Datadisc family information
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The Datadisc Family of software for data-logging and data presentation
All the programs make full use of the advanced features of Philip Harris data-logging hardware: DL Plus; Universal Interface; SensorMeters; First Sense and Blue Box sensors.
SensorMeters and First Sense sensors are recognised and calibrated for automatically.
Datadisc Pt
Datadisc Pt is considerably enhanced and combines the functions of Datadisc Pro and Datamass in one application besides adding many new features. It should be regarded as the definitive current Datadisc version and the one that will be supported into the future. It adds support for the Logbook range of dataloggers from Sciencescope.
Further to Datadisc Ag, Datadisc Pt now offers "derived sensors" that can be recorded alongside the sensors you actually plug in. By this we mean, for example, Power may be recorded alongside Volts and Amps. Velocity may be derived from speed; Altitude from Pressure and many many more.
Datadisc Pt also supports "zeroing" and other setting functions for appropriate sensors.(Force and Pressure sensors can be zeroed; pH can be set up in buffer solution (pH 7); Bipolar sensors such as P D can have their output inverted)
These Datadisc Pt features require an upgraded key but Datadisc Pt may be downloaded as a free upgrade for use with an previous Datadisc Ag key.
Datadisc - a brief history
The program Datadisc has developed between 1982 and 2000 by Abington Micro Consultants for real time data-logging and data manipulation particularly in education. The program was developed initially for BBC computers.
An early manual
| Year | Development | Author(s) |
| 1982 | Datastore for BBC computers developed as a replacement for chart recorders and kymographs in academic science. Records one channel of data against time. Cassette tape based. | Dr John Crellin |
| 1985 | Datadisc launched. Floppy disc based. Stores data on disc during recording for security and can record 4 channels. | Dr John Crellin |
| 1989 | Datadisc versions for Nimbus PC186, Acorn Archimedes and IBM compatible PCs established. Enhanced programs collectively known as Datadisc Plus. | Dr John Crellin |
| 1990 | Dataplot for BBC computers developed for recording data in experiments where time is not the x axis. | Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1990 | Datadisc Connections allows data to be saved in a variety of formats for use in other packages. | Dr John Crellin |
| 1992 | Datadisc merged with Dataplot to form Datadisc PP on all but BBC platforms | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1993 | Launch of Datadisc PRO for IBM compatible computers | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1993 | Datamass launched - the first software in its field capable of recording from all the major electronic balances and displaying the data in graphical form. | Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1994 | Datamass Pro launched - on some platforms this can record from balances and sensors simultaneously. | Dr Rob Dickinson and Dr John Crellin |
| 1994 | Datadisc PP sold with "Connections" capability built in. | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1995 | Launch of Datadisc Pro for Windows | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1996 | Datadisc Explore with a more visual interface launched. | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 1999 | Datadisc 32, integrating Datadisc Pro and Datamass Pro into 32 bit code, launched. | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 2002 | Datadisc Ag launched for Windows 95/98/NT/XP, superceding Datadisc 32. Provides support for new Logbook dataloggers and uses the same code with a variety of viewing options to cater to KS2 (Graphpad), KS3 (Explore) and beyond (Datadisc). | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
| 2003 | Datadisc Pt adds another layer of functionality - derived sensors and sensor settings. | Dr John Crellin and Dr Rob Dickinson |
Previous non-current versions of Datadisc were:
Datastore (BBC, now superseded)
Datadisc (BBC, now superseded)
Datadisc 40 (BBC for 40 track disc drives)
Datadisc Plus (BBC, Nimbus PC186, IBM compatibles and Acorn Archimedes computers)
Datadisc PP (Nimbus PC186, IBM compatibles and Acorn Archimedes computers)