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Frequently Asked Questions
Network Controller Spectroscopy-
How is a MeasureNet spectrometer different from an Ocean Optics spectrometer?
I have "Spectronic 20" spectrophotometers in my lab. How is the MeasureNet spectrometer different?
I have HP spectrometers in my labs. Aren't they the same as MeasureNet spectrometers?
How do we avoid backups as multiple students use the shared spectrometer for experiments?
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Wouldn't it be awkard for students to share just one pc for data analysis?
Aren't the displays on the terminals too small for analysis?
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Is a MeasureNet solution more expensive than a PC-based solution?
How much money will I save with a MeasureNet system?
THE NETWORK CONTROLLER AND STUDENT STATIONS
Does each student workstation need maintenance & regular upgrading?
No. MeasureNet student data stations were designed as “dumb
terminals” with little processing power and no significant memory
or storage drive. This eliminates the need for upgrades and reduces
station maintenance. Processor and memory in our network design resides
in the central network controller. The expected life expectancy of
student data stations in a wet lab environment is 10-15 years. Network
software upgrades occur at the network controller via a PCMCIA card,
not at individual stations. Remove the old card, insert the upgrade,
and you’ve updated an entire 12-station network in a single
stroke!
SPECTROSCOPY
How is a MeasureNet spectrometer different from an Ocean Optics spectrometer?
Unlike Ocean Optics spectrometers, MeasureNet's shared adaptation is
not tied to individual PCs. A single spectrometer is efficiently shared
by up to 12-student pairs in a teaching laboratory. You would need 12
PC-based spectrometers and their associated PCs to perform similar
emission or absorption measurements as efficiently.
I have "Spectronic 20" spectrophotometers in my lab. How is the MeasureNet spectrometer different?
MeasureNet designed each of its 12-station networks to share a single,
diode array visible or UV-vis spectrometer. Unlike traditional
single-wavelength devices such as the "Spec 20", a
MeasureNet spectrometer is a scanning device with considerable range
(visible 400-1000 nm, 1 nm resolution; UV-vis 200-850 nm; 1 nm
resolution). It is capable of both emission and absorption measurement
via a fiber optic cable.
I have HP spectrometers in my labs. Aren't they the same as MeasureNet spectrometers?
No. Unlike MeasureNet spectrometers, most are incapable of
emission measurement. They are also designed for individual use
and require a PC as an interface, increasing the maintenance and
repurchasing costs. A single networked MeasureNet shared
spectrometer can perform the functions of up to 12 equivalent
stand-alone PC-interfaced spectrometers.
How do we avoid backups as multiple students use the shared spectrometer for kinetics experiments?
MeasureNet has introduced a new multi-function colorimeter. The
instrument attaches to each station and can be used for kinetics
experiments, as well as fluorescence and turbidity acquisitions. The
colorimeter has a dual-beam design for reduced drift-rate and has
factory-customizable LEDs at various wavelengths. Learn More
PROBEWARE
How is MeasureNet's drop counter different from other drop counters?
MeasureNet designed the fist infrared drop counter, introduced to
MeasureNet users in 2002. Traditional drop counters used metal wires to
count drops that were easily damaged during use. MeasureNet uses an
infrared beam to count drops for improved productivity and accuracy
when performing titrations. Its compact design is an industry standard,
providing support for a temperature probe and pH electrode.
Some PC-based competitors have introduced similar drop counters after
MeasureNet. But unlike the MeasureNet drop counter, alternate designs
often need larger volume beakers and have exposed infrared cells that
can deteriorate with exposure to acids and bases.
DATA ANALYSIS
Wouldn't it be awkard for students to share just one pc for data analysis?
It would be, but students don’t typically use the single PC
provisioned for each network. The MeasureNet PC is intended to store
data, interface with the shared printer, help instructors monitor
experiments on the network, and upload data to the MeasureNet web-based data storage site
for later downloading and analysis. Students can perform needed
analysis on the existing PC infrastructure of the department or campus.
Aren't the displays on the terminals too small for analysis?
Yes. They provide only immediate visual feedback for collections.
Printing the collected data will give the best resolution. Students
also can use MeasureNet "print codes" to perform initial analysis on
their data from the MeasureNet stations. Data sets can also be
distributed to existing PCs in the department or student dorms/homes
using the department's local area network or MeasureNet's web-based
storage facility for further analysis.
OPERATIONAL COSTS
Is a MeasureNet solution more expensive than a PC-based solution?
No. If a department is purchasing PCs, printers, and interfaces
with probeware for a typical 24-student lab, the initial cost is
often less with MeasureNet. Long-term costs savings are significant
with MeasureNet due to decreased maintenance & upgrades.
How much money will I save with a MeasureNet system?
Departments save up to $70,000 over a 10-year period. The costs of
PC upgrades, software licensing, electricity, and technical support balloon
with other solutions over time.
PC-BASED INTERFACES : LABWORKS
Now that Labworks units are no longer produced, can its probes be used with MeasureNet?
Typically, pH and ion-selective electrodes using coaxial connectors can
be used with a MeasureNet System. Many digital balances with an RS-232
out and Spectronic 20 type instruments with voltage out can be adapted
as well. Customers converting to MeasureNet, however, need to purchase
MeasureNet-specific probes for other data acquisition activities.
