• Name: Fred J. Thomas
• Address Sinclair Community College, 444 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402
• Phone: 937-512-2886
• Fax: 937-512-2688
• E-mail: fthomas@sinclair.edu

Apparatus Title: A Precision, Student-Controlled Turntable

Abstract The turntable converts calculations of angular position and velocity into reality. Answers such as "81.4°," "0.55 rad/s" or "tan-1(X/1.4)" become actual movements of a flashlight, mirror, lens or other device. The turntable costs less than $50 and works with any computer- or calculator-based interface with 4 digital output lines. Areas of application include vectors, rotational kinematics and dynamics, optics, and electricity and magnetism.

• Support required for apparatus : No special needs, except that it would be very helpful to have a clear space roughly 1.5 m by 2 m in front of the display in which visitors can interact with the flashlight beam.
• Approximate size The apparatus itself measures about 120 mm x 90 mm x 60 mm. The entire display will fit easily on a standard table.
• Does this apparatus require Electrical Power? Yes, one standard outlet.
• Is this apparatus intended for use with an overhead projector? No
• Will you be present to set up your apparatus? Yes
• When do you plan to set up your apparatus? Sunday, July 30 9-11 AM
• Other support needed for the proper operation of this apparatus: Just reasonable security. To operate, I need to leave a calculator, LabPro interface and a motion detector on display.

Sketch of the apparatus

Complete description of apparatus, suggested experiments, parts list, program for LabPro, assembly instructions