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Economical, Automated Data Collection, Storage, and Transfer 1
Author(s) -
Cook A. F.,
Alexander W. L.,
King R. G.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1986.0011183x002600040045x
Subject(s) - microcomputer , upload , computer science , interfacing , emulation , data collection , software , merge (version control) , operating system , computer data storage , data field , computer hardware , software portability , database , embedded system , telecommunications , information retrieval , chip , statistics , mathematics , data modeling , economics , economic growth
Though interfacing measuring devices to microcomputers increases efficiency of data collection and reduces numbers of transcription errors, the economics of implementation have been a deterrent to many potential users. Weighing is one of the most frequent measurements employed in evaluating biological entities. A low cost system was developed employing a portable microcomputer interfaced to an electronic balance. Software was written for the microcomputer to facilitate data collection from the balance and independently for field‐note recording. Procedures were developed to upload data from the portable microcomputer to a larger system for processing. Considerable time savings in recording data and in data entry for analysis is realized. Additionally, virtual avoidance of transcription errors and flexibility (i.e., word processing, high‐level language programmable, telecommunication, and terminal emulation) in lab and remote field situations makes this system an asset to researchers. Programs were written to convert data files and merge them with other data or field book files. These programs are available from the senior author upon request.