Homework due for January 16, 2009

Welcome back. I hope you had a restful break and are ready to charge to the finish line of the course. To begin this charge we are going to look at Data logging systems. Please read pages 136-141 and answer the following questions:

Pgs. 136-137

1. Explain how electronic temperature sensors work. (5 pts)
2. Explain why the electrical signal from a humidity sensor cannot be fed straight into a computer. (5-6 pts)

Pgs. 138-139

1. When analysing data logging systems you need to make several important decisions. Name 3 decisions that need to be made. (3 pts)
2. What are the choice of sensors you have? (3 pts)
3. Why is it important to calibrate sensors? (3 pts)
4. Can a calibrated sensor be used with any interface? Why or why not? (3 pts)

Pgs. 140-141

1. Often what type of systems are visual data logging systems? Where are these systems often located? (2 pts)
2. Give two examples of the use of visual data logging. (2 pts)
3. You own a nursery garden in which you have several large greenhouses. Explain how you would ensure that the environment in each greenhouse is right for the plants being grown. (4 pts)
4. What does feedback mean? Give a practical example. (2 pts)