Shoot the Target

PIRA 1D60.34

The setup shown at right utilizes the large Pasco Demonstration Projectile Launcher. For this to work best, you need at least 8 m of range and a high ceiling.

For smaller rooms, the regular Pasco Projectile Launcher can be used, with identical connections as those shown. It can be used with ranges between 2 m and 4 m, and a normal ceiling.

The launcher must be securely clamped to a heavy table. A photogate must be clamped to the muzzle of the launcher as shown in the top middle picture. The photogate output plugs into the Pasco Shoot the Target Control Box (bottom left). The Control Box requires 12 V DC power. A twisted pair cable connects the Control Box to the Pasco Shoot the Target Holder (bottom middle). Sight through the launcher to aim directly at the target (bottom middle and far right) prior to loading a ball.

Immediatly after launching, the ball interupts the photogate signal, which triggers a momentary shut off of the electromagnet holding the target. The target and ball experience the same downward acceleration, so the ball hits the target.