The characteristics of the inner layer of the atmosphere, the troposphere, are determinant for Earth's life. In this experience we explore the first hundreds of meters using a smartphone mounted on a quadcopter. Both the altitude and the pressure are obtained using the smartphone's sensors. We complement these measures with data collected from the…

In a previous article we demonstrated that a simple, passive external circuit incorporating a thermistor, connected to a mobile device through the headset jack, can be used to collect temperature data. The basic approach is to output a sine wave signal to the headset port, through the circuit, and input the resulting signal from the headset…

The study of motion is central in physics education and has taken many forms as technology has provided numerous methods to acquire data. For example, the analysis of still or moving images is particularly effective in discussions of two-dimensional motion. Introductory laboratory measurement methods have progressed through water clocks, spark…

A description of the commercially produced Harris Data Memory is presented. Operation instructions, memory capabilities, data storage, and applications are included. Usefulness of the instrument to instruction in all of the sciences is considered. (SA)

Describes a "no-cost" apparatus designed to demonstrate rotational inertia. Also describes and evaluates a microprocessor-based instrument (Versatile Laboratory Aid) that performs a large variety of timing and data acquisition tasks encountered in introductory and advanced physics laboratories. (JN)

Reports the results of a radioactivity survey in England. Discusses the aim of the survey, experimental procedures, analysis, and results. Shows several diagrams, graphs, and tables. (YP)

Describes a system of interfacing allowing a range of signal conditioning and control modules to be connected to microcomputers, enabling execution of such experiments as: examining rate of cooling; control by light-activated switch; pH measurements; control frequency of signal generators; and making automated measurements of frequency response of…

Describes an interface designed to meet the requirements of an instrumentation teaching laboratory, particularly to develop computer-controlled digital circuitry while exploiting electrical drive properties of common transistor-transistor logic (TTL) devices, minimizing cost/number of components. Discusses decoding for Pet, switches, lights, and…