The Network Concept...Your Lab Management Solution

A single MeasureNet Network as represented in the adjacent diagram can replace up to 12 stand alone PCs and their PC-based interfaces. High-quality 24-bit A/D measurement occurs at individual work stations and via a shared diode array visible nearer or UV-vis spectrometer. Students receive immediate graphical feedback of the experiment at their stations and can choose to print and/or save their results.

Additionally, the single MeasureNet Network PC can be used to shunt data to MeasureNet's online data center for storage and further analysis outside the wet lab. Alternatively, the single MeasureNet PC can also become a node on a departmental local area network (LAN). Existing PC resource rooms can be used to open and analyze collected data. In these ways, departments can avoid replication of pre-existing PC resources in departments, school libraries, student homes, and dorm rooms. Data aggregation for collaborative and discovery exercises is conveniently facilitated by the network and its single PC.

The documented maintenance, PC-replacement, and energy savings of the network present departments with a cost-effective option to PC-based interfaces. Download, view, and compare operational cost savings.

> View An Actual MeasureNet Network

Learn more about the network's components and functions below.

Measurements occur at individual student stations and shared spectrometer, but are typically processed and stored by Network Controller. The reliable controller and its software are the heart of each MeasureNet network supporting between one and twelve data stations and a diode-array spectrometer. Network software provides probeware functionality and is easily upgraded at the controller via a single PCMCIA card, not at the workstations themselves. The network software presents probeware and collection options using a menu-driven hierarchical menu system. MeasureNet's intuitive interface takes minutes, not lab periods, to learn.

Students work at compact measurement stations that combine a keyboard, graphical display and measurement interface. Easy-to-use menus guide them through experiments. Raw signals from each station's probes are digitized and sent to the network controller. The controller immediately returns each result to the proper station for digital and graphical display, tracking what is measured at each station. With no memory or processor, the stations were designed as "dumb" terminals for ease of maintenance and enhanced longevity. Stations are hardwired to the network controller via simple U.S. telephone-style wiring that utilizes RJ-11 connectors. This hardwired approach ensures better data security and transmission reliability. Semi-permanent station-mounting and hardwiring save lab prep time. MeasureNet interfaces don't require batteries or need removal from storage drawers. Stations are assembled and quality-tested in the United States and designed to provide a decade or more of reliable service. They can be vertically mounted to reduce knock and spill risk and free benchtop space for other critical tools. Click here for a full station view >

The Network's stations share a single diode-array Visible-Near IR (350-1000 nm, 1 nm resolution) or UV-vis (200-850 nm, 1 nm resolution) spectrometer. Students efficiently perform scanning at the spectrometer but return to their individual stations for viewing preliminary results. The spectrometer is equipped with a tungsten-halogen light source (Visible) or tungsten-halogen deuterium lamp (UV-vis) for absorption experiments. The spectrometer's fiber optic cable can be detached for mounting in a ring stand for emission scans of gas discharge tubes, overhead lights, or a variety of flame emission experiments. This powerful and efficient shared utilization feature found in no other conventional PC-based spectrometer or data collection interface. Click here for a detailed spectrometer view >

MeasureNet's PC monitoring software provides you the ability to manage your lab more efficiently. Along with printer interfacing and storing/transmitting data sets, Instructors can view the network in use and graphically examine student collection activities as students print or save their data. The software also provides real-time point-by-point monitoring during temperature vs. time, pH versus time, and mass versus time collections. Combined with an LCD projector, this makes an effective teaching tool for sharing student collections with an entire lab class. In time-sensitive environments, the software enables instructors to provide assistance where needed, when needed. MeasureNet's PC monitoring software also features an interface to administer pre-lab quizzes. Results can be immediately tabulated and student preparedness for the day's lab determined. Tools are provided to adjust spectrometer settings and shut down power to network components. View a more in-depth explanation >

A MeasureNet Network provides flexible output, storage and analysis options. Each network supports just a single high-speed inkjet or laser printer for output of category-leading resolution and clarity. Only one printer is needed for an entire 12-station network, saving your department time and money on maintaining multiple printers. MeasureNet's unique system of "print codes" gives additional options for performing basic analysis on plots of pressure volume, absorption spectroscopy, and titrations. When more analysis is needed, data sets can be stored on the single PC's hardrive for distribution over your department's LAN or to MeasureNet's web-based data center. Saved as tab-delimited .txt files, you can import them to almost any analysis program or use MeasureNet-provided MS Excel Workbooks. The files are cross platform ready as well, usable in Windows or Mac OS environments. Click here for a full print-out view >