This app uses internal smartphone sensors to collect, display, record, and export .csv data files. See www.vieyrasoftware.net to (1) read about case usage in research and development, and (2) get lesson plans for educators of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including physics. Sensor availability, precision, and accuracy are dependent upon smartphone hardware.
Sensors, generators, and data analysis tools include the following:
KINEMATICS
G-Force Meter - ratio of Fn/Fg (x, y, z and/or total)
Linear Accelerometer – acceleration (x, y, and/or z)
Gyroscope - radial velocity (x, y, and/or z)
Inclinometer - azimuth, roll, pitch
Protractor - angle from vertical or horizontal
ACOUSTICS
Sound Meter - sound intensity
Tone Detector - frequency and musical tone
Tone Generator – sound frequency producer
Oscilloscope - wave shape and relative amplitude
Spectrum Analyzer - graphical FFT
Spectrogram - waterfall FFT
LIGHT
Light Meter - light intensity
Color Detector - detects HEX colors within a small rectangle area on the screen via the camera.
Color Generator – R/G/B/Y/C/M, white, and custom color screen
Proximeter - periodic motion and timer (timer and pendulum modes)
Stroboscope (beta) - camera flash
Wi-Fi - Wi-Fi signal strength
MAGNETISM
Compass - magnetic field direction and bubble level
Magnetometer - magnetic field intensity (x, y, z and/or total)
Magna-AR - augmented reality visualization of magnetic field vectors
OTHER
Barometer - atmospheric pressure
Ruler - distance between two points
GPS - latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, direction, number of satellites
System Temperature - battery temperature
COMBINATION
Multi Record - choose one or more of the above sensors to collect data at the same time.
Dual Sensor - display data from two sensors on a graph in real time.
Roller Coaster - G-Force Meter, Linear Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Barometer
PLOTTING
Manual Data Plot - enter data manually to generate a graph.
GAME
Play - challenges
FEATURES
(a) Record: Record by pressing the red floating action button. Find saved data stored in the folder icon.
(b) Export: Export data by selecting an option to send via e-mail or shared in Google Drive or Dropbox. Locally saved files can also be transferred from the folder icon.
(c) Sensor Information: Clicking on the (i) icon to identify sensor name, vendor, and current data collection rate, and to learn what kind of data is collected by the sensor, its physical operating principle, and links to additional resources.
SETTINGS
* Note that not all settings are available for all sensors.
(a) Data Display: View data in graphical, digital, or vector form.
(b) Graph Display: View multi-dimensional data sets on a single shared graph or in multiple individual graphs.
(c) Displayed Axis: For multi-dimensional data on a single shared graph, select total, x, y, and/or z-axis data.
(d) CSV Timestamp Format: Record clock time or elapsed time with sensor data.
(e) Line Width: Modify visual presentation of data with a Thin, Medium, or Thick line.
(f) Sensor Collection Rate: Set collection rate as Fastest, Game, UI, or Normal. The sensor collection rate is displayed for each option when selected.
(g) Keep the Screen On: Prevent the app from turning the screen off automatically.
(h) Calibrate: Calibrate selected sensors.
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite FAQ
1. What is the Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite?
The Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite is an application designed to utilize various sensors in your mobile device to collect and analyze data related to physics experiments.
2. Which sensors can I access using the app?
The app provides access to sensors such as accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and GPS, allowing users to perform a wide range of experiments.
3. Is the app available for both Android and iOS?
The Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite is primarily available for Android devices. Please check the app store for any iOS versions or alternatives.
4. How do I calibrate the sensors in the app?
Calibration instructions can be found in the app settings under 'Sensor Calibration.' Follow the prompts to ensure accurate readings.
5. Can I export data collected from the app?
Yes, the app allows you to export collected data in CSV format, which can be used for further analysis or reporting.
6. Does the app require internet access?
No, the Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite can operate offline; however, certain features may require internet access for initial setup or when using cloud services.
7. Are there any limits on data collection?
There are no strict limits on data collection, but device storage capacity and app performance may affect long-term data logging.
8. Can the app be used for educational purposes?
Absolutely! The app is designed to help students and educators perform experiments related to physics in a hands-on manner.
9. What languages does the app support?
The app primarily supports English, but additional languages may be available depending on the version.
10. Is there a user manual or guide available?
Yes, a user manual is included within the app and can also be accessed online for detailed instructions and troubleshooting.
Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite User Reviews