Describes an undergraduate laboratory project that combines microprocessor programing, interfacing, and system design to produce an inexpensive multichannel analyzer. (Author/CS)

Presents the uses of pocket calculators, programmable calculators, and microcomputers in teaching of statistical physics in unit 9 of the Nuffield advanced physics course. (SK)

The "Measurement Module" is a device which records measurements for microcomputer input. Construction of the device, software, and uses in physics experiments and demonstrations are discussed. (JN)

Describes a microcomputer-based multichannel analyzer (MCA) in which the front end is connected to a microcomputer through a custom interface. Thus an MCA System of 1024 channel resolution, programmable in Basic rather than in machine language and having moderate cost, is achieved. (Author/SK)

Describes an apparatus that uses a microcomputer as a timing device in which the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is measured. Diagrams of a circuit for timing measurements and a flow chart of a program that measures COR are provided. A list of COR for some common objects is also included. (CS)

The use of a microcomputer as the basis of a multichannel analyzer (MCA) system is described. Principles of microcomputer MCA, choice of microcomputer, input-output port, data display, MCA program, and interrupt routine (with flowchart) are the topic areas considered. (JN)

Summarizes the twelfth AAPT Apparatus Competition held in New York in January 1981. Lists and briefly describes apparatus of individual award winners. (SK)

Four ways in which microcomputers can be turned into laboratory instruments are discussed. These include adding an analog/digital (A/D) converter on a printed circuit board, adding an external A/D converter using the computer's serial port, attaching transducers to the game paddle ports, or connecting an instrument to the computer. (JN)

Procedures for displaying computer-generated text and graphics to a large audience are inexpensive when a Fresnel-mirror projector is used. Although small liquid-crystal displays (LCDs) can be easily projected, large LCDs require some modification (which is described). Other devices with LCD displays (oscilloscopes, televisions, and pulse-height…

Discusses using Apple II microcomputers for measuring resistance, temperature, and light intensity. Also discusses digital input and output and timing techniques. Although focusing on Apple II, the circuits and programs described may be applicable to other microcomputers. (JN)

Discusses three types of sensors; pressure, gas detection, and relative humidity. Explains their use for laboratory measurements of gas pressure and detection of specific gaseous species. Shows diagrams of devices and circuits along with examples and applications including microcomputer interfacing. (RT)

Trends in science teaching equipment include digital instrumentation and use of microcomputers as general purpose laboratory instruments. Describes interface units which exploit this capability of the microcomputer. Also describes materials supporting the teaching of electronics. (JN)

Describes apparatus and method used to allow rapid and repeated measurement of acceleration of a ball rolling down an inclined plane. Acceleration measurements can be performed in an hour with the apparatus interfaced to a Commodore PET microcomputer. A copy of the BASIC program is available from the authors. (Author/JN)

Traces the development of instruments used in spectrophotometry. Discusses how spectrophotometric measurements are made. Describes the color comparator, the filter photometer, and the spectrophotometer. Outlines the evolution of optical systems, including light sources, the monochromator, the photodetector, double-beam optics, and split-beam…

Describes apparatus, computer program (for Apple II), and procedures used in an experiment to determine the velocity of sound in air. In addition, the experiment focuses on the attention required in calibrating equipment and the measuring of both long distances and very short time intervals. (JN)