CBL FAQ
What is a CBL?
CBL (Calculator Based Laboratory) is a device designed to collect and store data received from sensors
as a function of time. The CBL can in turn send the data to a Graphing Calculator for analysis.
What are some of the differences between CBL2 and CBL?
- Easy to use, yet powerful and versatile.
- CBL 2 has built-in user programs.
- CBL 2 has a Flash ROM and over 500KB of memory available for archiving information, including
programs.
- Ability to collect up to 12,000 data points.
- Up to 50,000 sample/sec data collection rate.
- Comes with a unique docking cradle for attaching the calculator to the CBL2.
- Can collect multiple runs of data and store them in Flash ROM.
- Has built-in information on all Vernier probes that are compatible with CBL2 (more than 30 probes,
easier to setup, default calibrations, units display).
Can I use current CBL programs on my CBL2?
Yes. Most current CBL programs will also run on the CBL2. This means the more than 25 current activity
and experiment books available can also be used with CBL2. In fact, you will be able to store (archive)
those experiment programs on the Flash ROM of the CBL2. This eliminates using the TI-GRAPH LINK to
download individual program files to your calculator
Does it matter which port I use on the CBL?
Always use the lowest channel available. The Motion Detector and CBR always use the SONIC port.
How many probes can I use at one time?
You can connect up to 4 probes if one is a motion detector. Using multiple probes may limit the rate of
data collection or the total number of samples.
What do DIG IN and DIG OUT mean?
DIG IN and DIG OUT are ports for digital input and output to external devices. For example, you could
employ an external clock by way of the DIG IN channel.
Can I set the GC/CBL to delay the onset of sampling?
You can set the CBL to trigger data collection once it has reached a certain threshold value. Your
TRIGGER options are MANUAL, CH 1, CH 2, and OFF. If you choose MANUAL, you need to press
TRIGGER in the CBL to begin data collection. If you choose CH 1 or CH 2, you are given the choice of
increasing or decreasing, then asked for the value. PRESTORE % allows you to choose a percentage of
samples to be collected before the triggering condition is met (the default setting is zero). If you choose
OFF, the data collection begins when you press ENTER on the calculator.
In the CBL/CBR application, how can I stop data collection?
If you are using Gauge mode, press CLEAR on the calculator. If you are using Ranger or Data Logger,
press TRIGGER on the CBR or ON/HALT on the CBL.
What options are available for power supply to the graphing calculator and CBL?
Both the graphing calculator and CBL can use either standard or rechargeable alkaline batteries. There is
a port on the CBL to use an optional AC Adapter.
What precautions should I take when storing CBRs, CBLs, and Graphing Calculators?
Make sure you have correctly logged out of the ranger program before you disconnect the graphing
calculator. TI recommends that you remove the batteries if the GCs or CBLs will be stored for a period
of time.
What does Transmission Link Error mean?
There is a problem sending information. Check that the link cables are firmly seated. Close Graphical
Analysis if it is open. Check to see if sufficient memory has been cleared. If you are using TI
GRAPHLINK, make sure the receiving calculator is on the home screen, not RECEIVING. If you are
sending from calculator to calculator, check to make sure the receiving calculator is on RECEIVING. If
you are setting up probes for the CBL, check to make sure the CBL ON/HALT button is on. Check for
low batteries. You may have calculator incompatibility. Other GRAPHLINK Transmission errors are
described at:
www.ti.com/calc/docs/faq/graphlinkfaq028.htm
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