Abstract
A very powerful, but inexpensive, advanced technology (16 MHz 80C188EB) experiment controller is described. It can be programmed in either a BASIC-like (ECBASIC) or an ALGOL-like (ECL) procedure specification language. It provides 1-msec resolution, optional transparent total data logging, and is designed to function as a remote peripheral processor in a network with virtually any computer acting as the network supervisor (e.g., IBM compatible or Macintosh). Each serial port on the host computer can support up to 10 simultaneous experiments. The various optional I/O modules provide for opto-isolated normally open or normally closed switch operation input, high current output, as well as D/A and A/D functions. Our I/O modules can also be plugged directly into an IBM PC parallel port by using a small adaptor board. In this way, the advantages of using ECBASIC or ECL to control experiments are available to researchers who wish to simply interface their host computer directly to the apparatus in order to minimize expense.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Cooper, L. D., Garcia, R., &Gibbon, J. (1988). The labtop Macintosh: An interface and communications software for experiment control of animal learning research.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 88–92.
D’Andrea, J. A., &Knepton, J. (1988). Construction and implementation of a low-cost electronic experiment control interface.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 97–99.
Palya, W. L. (1988). An introduction to the Walter/Palya Controller and ECBASIC.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 81–87.
Palya, W. L., &Walter, D. E. (1993). Document Set for the High Performance Experiment Controller. Unpublished manuscript, Jacksonville State University, Department of Psychology, Jacksonville, AL.
Pevey, M. E. (1988). Using an IBM PC to network Walter/Palya experiment controllers.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 100–103.
Walter, D. E. (1988). The Walter/Palya experiment controller users’ group meeting and help session.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 104–105.
Walter, D. E., &Palya, W. L. (1984). An inexpensive experiment controller for stand-alone applications or distributed processing networks.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,16, 125–134.
Weisman, R., &Palya, W. L. (1988). Development and operating environments for a network of Walter/Palya experiment controllers on the Macintosh computer.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers,20, 93–96.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
This research was supported by NSF Grant DIR-8915226 to W. L. Palya. The authors thank Josey Chu for the graphics used in the presentation and in this proceedings paper, and we gratefully acknowledge Elizabeth Palya for contributions in all phases of this project.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Palya, W.L., Walter, D.E. A powerful, inexpensive experiment controller or IBM PC interface and experiment control language. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers 25, 127–136 (1993). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03204485
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03204485