PASCO Light Sensor Technical Hints

You can use the PASCO Light Sensor with the Xplorer and a PASPORT extension cable, or with the Xplorer and a computer.

To use the Light Sensor with the Xplorer and a PASPORT extension cable (PS-2500):

1.  Plug the round connector of the PASPORT extension cable into the Light Sensor as shown below.

2.  Plug the other end of the extension cable into the Xplorer.

  1. When you are ready to begin taking light measurements, turn on the Xplorer by pressing the power button on the upper right corner of the Xplorer.


The light intensity will be displayed in the LCD window of the explorer.

  1. Press the button next to the candle icon on the Light Sensor.
  1. Point the black tube on the end of the Light Sensor to where you want to measure light intensity.
  2. When you are finished taking measurements turn off the Xplorer by pressing the Power button.

To use the Light Sensor with the Xplorer and a computer:

1.  Be sure the computer is on. You do not need to start any programs at this point.

2.  Plug the Light Sensor into the Xplorer

  1. plug the small end of the USB cable that is supplied with the Xplorer into the left side of the Xplorer.

  1. plug the large end of the USB cable into a USB port on the computer or into a USB hub that is connected to the computer.
  1. The Xplorer will turn on and a few seconds later the PASPortal window will appear on the computer screen.



Click on “Launch DataStudio” in the PASPortal window. DataStudio will open with a graph display.

Open a Digits display by double clicking the word Digits in the Displays window at the left of the DataStudio screen.



You can enlarge the digits display by dragging the lower right corner of the display with your mouse.

  1. Select Monitor Data from the Experiment menu on the DataStudio menu bar.
  2. The light intensity will appear in the DataStudio Digits display.
  3. Press the button next to the candle icon on the Light Sensor.
  1. Point the black tube on the end of the Light Sensor to where you want to measure light intensity.
  2. When you are finished taking measurements click the Stop button on the DataStudio toolbar.