Using Computers with Lecture Demonstrations

The PASCO "Signal Interface II" for the Macintosh and the Vernier Software "Universal Lab Interface" for the PC are both available for use during lecture. They are used to collect data and display it on the computer and can be excellent aids to a lecture demonstration.

The PASCO Signal Interface II

The Signal Interface II works with "Science Workshop", a software package developed by PASCO. It's graphical user interface is intuitive and easy to use. With it, experiments can be set up using the various sensors available, and data taken, analyzed, and displayed graphically. Displays include digital, meter, scope, FFT, table, or graph.

The following sensors and accesories are available for use with the Signal Interface II:
  1. Temperature Sensor (-5°C - 105°C)
  2. Motion Sensor (Sonic, 15° beam, 10 meter range, we have 2)
  3. Voltage Sensor (AC and DC, -10V to 10V)
  4. Force Sensor (± 50N)
  5. Input Adapter Box (allows interface with user defined sensors that have BNC or banana plug outputs)
  6. Power Amplifier II (The Scientific Workshop software can be used as a signal generator, with the Power Amplifier II used to power output.)

To find out more about the Signal Interface II click here.

To find out more about the Science Workshop software click here. (NOTE: We currently have Version 1.2.2 of the software, thus the features listed for Version 2.0 do not apply.)

The Vernier Software Universal Lab Interface

The ULI uses Vernier's "Data Logger" software, a product very similar to PASCO's "Science Workshop". With "Data Logger" experiments can be set up using the available sensors and data can be taken, analyzed and displayed. Display options include digital, graph, and FFT. We also have the "Motion" and the "Sound" software packages. These are add ons to "Data Logger" specifically devoted to these concepts.

The following accesories are available for the ULI:
  1. Ultrasonic Motion Detector (15-20° beam, 6 meter range)
  2. Magnetic Field Sensor (± 64 Gauss)
  3. Microphone/Amplifier
  4. Force Probe (± 36N)

To find out more about the ULI click here.