Investigating Kinematics with the Go Direct Projectile Launcher

The Go Direct Projectile Launcher is used to investigate projectile motion. It connects via Bluetooth® wireless technology or via USB to your device. Use the Go Direct Projectile Launcher to investigate important concepts in two-dimensional kinematics.

Key Features and Mechanical Design

The unit allows you to launch steel balls at angles between 0 and 90 degrees and over distances up to 2.5 m. The solid, heavy base provides an easy-to-use and reliable setup. Furthermore, a unique pneumatic launching system provides excellent repeatability and allows you to set the launch speed. Built-in photogates provide easy and accurate measurement of the ball’s launch speed and built-in accelerometers report launch angle, allowing for precise quantitative analysis of projectile motion.

Mobile Software and Integration

Our Go Direct sensors connect directly to your mobile device, Chromebook™, or computer using our free Graphical Analysis™ 4 app—no additional equipment or software purchases are necessary. For optimal performance, connect this sensor directly to a computer or Chromebook via a USB or wireless Bluetooth ® connection for best results. To use with handheld technology, connect this sensor directly to a supported mobile device via a wireless Bluetooth ® connection for best results. The unit is powered via the included USB cable connected to an available USB port on your device, USB wall outlet, or USB power brick.

Technical Specifications

  • Launch angle: 0–90 degrees
  • Launch speed: 0–6 m/s
  • Initial launch height: 146 mm
  • Maximum launch distance: 2.5 m
  • Internal photogate interval: 50 mm
  • Steel ball diameter: 17.46 mm
  • Steel ball mass: 21.8 g

Compatibility and Requirements

The software interface provides full support for various platforms. Specifically, Graphical Analysis and Graphical Analysis (Web App) offer full support for computers and Chromebooks. For mobile platforms, iOS and Android devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing. Note that wireless connection of this sensor to a LabQuest 2 requires a Go Direct Bluetooth Adapter (discontinued) when used with some older LabQuest 2 models.