Set up a timer using one photogate

Use this timer to measure the speed of a cart.

Equipment setup

• Photogate with Photogate Bracket (ME-9806)

  Use a Wireless Smart Gate (PS-3225), a Smart Gate (PS-2180) with a PASPORT interface, or a Photogate Head (ME-9498A) with a digital interface.

• Cart and track

• Cart Picket Fence (ME-9804)

  The Cart Picket Fence has three flags of different length. Adjust the height of the photogate so that the desired flag passes through the photogate beam, as shown below.

  

Set up the timer

1. Connect your chosen photogate to Capstone.
2. Select Timer Setup from the Tools palette.
3. At the top of the Timer Setup tool, click the Delete button to delete the premade Smart Timer.
4. Select Pre-Configured Timer, then click Next.
5. Ensure that exactly one photogate is selected from the list of available timing devices, then click Next.
6. Select One Photogate (Single Flag) from the list of available timers.
7. Check the box for each measurements you want to be visible, then click Next.

8. Measure the length of the flag from end-to-end, as shown below. Enter this value into the Flag Width text box, then click Next.

   

9. Give the timer a custom name, or use the default name, and click Finish.

Record data

Click Record , then allow the flag to pass through the photogate. The software records the speed after the flag blocks and then unblocks the photogate beam.