Message-ID: <19990202165408.AAF16392@LOCALNAME> Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 00:55:46 -0400 From: Kerry Miller <mailto:kerryo@NS.SYMPATICO.CA> Subject: Lab counter for 286s To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/deeb/counterCOUNT41g.zip 300k 7/97
COUNTER is a DOS software program that uses an IBM compatible computer as a multi-element digital lab counter. Keyboard keys are assigned to up to 600 user configurable objects (5 screens, each containing 120 counter items). COUNTER keeps a database of counts for these objects (maximum count 32000) for up to 1000 samples that can be exported as an ASCII file and imported into most spreadsheet programs and statistical software. Count data, objects and key assignments can be edited at any time, and multiple databases can be maintained on the computer. The user can switch between samples or databases at any time.
COUNTER uses a 4 tier data backup strategy to maintain the data. Data integrity is maintained even in the event of power failure. All database backing up is automatic.
The program was originally written to count the abundances of different invertebrate species in stream benthic samples, but it could just as easily count seeds in soil samples, cells types in tissue cultures.... you get the picture.
COUNTER runs in DOS to make use of the many IBM XT and 286 computers that are gathering dust in laboratories and are now worth far less than mechanical laboratory counters (our last 5 element mechanical counter was $500.00, an IBM 286 is now about $50!).