fan lowers the waiting period between tests. The high current sensor measures current from generators and solar cells. It measures ±10 to -10amps and incorporates a Hall- Effect chip that blocks additional resistance while testing. The 30V probe can be deployed in experiments involving more than 10V, such as big solar panels.
All four products can be integrated with three different devices, the LabQuest, which is a stand alone tester with a color touch screen and built in analysis software. LabQuest Mini, which is an interface for use with a computer, and the Go!link that is a USB device used with Mac OS X- and Windows-based computers.