Calibrate a Basic Electrometer

Improve the accuracy of the Basic Electrometer via calibration.

Before you start

Calibrating the Basic Electrometer will require the following supplies, in addition to those provided with the electrometer itself:

• PASCO analog interface, such as the 550 Universal Interface or the 850 Universal Interface
• A voltage source with a known, constant voltage
• A resistor

Calibration

1. Set up the Basic Electrometer as described in the product manual.
2. Connect the signal output cable between the Signal Output port on the electrometer and an analog port on the interface.
3. Connect the electrometer to Capstone.
4. Click in the Tools palette to open the Calibration tool.
5. Select Voltage from the list of measurements to calibrate, then click Next.

6. Select Two Standards (2 point) from the list of calibration types, then click Next.

   

7. With the Electrometer disconnected from any voltage sources, the reading should be at zero. If it is not, press the ZERO button on the electrometer.

8. Enter 0 into the Standard Value box, then click Set Current Value to Standard Value.
9. Construct a circuit that includes the known voltage source and resistor.
10. Connect the electrometer in parallel with the resistor. Check to make sure that the reading on the meter and digits display are equal to the known value of the voltage source.

11. Enter 0 into the Standard Value box, then click Set Current Value to Standard Value.

    

12. Review the new calibration, then click Finish.