Programming the HP 48 Calculator to Control the LabWorks Interface

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 4 Issue 2 (1999) pp 73-76

Programming the HP 48 Calculator to Control the LabWorks Interface

John R. Amend and Matthew E. Morgan*

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University- Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717 and Department of Chemistry, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado*

Published online: 2 April 1999

Abstract. The LabWorks learning system is a computer- controlled data acquisition interface that allows students to quickly obtain and analyze chemistry data. This article describes how to program the HP 48G handheld calculator to control the LabWorks interface. The calculator provides users with the same automated data acquisition as if a computer were controlling the interface, while requiring less cost, maintenance, and laboratory bench space. Calculator-interface communications are discussed, followed by an explanation of how the calculator sends commands to, and receives data from, the interface. Digital and analog measurements are discussed, along with procedures for setting interface’s digital-to- analog converter. Sample HP 48 programs with comments are provided.

Key Words: Computers in Chemistry; general chemistry; laboratory; computers; physical chemistry; gases; calculators

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: morganme.dfc.usafa@usafa.af.mil)

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