Describes a portable fluid power engineering laboratory and class demonstration apparatus designed to enable students to design, build, and test multi-actuator circuits. Features a variety of standard pneumatic values and actuators fitted with quick disconnect couplings. Discusses sequencing circuit boards, microcomputer control, cost, and…

Describes development of microcomputer-controlled gamma scintillation spectrometer and chromatographic data analyzer, including design and construction of interface electronics and production of software. Includes diagrams of electric circuits and project evaluation indicating that both instruments functioned as intended. (JN)

To avoid a tedious task for recording temperature, a computer was used for calculating the heat of crystallization for the compound sodium thiosulfate. Described are the computer-interfacing procedures. Provides pictures of laboratory equipment and typical graphs from experiments. (YP)

By interfacing a Biotran II counting device with an Apple II computer, biologists in a biomedical laboratory increased accuracy and speed over manual logging of Biotran readings. Suggests that others interface small computers to computer readable devices as a cost-effective approach. Outlines necessary steps. (DC)

Describes an interface that uses semiconductor metal oxides to detect low gas concentrations. Notes the detector has long life, high stability, good reproducibility, low cost, and is able to convert the gas concentration to an electrical signal with a simple circuit. Theory, schematic, and applications are provided. (MVL)

Explains a method for keeping track of chemicals, supplies, and equipment by using a computer. Describes stockroom personnel, department needs, the physical plant, restocking procedures, file setup, and effectiveness of the program. Examples of sample inventory forms are included. (RT)

Discusses the use of microcomputers as a universal instrument to replace more expensive instrumentation in many traditional labs. Describes the availability of microcomputers as inexpensive educational tools which can be used successfully in labs with minimal requirements on the computer. (SK)