For use with PASCO Modular Circuits, this module can be placed anywhere in a circuit and wirelessly transmits current data to your devices.
See the Buying Guide for this item's required, recommended, and additional accessories.
Product Summary
The Wireless Current Sensor Module is designed for use with PASCO Modular Circuit sets. It can be placed anywhere in a circuit and provide current measurements at that point.
Measure currents of up to 1 A and transmit the collected data wirelessly to your computers, Chromebooks, tablets or smart phones.
This sensor is included in the Modular Circuits for Essential Physics Set and is an optional accessory for the Basic Modular Circuits Set. In that set a multimeter may be used to collect voltage and current measurements or you can use our Wireless Current Sensor Module and/or our Wireless Voltage Sensor which can be used in conjunction with PASCO software for data collection and analysis, providing a deeper conceptual experience.
Note: Since current can only exist in a complete circuit, the Wireless Current Sensor must be part of that circuit in order to measure current. It is connected in series and has a very low resistance (0.1 Ω). For this reason we do not recommend connecting it directly across a battery or other voltage source without a resistive load.
The sensor includes an Overcurrent Alarm for protection against harmful current levels. The sensor must be turned on for this function to operate.
Product Specifications
| High Current |
|
| Low Current |
|
| Resistance | 0.1 Ω |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 100 kHz |
| Connectivity | USB and Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Logging | No |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable LiPo |
Data Collection Software
This product requires PASCO software for data collection and analysis. We recommend the following option(s). For more information on which is right for your classroom, see our Software Comparison: SPARKvue vs. Capstone »
Connectivity Options
This product can connect directly to your computer or device with the following technologies. No Interface required. See the following guide for details regarding device compatibility: Wireless Bluetooth Product Compatibility »
Dedicated Datalogging with SPARK LXi2
Consider an all-in-one, touchscreen data collection, graphing, and analysis tool for students. Designed for use with wired and wireless sensors, the SPARK LXi2 Datalogger simultaneously accommodates up to five wireless sensors and includes two ports for blue PASPORT sensors. It features an interactive, icon-based user interface within a shock-absorbing case and arrives packaged with SPARKvue, MatchGraph!, and Spectrometry software for interactive data collection and analysis. It can additionally connect via Bluetooth to the following interfaces: AirLink, SPARKlink Air, and 550 Universal Interface.
Buying Guide
| Required Accessories | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1x Modular Circuits | -- | -- |
| Recommended Accessories | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Sensor Charging Station Recommended charging solution for multiple sensors | PS-3599 | -- |
| Replacement Parts | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Micro USB Cable | PS-3584 | -- |
| Also Available | P/N | Price |
|---|---|---|
| USB Bluetooth Adapter Required by older computers without bluetooth 4.0 or later | PS-3500 | -- |
Experiment Library
Perform the following experiments and more with the Wireless Current Sensor Module.
Visit PASCO's Experiment Library to view more activities.
Capacitors and RC Circuits
Students construct a circuit that charges and discharges a large capacitor through a light bulb. They create a model for their observations and test the model with current sensor data. They measure the voltage across a smaller...
Exploring Inductors
Students construct a circuit that produces current in an inductor and use a compass to investigate its properties. They remove the batteries and use a magnet to produce current in the circuit by moving it by the inductor. They...
Ohm's Law
The purpose of this experiment is to verify Ohm’s Law for commercially manufactured resistors and to examine the limits of validity for Ohm’s Law. The behavior of resistors, a diode, and a light bulb are examined.
Magnetic Field in a Coil
Students construct a circuit that produces current in a coil and use a magnetic field sensor and current sensor to investigate its properties. They determine the direction of the magnetic field in the coil and the direction of...
DC Circuits
Students construct a circuit consisting of two resistors in series and then in parallel. They measure the voltage across the resistors, and the current through the resistors. From their measurements they can infer Kirchhoff's...
Ohm's Law
Students measure the current and voltage across a resistor while varying the output voltage, A graph of voltage versus current will reveal Ohm's Law. This version uses the potentiometer module to vary the voltage.
Blockly Extension: Making a Battery Tester
Students create a Blockly program that tests a battery using measurements from a voltage sensor and current sensor. They modify the code to improve reliability and accuracy.
Support Documents
| Manuals | ||
|---|---|---|
| Current Sensor Module - Getting Started | English - 340.81 KB | |
| Safety Sheets | ||
| Lithium Battery Safety Data Sheet | English - 593.55 KB | |
| Knowledge Base | ||
| Wireless sensor or device not charging | Mar 4th, 2024 | |
| Battery replacement instructions for EM-3534 | Aug 7th, 2023 | |
| Battery warranty for rechargeable lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries | Mar 13th, 2023 | |
| How to install the Data Streamer app extension within Microsoft Excel | Apr 5th, 2023 | |
