
\baselineskip=12pt plus 1pt minus 1pt
%\markright{\large \it Basics}
\subsection{PASCO{\small \copyright} Interface and Computer Primer}
%\subsection{F. PASCO{\small \copyright} Interface and Computer Primer}
\label{PASCO}

\noindent  INTRODUCTION:
\begin{enumerate}
\item[] \latex{\vspace*{-.05in}}
The PHYS207/208 laboratories now utilize a Web-browser based display
format in combination, when necessary, computer controlled data acquisition
interface (typically the PASCO CI-700 or 750).  Various sensors are plugged
into either digital I/O (phone jack style inputs 1 to 4) or analog I/O ports
(DIN-9 style inputs A, B and C).  To aid in the data acquisition and analysis
PASCO module also requires use of a special purpose software package which
can be easily reconfigured for the particular need of a experiment.  In general
all experiment starting configuration will be preset and launched through a
Web-browser button at the appropriate place in the lab.

\begin{center}  
{THE MOUSE}
\end{center}

\noindent CLICKING: Most of the operations of your computer are  controlled by
locating the cursor on the appropriate symbol (icon) and by clicking (CLICK) or
double clicking (DCLICK) the {\em left} button of the mouse. \smallskip 

If the
operation you have to perform requires clicking the right  button this will be
shown by CLICK-R or DCLICK-R. Double clicking means pressing the  mouse
button twice in rapid sequence {\em without moving the mouse}. The image of an
hour glass  appears momentarily indicating that the computer is loading the 
program, that is, getting ready to do what you requested. It will not do this
if you moved the mouse while double clicking.  

\begin{center} {WINDOWS}
\end{center}

The monitor usually  displays various ``windows'' with a title bar. If you CLICK
anywhere inside the window, the title bar turns blue, and the window is
``active'' (i.e.~the computer will respond to any clicks on the ``icons'' on the
border of the window).

BASIC OPTIONS: 
\begin{enumerate}
\item[I.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.07in}}CLICK on the head bar to ``drag'' the window to
a  different position. 
\item[II.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.07in}}Enlarge the window by placing the cursor on
the corner, a  diagonal arrow will appear, then CLICK and drag to change the size of
the window.
\end{enumerate}
 
Depending on which experiment you are performing you will see 
various windows. These will be discusses separately.

\begin{center} ICONS
\end{center}

The icons that appear at the top right of
\underline{all} windows are (see Fig.~1):
\end{enumerate}
\begin{enumerate}
\item EXIT: The window is removed permanently.

\item RESIZE: The size is changed from large to small, or vice-versa.

\item ICONIZE: The window disappears. Its title and icons 1, 2 and 3 
appear at the bottom of the screen.

\noindent THE GRAPH WINDOW ICONS: 
At the bottom left corner of the graph window you will find 
six icons:
 
\begin{figure}[h] 
\centering 
\latex{\includegraphics[height=4.2in]{figs/dm0c-1.eps}}
\html{\includegraphics[height=5.2in]{figs/dm0c-1.eps}}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.07in}}
\caption {The Graph Window }
\latex{\vspace*{-0.07in}}
\end{figure}

\item STATISTICS  shows/hides statistics for all existing graphs.
You must first select the area of the graph you want to 
analyze by dragging the cursor (CLICK and hold)
diagonally across the graph to generate a rectangle 
that encloses the area chosen. A new box will appear that allows you to select
the type of fitting that is suitable to the data. The meaning of ``fitting''
is discussed separately below.

\item CURSOR: Displays cross hairs which can be moved about using the
mouse.  Simultaneously the coordinates of the cursor position are displayed
and this enables the coordinates of graph features to be measured.  

\item MAGNIFY: Enlarges any part of a graph. To select the area 
of the graph you want to
enlarge by first CLICKing this icon and then CLICK a point on the
graph using a drag motion (click and hold)
diagonally across the graph.  This will generate a rectangle that 
selects the area chosen.

\item AUTOSCALE: Scales the $y$-axis and the $x$-axis so 
that all the data is shown   

\item GRAPH SETUP: This icon allows for adding your name to 
the title of the
window, select plot (e.g.~connected points, select grid).

