LabQuest

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=Getting started with LabQuest=



**Turning on the LabQuest**
The LabQuest can be turned on by pressing the oval-shaped silver button on the top left corner of the device. The ring around the outside of the button will light up blue once the tool is on. You may have to hold your finger on the button for a moment before it switches on or off.

**﻿Plugging in probes**
One of the many features of the LabQuest that make it so great is the variety of input devices located on the top and side of the tool. They include 4 different input channels, a USB input, and a plug-in for microphones and headphones. This allows the user to plug in several different probes to use for data collection (over 50 tools!). You can work with any of these probes by simply sticking the end of the cord into the right input device on the LabQuest. Once plugged in, a red box with data will appear on the front screen.



**Using without a stylus**
Although the LabQuest comes with a stylus (which is stored in the back of the device), the user can still navigate around the LabQuest without the pen. The buttons on the front of the LabQuest will move you around the screen the same way. Pressing the button labeled 1 in the picture will open the drop down-menus on the screen you are using. (Use the arrows to move between drop-down menus.) Button 2 will open the menu at the bottom right of the screen. From there you can open the sound recorder, calculator, control panel, and many other applications that come with the LabQuest. Pressing the button labeled 4 will move you away from this menu and back to the screen you were using. Button 4 also serves as a universal "back" button for the LabQuest. Button 3 moves the operator to different tabs on the LabQuest. For example, you can press this button to get from graphs to a table format. *The rest of the page will give directions assuming the operator is using the stylus to navigate the screen



=Collecting Data= In order to begin collecting data, you simply move to the page on the LabQuest that features the graph (second tab). In the bottom left corner of the screen there is a small green "play" button. Press this to begin data collection. In order to stop data collection, press the "stop" button (the "play" button changes to "stop" while data is being collected.) Below are some ways data collection settings can be customized.

**Data collection settings**
=== In order to change the units the data are recorded in, open the drop-down menu labeled "Sensors > Change Units". Here you can move from Celsius to Fahrenheit. Only certain probes have different unit settings. For example, the light sensor comes with one unit: lux. === There is also an option of changing how the data is collected. In order to change collection settings open the drop-down menu labeled "sensors". The second option on the menu reads "Data collection". Once this page is opened you can change the rate at which samples are taken, the interval, and the length of time data is being recorded.
 * ===changing units===
 * ===**changing collection setting**===

Adding runs
The LabQuest also allows you to take more than 1 "run" or sample of data. Once the first sample is stopped a small file cabinet will appear to the right of the box labeled "Run 1". Clicking the file cabinet will open a new graph. From there you collect data the same way as with the previous run, by pressing "play" and "stop". If you want to compare the data for each run, press the box labeled "Run 1" and then press "All Runs". The data is color coded by run, so you can compare the graphs from each collection. If you would prefer to look at your data in table format you simply move over 1 tab to the right.

**Graph styles and settings**
The LabQuest also allows you to change the settings for the graph collecting the data. In order to customize graph settings open the drop-down menu labeled graph and select the first option, "Graph Options". Once in here you can change settings such as the X & Y-axis, the numerical range on each axis, and how the graph is configured (autoscale or manual).

**Table settings**
Once on the table tab, you can open table settings by selecting the drop-down menu labeled "Table" and selecting "Data Column Options". In here you can relabel the columns and change some settings regarding either the units or the probes you are working with.

=**﻿Miscellaneous**=

**Pre-made lab instructions**
On the fourth tab on the top of the LabQuest there are labs that can be completed with the LabQuest. You can look through these labs by opening the "File" drop-down menu and selecting "View Lab Instructions".

**Writing your own text**
The LabQuest also allows you to write your own labs or notes on the LabQuest. The 5th and final tab at the top of the screen is a blank page with a keyboard across the bottom of it. If you are operating without a stylist you may run into trouble typing on the touch screen. Once you are finished typing your text, open the "File" drop-down menu and select "save". Once your file is saved to the LabQuest, you will be able to re-access it anytime you are using the tool. All other data collected on the LabQuest can be saved this way.

**Calculator, Periodic Table, Stopwatch, etc.**
There are also a few extras that come with the LabQuest. By pressing the little home icon on the bottom center of the screen you can open the Periodic Table, calculator, stopwatch, and audio recorder.

LabQuest Settings The home screen is also where you will find your control panel. By accessing the control panel, you now have the power to change sound, time & date, light & power, and system information.

**Saving work**
All work can be saved by going to "File > Save"