Vernier Digital
Control Unit (DCU)
Order Code DCU-BTD
The DCU is an electronic device that allows on/off control of motors, lamps, LEDs,
buzzers, and other DC electrical components. It works with any Vernier interface
that has at least one DIG port (SensorDAQ, LabPro, and all LabQuest models). The
DCU can be used to create sensor-based projects, such as alarm systems,
temperature-controlled environments, automated scientific instruments, kinetic
sculptures, and smart robots. DCU projects are a great way to introduce STEM,
engineering, electronics, programming, or the mathematics of feedback and control.
Overview
The DCU is a small unit with a circuit board extending from one end. On the side
opposite the circuit board is a short cable, which connects to any DIG port on a
Vernier interface. On the circuit board are a variety of header pins and a detachable
terminal strip connector for connecting electronic devices. There are eight
connections to six digital lines, plus a power and a ground connection.
The circuit board also includes six red LEDs that indicate the status of the six digital
output lines—D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6. There is one green LED labeled EN (for
engaged) that indicates when the DCU is properly connected to the interface. There
is also one blue LED labeled XP (for external power) that indicates that a power
supply is attached. Learn to check the EN and XP LEDs; they can warn you if things
are not set up correctly.
The DCU can be used as a set of six remote-controlled switches. These electronic
switches use transistors to function like mechanical switches. If you connect an
electrical device, such as a motor or lamp, between a DCU output line and a ground
connection, you can control this device by switching the output line on or off.
The basics of digital output control can be taught without complicated programming
by using the DCU. This booklet explains how to use the DCU to create simple
projects using Vernier’s Logger Pro software or National Instrument’s LabVIEW™
software. You can control three digital lines with Logger Pro and all six lines with
LabVIEW. Both Logger Pro and LabVIEW can be used on Windows or Macintosh
computers.
Users wishing to control the DCU with Arduino should refer to the Engineering
section of the Vernier web site, www.vernier.com/engineering/arduino
Users wishing to control the DCU using a LabPro with LabVIEW or with a TI
graphing calculator should refer to the previous version of the DCU manual at
www.vernier.com/files/manuals/dcu-btd_20050425.pdf
2
Power Source
There are two different ports on the DCU for connecting power supplies. Both are
near the short cable that connects to the interface. A LabQuest Power Supply can be
connected to the smaller port. Alternatively, a LabPro or ULI Power Supply can be
connected to the larger port. A complete list of power sources that can be used with
the DCU is provided below:
LabQuest Power Supply (order code LQ-PS): 5 V DC, regulated, 1.5 A
LabPro Power Supply (order code IPS): 6 V DC, regulated, 600 mA
ULI Power Supply (order code ULI-PS): 9 V, unregulated, 1000 mA
Battery power supply: one lantern battery or four to eight 1.5 V cells connected in
series. You can use either port for a battery power supply if you follow the
polarity guides in Table 1.
Table 1 Power specifications
Input Supply Voltage 4–12 V
LabQuest Power Supply 5 V
LabPro Power Supply 6 V
ULI Power Supply 9 V
Polarity LQ-PS 3.5 mm OD Socket (Center Positive)
IPS or ULI-PS 5.5 mm OD Socket (Center Negative)
Output Voltage Set by input supply voltage
Max Output Current per Line 600 mA steady; 1200 mA momentary
Max Overall DCU Current 1800 mA
If power supplies are connected to both ports at the same time, only the power
supply connected to the larger port will be used.
Note: When building projects, you should always keep the power limitations of the
DCU in mind. Never apply more than 12 V DC to the DCU or use AC power
supplies. The total current drawn by your project should not exceed the capability of
your power source.
Connecting the DCU to an Interface
1. Connect the DCU to any DIG port on the interface.
2. Connect a power supply to the DCU.
3. Connect the interface to the USB port on the computer.
4. If you are using LabQuest 2 or original LabQuest, make sure it is turned on.
Connecting Devices to the DCU
The DCU provides two easy ways to connect your electronic device: a screw
terminal or header pins.
To connect to the screw terminal, loosen the screw, insert the lead (wire) into the
hole, and then tighten the screw to secure the lead. The screw terminal is
detachable. Therefore, you can easily connect and disconnect your electronic
device.
To connect to the header pins, use header connectors or small alligator clips to
attach the leads of your device to the appropriate pins. One row of header pins
connects to the D1–D6 lines while the other row of pins connects to ground, as
shown in Figure 1. This minimizes crossing wires when connecting two-lead
devices such as motors.
(4 pages)
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