\item ADD PLOT: Add another graph; presents a menu of available 
channels.
\end{enumerate}
\noindent At the top {\em left} corner of the graph window you find two more icons:
\begin{enumerate}
\item[10.] PLOT DATA: Displays various data options.

\item[11.] DATA MENU: Displays the list of all the data sets recorded.
CLICK on the one you want to display; a check mark will appear and the 
corresponding graph will be displayed.
CLICK on the one you do not want to display, the check mark will disappear.
\end{enumerate}

\noindent THE SCALE OF EACH AXIS:
\begin{enumerate}
\item[] \latex{\vspace*{-.05in}}
In order to change the scale of an axis CLICK on any number on that axis;
a menu will appear allowing you to enter the minimum and 
maximum values of 
the scale, CLICK at the end of the number you want to change, backspace, type
the new number,
CLICK ``OK'' in the appropriate box.  \\
An alternative way of changing the scale of a graph is to CLICK on the
$\oplus$ or $\ominus$ at the bottom right corner of the graph
window. 
\end{enumerate}

\noindent THE SETUP WINDOW ICONS:
\begin{enumerate}
\item[] \latex{\vspace*{-.05in}}
Usually you will find the setup window in its ``minimized'' form as shown
below:
\end{enumerate}
\begin{figure}[h] 
\centering 
\includegraphics[height=2.5in]
{figs/dm0c-2.eps}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}\caption {The Setup Window minimized.}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}\end{figure}
\begin{enumerate}
\item[10.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}RECORD: DCLICK and the computer begins taking data.
 The data is stored, and can be recalled.
\item[11.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}MONITOR: DCLICK on this and the computer begins taking data.
The data is not stored, and it disappears at the end of the run. 
This allows you to view what the data will look like when you RECORD.
\item[12.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}STOP: Stops the run, the data is stored. The run cannot be restarted.
\item[13.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}PAUSE: Stops taking data till you CLICK again and the run is restarted.
\item[14.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}DATA BOX: This area contains the color coded list of all the runs.
Delete a run by clicking on it, and using the back arrow at the
top right corner of the keyboard.
\item[15.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}SAMPLING: Allows for terminating a data run after a 
predeterminate time. 

\item[16.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}SIGNAL GENERATOR: Starts a built-in signal generator 
(e.g.~sine or square waves) and allows control
of both frequency and amplitude.\latex{\vspace*{-0.04in}}
\end{enumerate}

\noindent THE TABLE WINDOW ICONS: 
\begin{figure}[h] 
\centering 
\latex{\includegraphics[height=2.6in]{figs/dm0c-3.eps}}
\html{\includegraphics[height=3.5in]{figs/dm0c-3.eps}}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.07in}}\caption {The Table Window}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.07in}}\end{figure}
\begin{enumerate}
\item[17.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.05in}}STATISTICS: Calculates displays the minimum and maximum value of the
data, displays also the mean, and the standard deviation. \\
NOTE:  Subsets of the full data set can be analyzed by using the mouse and
highlighting (through a CLICK and drag motion) the rows of interest.
\item[18.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.05in}}TIME INDEX:  Alter the display to include time at which data was
recorded. 
\item[19.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}DIGITS SETUP: Resets the number of significant digits displayed.
\item[20.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.05in}}DATA MENU: Allows access to data of preceding runs.
\end{enumerate}
\newpage
\noindent THE STATISTICS WINDOW ICONS: 
\begin{enumerate}
\item[21.] \latex{\vspace*{-0.06in}}STATISTICS: the fitting menu is displayed; a
mathematical expression that approximates the data or other option
(e.g.~histogram data, calculate the derivate of the curve) may be
chosen.

\noindent ``Fitting'' or regression is the procedure used to 
find a mathematical expression that matches the
function form of the data being analyzed (linear, exponential, etc.). 
\end{enumerate}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.15in}}
\begin{figure}[!h] 
\centering
\latex{\includegraphics[height=4.2in]{figs/dm0c-5.eps}}
\html{\includegraphics[height=4.8in]{figs/dm0c-5.eps}}
\latex{\vspace*{-0.1in}}\caption {The Statistics Window and Menu} 
\end{figure}










