We’ve come a long way since they made computer sensors a feature of the curriculum. More and more you can meet schools who’ve been there, done some and are looking for more. It’s something to be very proud of. Risking chauvinism, that and the growing array of equipment, is making the UK a data-logging capital of the world.

And now is the time of year when new things are launched. With BETT 2002 showcasing things to add to what you have, you can learn what’s new, or if you’re lucky, go shopping big time. If you’re far away, the Web addresses below will help for sure.

A crucial rider is that computers too have moved on. New PCs have started to lose their “serial ports”, the connectors that nearly all data-loggers use to send their readings through. Last year many schools bought laptops, only to start searching for USB converters to make old loggers work. The moral is to buy with the computers you’ll use in mind.

Some manufacturers have responded well - users of the LogIT range can buy a cable (pound;20) that connects old gear to the USB port of the new computer. That and a software update make it all work again. It’s an elegant bacon saver.

The PASPORT range from PASCO uses USB exclusively and offers a great way to handle sensors. Plug in a sensor of pH, oxygen heart rate or acceleration and you’ll see elegance in action. Without fuss or batteries, you can concentrate on what you set out to. What’s more, this year’s range embraces sensors for ECG, magnetic field, current and rotary motion - which, like anything you use less frequently, benefits from the convenience. Download a trial of PASCO’s Data Studio to find some pretty awesome software - so good it makes all else seem like a toy.

LogIT The LogIT Explorer Junior data-logger (available from Commotion, Griffin and RM) has also been the subject of praise. It has built-in sensors and there’s a choice of traditional serial or USB connectors (for PCs and Macs).

It’s available separately, as well as part of the RM Curriculum Window Box Plus. Secondary schools doing environmental work will now find a river-flow sensor for their LogIT kits. Also there’s a radioactivity sensor to show decay curves in physics.

Data Harvest

Another market leader, Data Harvest (see picture) has developed its range for Pocket PCs and Windows CE devices. With new cable and software, its Easy Sense logger works on these very sleek handhelds. With laptops there’s a measure of neatness and space saving. It should be seen.

For its Smart Q sensor range, Data Harvest has a new heart-rate monitor and magnetic field sensor. These sensors have a chip which tells the software what they do and neatly works round software upgrades.

There’s also a motion sensor - great for distance time graphs and there’s also a colorimeter - an item to measure rates in chemistry and biology with finesse.

Economatics

Economatics has the styled and surprisingly capable Jeulin VTT. Its built-in screen shows results in bar, table and graph displays and this capability works round the need for a PC. A special tablet accessory shows the VTT screen on an overhead projector while sensors can measure distance, breathing rate and lung ventilation. A starter pack brings together a versatile set of sensors together with PC software.

Pico Technology

Pico Technology has its innovative DrDaq logger which, by connecting to the computer’s printer socket, records at the breakneck speeds much sought by physicists. Priced surprisingly low, it has a fleet of built-in sensors and sockets for others you may have. More sensors are due including an adapter for advanced physics students to make up their own sensors. BETT visitors can pick up a free CD of experiment notes, while its website offers a heap of ideas for using loggers and oscilloscopes.

Valiant

Valiant will launch SenSci a low-cost data logger for primary and secondary schools. Designed to flex to any need, pupils will appreciate how its LCD screen displays readings as a bar gauge. A menu allows you to set when it will start taking readings, how often it takes them and more.

ScienceScope

New company, ScienceScope will launch its Logbook data-logger. With built in temperature and light sensors and room for more - the Logbook is aimed at ages 8-14 and will be supplied as a set. Sensors of pH and sound are available and a full range is planned for the coming months.

Logotron

While every data-logger on the market has its own sensors, cables and software, Logotron’s Insight software offers a sense of standardisation by letting you mix old and new equipment. Working with much UK equipment, it takes data-logging swiftly on to data analysis and easily too.

Roger Frost is author of Data-logging in Practice. See BETT Seminars (p80)

Commotion BETT stand: M42 Tel: 01732 773399

Roger Frost BETT stand: SW71 www.rogerfrost.com

Griffin amp; George BETT stand: D142 www.griffinandgeorge.co.uk

RM BETT stand: D50 amp; E50 www.rm.com

Pico Technology BETT stand: C164 www.picotech.com or www.drdaq.com

ScienceScope Tel: 01225 852800 www.auc.co.uk

Matrix Multimedia BETT stand: SW21 www.matrixmultimedia.co.uk

Lego Dacta BETT stand: E66 www.lego.co.uk

PASCO Scientific BETT stand: F70 www.pasco.com

Valiant Technology BETT stand: B74 www.valiant-technology.com

Texas Instruments BETT stand: V40 www.ti.com

Economatics BETT stand: G42 www.economatics.co.uk

Philip Harris www.philipharris.co.uk

Data H7arvest BETT stand: L40 www.data-harvest.co.uk

LogIT www.dcpmicro.com