190-006 7694 Personal Science Laboratory
192-066 7694 Personal Science Laboratory Enhancements And Statement Of Direction
194-403 Withdrawal: IBM Personal Science Laboratory Products
EduQuest PSL Support Diskette (IMZ Image)
EduQuest PSL Support Diskette (RAR archive)
IBM And The Personal Science Lab
A Buyers' Guide to Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Equipment in Physics Education
Technical Educational Research Center (TERC)
PSL Base Unit (Comms cable, Power Adapter, Base Unit, Battery module)
Temperature, Light & pH (TLp) Module (Std/Ext Temp probe, Radiometric/Photometric probe, pH probe)
Motion & Mechanics Module (Distance Probe)
Digital Multimeter Module (Force Probe)
Digital Input/Output Module (DIO) (Rotary Motion probe, Photo Event probe)
Prototype Module
PSL Explorer 1.1 (?) Maybe? PSLDEV1.SYS version 1.1 (9103)
PSLDrivers PSLDEV1.SYS ver 1.00 (8905), 1.1 (9103), 2.00 (9208), and 2.10 (9303)
PSLJRC07.C Demo Of Temperature And Distance Probe Software (TURBO C 2.0)
Thanks to David Ress
PIF File for Running PSL Explorer Under Windows 3.1 and 3.11
Team Labs
Originally a product of the IBM EduQuest Division, PSL was developed by
T.E.R.C. and IBM in the late 1980s and was available in 1989. Team Labs was
formed in 1994 when the PSL design team spun off from IBM.
Team Lab's 1997 Catalog
Not much is available on the web. Team Labs looks to have
switched their focus over to a Thinkpad based system @ 2000,
and the Explorer and Excelerator products aren't listed...
If you have documentation or actual experience with the PSL,
we would like to hear it.
PSL Explorer Versions
Version 3.1
- Save files on a non-ICLASS network.
- School Vista Version 2.0 Ready.
Version 3.0
- A Windows and Windows 95 setup procedure was added, allowing either the
creation of a Personal Science Laboratory Program Group with a PSL Explorer
icon, or the addition of the PSL Explorer icon to an existing PSL Program
Group.
- School Vista Version 2.0 ready
- RMP, DMM and PEP communications improved.
- pH calibration process improved.
- Default RMP range has been changed to +/- 60 degrees.
- Help messages for PSL Driver problems and multiple probe calibrations improved.
- Print function has been improved:
- Default print orientation is Landscape and better scale factors for
inkjet and laser printers
- Increased screen contrast to improve screen capture printing
- User messages modified to improve clarity throughout.
- Network print opns corrected under ICLASS and non-ICLASS network installations.
- Directory/disk interface problems on ICLASS networks were corrected.
- F6-CHDrive for non-ICLASS networks resembles stand-alone operation, rather
than ICLASS. This was modified for ICLASS networks to match Explorer Version
1.01 Extended functionality.
- Installation/setup process configures Host PC to use DEVICE.COM to install
PSL Device Driver (PSLDEV1.SYS) in memory, rather than loading it through
CONFIG.SYS. This saves RAM on the Host PC and simplifies network installations,
since the Boot Image passed down from the server no longer needs to have the
device driver load statement in it.
Version 2.4
- ICLASS (IBM Classroom LAN Administration System Services) assumes certain
rules about directory navigation and file access. These rules are applied only
when PSL Explorer senses that an attached LAN is managed by ICLASS. That means
that PSL now runs on a straight Novell Network! Non-ICLASS networks are simply
treated as remote disk drives.
- Experiment setup files are now organized into subdirectories. Fusion Series
uses this organization, and allowing navigation up and down through the file
structure helps you organize other PSL Setup files as well.
- Natural (Napierian) logarithms and exponentials are included in calculation options.
- Force Probe support (attaches through DMM Module).
- Supports any probe or device that produces a proportional voltage. Attach
device to DMM, supply a slope and offset to convert the measurement of voltage
to other units of your choice. The relationship must be linear for full
accuracy.
- An uninstall procedure has been added to the PSL Explorer diskette.
- Distance, Light, Rotary Motion Probes, DMM, can now sample at <1 sample per sec.
- Pulse Timer and Event Timer options support non-PSL photogates and switching devices.
Version 2.2
- Checks PSL DOS Driver to ensure it is at the correct release level.
- Records timestamps more precisely, which eliminates "jitter" in derivatives.
- Eliminates hangs and "No PSL Found" conditions with RMP, PEP, and DMM.
