Describes an inexpensive and versitile interface which can be readily adapted to many on-line experimental projects in scientific fields by educators who are not computer experts. Hardware and software requirements are noted. (JN)

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)

Microcomputers are commonly interfaced to external devices in scientific, industrial, and consumer settings for data acquisition and for control. The general problem under consideration is the task of taking measurements of some continuous phenomenon, transforming them into digital form, and storing the data in the microcomputer for later use.…

Uses of Zenith Z-100 microcomputers by chemistry students at Clarkson College are discussed. These include: (1) programing; (2) word processing; (3) numerical methods, statistical/plotting programs; (4) laboratory data acquisition and manipulation; (5) simulations; (6) computer assisted instruction; and (7) computer managed instruction. (JN)

A PET microcomputer is used as an accurate and programmable timer to support data acquisition from velocity experiments covering falling, rolling, and sliding objects, and human velocity, acceleration, and power measurements. The inexpensive instrumentation is simple and easy to use and compares favorably with conventional, more expensive…

Microcomputer-based instrumentation packages enable computers to collect continuous analog data, convert data to digital form for processing, and display results on monitor. Discusses classroom advantages of these packages, describes one package for teaching harmonic motion, and provides a list of currently available packages (including vendor and…

Concentrates on describing the implementation of the hardware systems based on the BBC microcomputer. Describes the electronic systems used to amplify the signals from the detector and to convert the signal to digital format. Discusses the software that must be used and the system performance. (CW)

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)