MEASURENET-ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT NETWORK FOR THE FRESHMAN CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

All of the students in our freshman chemistry laboratory program now have routine access to a range of high-quality electronic measurements. This has been accomplished by means of a newly-designed network system, based on network technology developed by the automotive industry. Each individual network serves 20 students working in pairs, but requires only 1 PC with printer, since much of the data observation and manipulation take place on the graphical displays of the individual measurement and display stations. In addition to the expected types of measurement (pH, temperature, pressure, voltage, etc.), a miniature diode array spectrometer has now been added to the system, providing easy access to visible emission and absorption spectroscopy. This networked spectrometer greatly extends the capabilities provided for routine student use. The system makes it easy for groups to share and combine data. For instance, all 20 students on one system can divide up the experimental work and then combine and discuss ...