Version 2.0
- Print portions of Table data, rather than entire Table.
- Delete range of points from graph by "Marking" > "Change," > "Delete Marked Points."
- DMM and RMP can be used with Keyboard input.
- Sample rate can be specified for any experiment; i.e., all types of probes.
- RMP triggering enhanced to six different modes.
- Communications problems reduced w/ improved internal reset and recovery procedures.
- DMM now has 2 Ampere range for AC Power.
- pH calibration and sampling improved, warning if temperature rises to damaging levels.
- PEP can use two probes to measure intervals, reflective mode corrected.
Version 1.0
- Choice of pre-configured experiments
- Custom experimental setups
- One software package handles all probes and modules
- Simple reconfiguration
- Easy calibration
- Precise data collection
- Provides graphical and mathematical manipulation of data
- Saves setup and data files
- Data files can be used as target or overlay graphs
- Screen display of multiple graphs
- High quality prints of graphs or data table
- Auto scaling
- Zoom
- Edit data files
- On-line contextual help
- Graphical data analysis
- Built-in mathematical functions:
- Add, subtract, multiply, or divide by constants
- Squares, square roots
- Logarithms
- Positive and negative exponents
- Trig functions
- Integration
- Derivatives
- Runs on a network or in a stand-alone environment
Module ID Numbers
David Ress delved deeply into the Demo program and noticed:
0x10 is TLp module
0x11 is Distance module
0xFF is empty

The "10" on the front of the module might be the module ID.
Serial Port Address
The PSL device driver (PSLDEV1.SYS) uses the IBM PS/2 family
communications port standard for the address and interrupts
(IRQ).
COM PORT HEX ADDRESS IRQ
1 03F8 4
2 02F8 3
3 03E8 3
4 02E8 3
The cable that comes with PSL is made to connect to a 25-pin
D-Shell. If your computer has a 9-pin D-Shell, you can buy a
9-pin to 25-pin adapter. Radio Shack has one with part
number 26-209. IBM has one also, with part number 6450242.
"PSL device drivers are available in the Users Guide that
allow highly technical customers to program their own
applications."
The normal install program sets the device driver statement
in CONFIG.SYS as follows:
DEVICE=C:\PSL\PSLDEV1.SYS /n:12 or C:\PSL\EXPLORER\PSLDEV1.SYS /n:12
The /n:12 enables COM ports 1 and 2 to run PSL. If the mouse
is connected to COM1 change the device driver statement to:
DEVICE=C:\PSL\PSLDEV1.SYS /n:2 or C:\PSL\EXPLORER\PSLDEV1.SYS /n:2
Now PSL can only be run on COM2.
PSL Modules and Accessories
Distance Probe w/Motion & Mechanics Module
P/N 57F7922 (M&M module) (yellow box)
Non-invasive, non-contact distance
measurements using an ultrasonic sonar transducer. This
probe is ideal for a wide range of experiments from
physics to human physiology and is very popular for use in
teaching mathematics. The patented PSL housing design
provides fast, easy setup in the classroom. Measurement
range is 0.4 to 10 meters.
The Distance Probe uses the same technology that Polaroid
Cameras and similar devices use to measure the distance to
an object. In the case of the camera, the distance-sensing
device allows the camera to use the appropriate settings
to take a focused and normally exposed picture. The
Distance Probe uses this technology to make similar
calculations with an accuracy of ± 7 mm over its entire
temperature range (0 ºC to 52 ºC).
The range of the Distance Probe is 0.4 m to 10 m. Your
Distance Probe uses ultrasonic pulses (sound) to measure
the time it takes to send out a pulse and wait for that
sound wave to bounce off an object and return to the
source-the Distance Probe.
Digital Multimeter Module w/Leads
P/N 04G5956 (DMM module)
A fully-isolated digital multimeter
that can measure AC and DC voltage and current,
resistance, frequency and AC true RMS. The DMM can measure
voltage and current simultaneously to provide measurements
of power. The unique ability to measure current as easily
as voltage makes many experiments that were impossible,
possible. The DMM is also an easy way to adapt other
probes or inputs to a PSL system. The meter is fully
protected against overload and includes high-flexibility
red and black test leads. Voltage ranges to 40 volts,
current to 2 amperes, resistance to 40 MΩ and frequency to
175 KHz.
DMM User Guide & Technical
Reference w/ Support Diskette 37G0093 (DMM module)
Digital Multimeter Leads
P/N 37G0031 (DMM module)
DIN Probe Adapter Cable
PSL7110 (DMM module)
Connect any of the Vernier probes with
the 5 pin DIN connector such as Student Force Sensor,
Magnetic Field Sensor, Light Sensor, Pressure Sensor, etc
Specifications
Jack: Voltage input. Works with 400 mV, 4 V,
and 40 V ranges on the DMM
Cable: 3 conductor, 28 AWG, 100% shield w/drain
wire. Teflon insulated conductors w/ PVC outer jacket.
