An Introduction to the iOLab

A Practical Guide for Students Taking Labs in

PHYS1400/1410 & PHYS1300/1310

PHYSICS

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
What is the iOLab?
You’re going to love it! The iOLab is a wireless “interactive online (iO)” laboratory
system with freely downloadable custom software. (You can buy one for yourself
if you want and the software is open-source, freely modafiable.)

The iOLab contains a multitude of sensors and will be used all semester long in all
the laboratory experiments you do.

dongle

remote

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
Where can I get started?
Simple! Go to: http://www.iolab.science/

This page has links to the Facebook User Group, Python Libraries, a YouTube
Channel with iOLab content and much more…!

Once you’re there, click on “Get Started” to, well, get started.

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
Where can I download the software?
http://www.iolab.science/getting_started.html

This is the page where you download the iOLab Application (Mac or Windows) for
free to put on your computer.

Links to videos showing you how to do all of this on your own are included at the
download page and you will really want to watch the video for your specific OS.

A link to a free iOLab cloud repository is here. Use this to share files with others
in your lab group.

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
Where can I watch more videos about the iOLab? (and
order one for myself…)
https://www.macmillanlearning.com/catalog/preview/iolab

Great videos that show:

 the iOLab in action,
 a complete overview of the iOLab,
 student testimonials.

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
Using the iOLab (finally…let’s get started!)
For how to do EVERYTHING, watch this video:

Step-by-Step
1. Make sure that the computer to be used to gather/analyze data has the
iOLab software installed. If not download it and install it (see page 4).
2. Remove USB dongle from the back of the iOLab remote unit and plug into
computer (LED in dongle should be flashing). Do NOT “pry” the dongle out!
Push in on the metal USB tab and the plastic back end of the dongle pops
out!

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
 3. Launch iOLab software. iOLab remote and dongle should be paired. (See
how the Dongle/Paired indicator is lit up.)

4. Turn iOLab on by pushing power button. (green lights should be flashing

left to right)

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019
 Software should now recognize the remote. (See how the Remote ID
indicator is lit up.)

5. Check your battery level next to the Remote ID indicator. Make a note of
your starting voltage. If it drops too low the remote will shut off
automatically and your results might be inconsistent. Ask for new batteries
from your GA if this occurs.

6. Calibrate your unit for whatever experiment you’re doing that day.

Watch this video:

7. Start having fun!

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Introductory Physics Lab, 2019