LabVIEW Student Edition
National Instruments has introduced a student version of LabVIEW, a graphical software package used for programming and controlling instrumentation systems and analyzing data. LabVIEW Student Edition incorporates all of the capabilities of the original version with some new features just for students, all in a format that is easy both to use and learn.
Using LabVIEW, students can design experiments, test hypotheses, graph and analyze data, and generate Web pages. Learning with LabVIEW, a textbook included in the package, complements the software.
LabVIEW Student Edition runs on Windows 95/98/NT and Macintosh platforms and costs $60. For information or to request an evaluation copy, contact National Instruments, (800) 258-7022; e-mail: info@natinst.com; or see www.natinst.com.
Indestructible Oscilloscope
Physics Academic Software's The Cathode Ray Oscilloscope is an interactive tutorial that simulates the workings of a real oscilloscope. Designed to familiarize students with the equipment before they go into the lab, the software's virtual oscilloscope enables users to manipulate major parts and controls on-screen to change settings and see the results. The program is menu-driven and contains a guided tutorial that is particularly helpful to first-time users. At the end of each section, review questions and an immediate analysis of the student's performance are provided.
The software does not recreate all of an oscilloscope's many functions, but does cover most areas essential to first-time or inexperienced users. Through graphics and animation, as well as a glossary of terms, the simulation provides students with a greater understanding than they would gain from the equipment manual alone. The detailed instructor's manual enables professors to easily incorporate the software into the classroom.
The software requires a Macintosh with a 68030 CPU or later, System 7, and 4 MB memory; or a PC running Windows 3.1 or higher with VGA or EGA color graphics capability. A single copy costs $125, a 10-copy lab pack is available for $625, and a high school site license is available for $313. For more information or to order, call (800) 955-8275 or (919) 515-7447; e-mail: pas@aip.org; or see www.aip.org/pas
Mini-Lab Turbojet Engine
High operation costs and safety concerns have limited students' ability to get hands-on experience with jet engine technology. But Turbine Technologies, Ltd.'s Mini-Lab, a complete and ready-to-operate propulsion laboratory, allows students to put theory into practice with hands-on operation of a small-scale turbojet engine.
The self-contained, ready-to-operate turnkey engine demonstrator weighs less than 11 pounds, measures less than seven inches in diameter, and can operate at speeds of 50,000 to 87,000 RPM. The engine is housed in a module that contains all of the equipment necessary to run the machine and a digital instrument panel to monitor activity.
This system arrives fully assembled and ready-to-use. Prices start at $25,000, with final prices quoted on an individual basis. The final price includes set-up and two days of on-site training. For more information, call (715) 924-4876; e-mail: turbtech@discover-net.net; or see: www.discover-net.net/turbtech.
Licensing Exam Web Site
Professional Publications's Web site offers a number of resources for students preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams. Site features include: a forum where students can pose questions, and compare and share information and notes; information about nationwide exam review courses; indexes for individual states listing application deadlines and exam requirements; an online catalog of test-prep materials; and an extensive list of frequently asked questions about the exams. See www.ppi2pass.com for more information.
Product descriptions are based on manufacturers' literature. Endorsement by ASEE is not implied.
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