DIN Connectors: Nickle-plated
zinc, die cast bodies with flexible rubber cable sleeve
Modular Plug: 10 position modular plug with
1.3 µm gold plate for high insertion life
Three banana-plug connections; Voltage/Ohms, Current, and Common
One 10 position modular plug having Voltage/Ohms, Current,
Common, +5V, -5V, two digital input/digital output lines and ground
User controlled sample rate, up to 111 samples per second
User controlled precision up to 4 1/2 digits, 27,000 counts
AC true rms (45 to 20kHz)
Fuse protection
Power conservation mode for battery operation
Force Probe Kit
PSL7500 (DMM module)
Ranges of 6 and 60 newtons, factory
calibration, built-in ringstand mount and a rugged,
student-ready LVDT technology make this probe a favorite
in the classroom. The PSL Force Probe Kit allows students
to perform a wide variety of experiments with ease and
accuracy.
Force Probe Accessory Kit
PSL7502 (DMM module)
Provides for many common experiments
and includes a Universal Stand, Bumper and Table Adapters,
two springs and 2 M5 x 12 Allen head cap screws.
Force Probe
(only) PSL7501 (DMM module)
Bumper Adapter
provides a 12 mm "cup" that is used to hold a standard 000
size rubber test tube stopper or other impact target. This
stopper is used as an elastic surface for studies of
forces occurring during impacts.
Table Adapter provides
a smooth, flat, 22mm diameter surface for the sensor tip.
The adapter is machined from high-strength stainless steel
and simply slips over the sensor tip.
Can you attach the PSL Force Probe to a
Vernier system?
A: No, not at this time. An adapter
that generates the -5 volts would be required. Team Labs
may produce this if there is interest.
Extension Springs:
Length: 93.9mm
Min. Ext. Length: 250mm
Inside Diameter: 16.0mm
Mass: 22.8g
Rate: 35.03 N/m (0.2 lb/in)±5%
Material: Stainless Steel T-302
Personal Science Laboratory Hardware
These items were in the PSL withdrawal notice. Team Labs had even more, plus
they had options to adapt non-PSL equipment.
PSL Base Unit with Power Supply |
57F7923 |
PSL Base Unit |
84F9096 ? |
PSL Starter Pack |
57F7986 |
TLp Pack (Temp, Light, pH) |
57F7921 |
Motion and Mechanics Pack (module + distance probe) |
57F7922 |
Prototype Module |
57F7924 |
Temperature, Light, and pH (TLp) Module |
57F7925 |
TLp Module Standard Temp Probes (two pack) |
57F7925 |
TLp Module Standard Temp Probes(two pack) |
57F7926 |
Extended Temperature Probes (two pack) |
57F7927 |
pH Probe |
57F7928 |
Photometric Probe with Filter Holder |
57F7929 |
Radiometric Probe with Filter Holder |
57F7930 |
Power Supply |
57F7931 |
Communication Cable |
57F7932 |
Standard Prototype cards (five pack) |
57F7933 |
Long Prototype cards (three pack) |
57F7934 |
Distance Probe |
57F7935 |
Digital Input/Output (DIO) Module |
04G5940 |
DIO Cable Adapter |
04G5941 |
DIO Modular Jack Adapter |
04G5942 |
Rotary Motion Probe |
04G5944 |
Rotary Motion Accessory Kit |
04G5945 |
Photo Event Probe (PEP) w/ LED Source |
04G5948 |
Photo Event Laser Source |
04G5951 |
Digital Multimeter Module (DMM) |
04G5956 |
Digital Multimeter Leads |
37G0031 |
DIO Module Reference Manual |
37G0090 |
Rotary Motion Reference Manual |
37G0091 |
Photo Event Reference Manual |
37G0092 |
DMM Technical Reference Manual |
37G0093 |
Motion Mechanics Module |
57F7992 |
Hardware Users' Guide |
57F7936 |
PSL Technical Reference |
57F7937 |
|