A versatile data logging program in BASIC for the Laptop computer

Abstract

Recording and management of field or laboratory data can be aided through use of a data logging computer. Data are electronically transferred from the data logger to a larger computer for statistical analysis, eliminating re-entry from field sheets and reducing the potential for error. Laptop computers offer advantages over specialized data loggers, but require a software program to function efficiently as a data logger. Range research uses might include recording plant sample weights, recording livestock weights and condition scores, plant growth measurements, and frequency counts. A flexible data entry program accommodating several experimental designs was written in BASIC for creating analysis-ready data files, using either keyboard or RS-232 data input.