Inexpensive physiological recording systems of didactic and practical value

A physiological recording system using inexpensive elements was designed and built by a group of bioengineering students. Three consecutive stages were developed over a 26-week physiology course period: a single-channel mechanical recorder (for myograms), implemented with a long, very light wooden dowel and an arrangement of pulleys and levers; a two-channel recorder (mechanical and electrical), using an inductive proximity transducer; and a digital data acquisition and display using an A/D converter, a commodore 128, and the GRAPHICS 1 software with a Joystick. The instrument showed good performance for teaching purposes, generating enthusiasm and motivation in the students.<
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