Wireless Voltage Sensor

Introduction

The Wireless Voltage Sensor (PS-3211A) is a versatile device combining wireless Bluetooth and USB connectivity. It connects to computers and tablets, measuring voltage within the range of -30 volts (V) to +30 V. The sensor includes built-in overload protection.

Measurements can be displayed and analyzed using PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue software. The sensor supports remote data logging for long-term experiments and is designed for optimal battery usage. Each sensor has a unique device ID, allowing multiple sensors to connect simultaneously.

Components

Included equipment:

• Wireless Voltage Sensor (PS-3211A)
• Micro USB cable (1 m)
• Test leads, shrouded (red and black)

Required software:

• PASCO Capstone or SPARKvue data collection software

Features

• ? ON/OFF button: Press to turn the sensor on. Press and briefly hold to turn the sensor off. The sensor automatically powers off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery.
• ? Micro USB port: Use the included Micro USB cable to connect to a USB charger for power or to a computer for a wired connection (not supported by iOS).
• ? Bluetooth Status LED: Indicates the Bluetooth connection status:
  • ? Red blink: Ready to pair
  • ? Green blink: Connected
  • ? Yellow blink: Remotely logging data

  ? NOTE: The Bluetooth Status LED is disabled when the sensor is connected via USB.

• ? Battery Status LED: Indicates battery level and charging status:
  • ? Red blink: Low battery
  • ? Yellow ON: Charging
  • ? Green ON: Fully charged
• Device ID number: Used to identify the sensor during Bluetooth connection.
• ? Red test lead jack: Connect the red test lead to the point of higher potential in the circuit.
• ⚫ Black test lead jack: Connect the black test lead to the point of lower potential in the circuit.

Initial step: Charge the battery

Connect the sensor's Micro USB port to a standard USB charger. The Battery Status LED will be solid yellow while charging and turn solid green when fully charged.

Get the software

Use the sensor with SPARKvue or PASCO Capstone software. For guidance on choosing, visit pasco.com/products/guides/software-comparison.

SPARKvue is available as a free app for Chromebook, iOS, and Android devices. For Windows and Mac, download from pasco.com/downloads or search your device's app store.

Ensure you have the latest software updates:

• SPARKvue: Main Menu > ✔️ Check for Updates
• PASCO Capstone: Help > ✔️ Check for Updates

Check for a firmware update

SPARKvue

1. Turn on the sensor (press the power button until LEDs illuminate).
2. Open SPARKvue and select Sensor Data on the Welcome Screen.
3. Select the sensor from the list of available devices matching its Device ID.
4. If a firmware update is available, a notification will appear. Click "Yes" to update.
5. Close SPARKvue upon completion.

PASCO Capstone

1. Turn on the sensor.
2. Open PASCO Capstone and click ⚙️ Hardware Setup in the Tools palette.
3. Select the sensor from the list of available wireless devices matching its Device ID.
4. If a firmware update is available, a notification will appear. Click "Yes" to update.
5. Close Capstone upon completion.

Set up the software

Connect the test leads to the sensor

• Connect the shrouded end of the red test lead to the red test lead jack on the sensor.
• Connect the shrouded end of the black test lead to the black test lead jack on the sensor.

Connect the sensor for measurement

Voltage is measured between two points. The sensor is typically used to measure the voltage "across" a component, connected in parallel to the circuit, not in series.

For example, to measure the voltage drop across a light bulb in a circuit with a battery, connect the red test lead's alligator clip to one side of the bulb and the black test lead's alligator clip to the other side. The sensor will measure the voltage difference.

SPARKvue

Connecting via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on the Wireless Voltage Sensor. Ensure the Bluetooth Status LED is blinking red.
2. Open SPARKvue and click Sensor Data.
3. Select the sensor from the list of available wireless devices that matches your sensor's Device ID.

Connecting via micro USB cable:

1. Open SPARKvue and click Sensor Data.
2. Connect the Micro USB cable from the sensor to a USB port on your computer. The sensor should connect automatically.

Collecting data using SPARKvue:

1. In the "Select measurements for templates" column, check the box next to the desired measurement.
2. Click "Graph" in the Templates column to open the Experiment Screen. The graph axes will auto-populate with the selected measurement versus time.
3. Click "Start" ▶️ to begin data collection.

PASCO Capstone

Connecting via Bluetooth:

1. Turn on the Wireless Voltage Sensor. Ensure the Bluetooth Status LED is blinking red.
2. Open PASCO Capstone and click ⚙️ Hardware Setup in the Tools palette.
3. Select the sensor from the list of Available Wireless Devices that matches your sensor's Device ID.

Connecting via micro USB cable:

1. Open PASCO Capstone. Optionally, click Hardware Setup to check the connection status.
2. Connect the Micro USB cable from the sensor to a USB port on your computer. The sensor should connect automatically.

Collecting data using Capstone:

1. In the Displays palette, double-click the Graph icon to create a new graph.
2. On the y-axis, click the "<Select Measurement>" box and choose the appropriate measurement. The x-axis will automatically adjust for time.
3. Click "Record" ▶️ to begin collecting data.

Troubleshooting

• Bluetooth connection loss: If the sensor loses Bluetooth connection and won't reconnect, cycle the ON button. Press and briefly hold until LEDs blink, then release.
• Software communication issues: If the sensor stops communicating with the software or tablet, restart the application. If the problem persists, press and hold the ON button for 10 seconds, release, and restart the sensor normally.
• General connection problems: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, try turning Bluetooth off and on again on your computer or tablet, then retry connecting.

Software help

For detailed instructions on using the product with SPARKvue and PASCO Capstone, access the help features within the software or visit the online resources:

• SPARKvue: Online at help.pasco.com/sparkvue
• PASCO Capstone: Online at help.pasco.com/capstone

Specifications and accessories

View detailed specifications and explore available accessories for the PS-3211A on the product page: pasco.com/product/PS-3211A. You can also download experiment files and support documents from this page.

Experiment files

Download student-ready activities, including editable handouts and teacher notes, from the PASCO Experiment Library at pasco.com/freelabs/PS-3211.

Technical support

For further assistance, contact PASCO's Technical Support staff:

• Chat: pasco.com
• Phone: 1-800-772-8700 x1004 (USA), +1 916 462 8384 (outside USA)
• Email: support@pasco.com

Replacement parts

Contact Technical Support for information on ordering replacement parts, including:

• USB Cable, Micro-to-USB A
• Shrouded Test Leads (Red/Black)

Limited warranty

Refer to the Warranty and Returns page for warranty details: www.pasco.com/legal.

Copyright

This document is copyrighted. Permission is granted to non-profit educational institutions for reproduction within their laboratories and classrooms, provided reproductions are not sold for profit. Other reproduction requires written consent from PASCO scientific.

Trademarks

PASCO and PASCO scientific are registered trademarks of PASCO scientific. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, visit www.pasco.com/legal.

Product end-of-life disposal

This electronic product is subject to local disposal and recycling regulations. It is the user's responsibility to recycle electronic equipment according to environmental laws to protect human health and the environment. Contact local waste services or the place of purchase for recycling information. The European Union WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) symbol ♻️ on the product or packaging indicates it must not be disposed of in standard waste containers.

CE statement

This device has been tested and found to comply with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of applicable EU Directives.

FCC statement

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.

Battery disposal

Batteries contain chemicals that can affect the environment and human health. They must be collected separately for recycling at a hazardous material disposal location, adhering to local government regulations. Contact local waste disposal services or the product representative for recycling locations. The European Union symbol for waste batteries ♻️ on the product indicates the need for separate collection and recycling.