Microcomputer-based data collection system for electrophysicilogical experiments on epithelia

The "personal computers" designed for home use can be quite satisfactory for on-line laboratory data collection and analysis, if proper peripherals are available. A minor amount of circuit construction, and a considerable investment in programing results in a usable computer system. A case study is presented, with emphasis on the criteria for selection of a system and some of the pitfalls to be avoided. The overall cost may be less than that of the conventional recorders which it replaces, while the saving in effort is considerable.