![[CBL Viewscreen]](CBLviewscreen.gif)
The Texas Instruments Calculator-Based Lab(CBL) unit is a hand-held device that is designed to function as a multimeter for collecting and storing all types of experimental data. It can be used as a stand-alone device or its operation can be controlled by a TI calculator. The cost of the unit is approximately $200, but it allows for portability, experimental flexibility, and the rapid collection of a large amount of data.
The default mode used when the CBL unit is turned on is the Communications mode.
Communications Mode allows you to send commands to the CBL unit from the calculator and give it instructions about what data to collect and when. There are 3 operating conditions in this mode: 1)READY indicates that a setup command was received from the calculator and the unit is waiting for the trigger to start collecting data. 2)SAMPLING flashes to indicate that the CBL unit is presently collecting and storing data. 3)DONE is displayed when the CBL unit finishes collecting a data point or set of data and is ready for the next set of commands. The data is now ready for retrieval by the calculator.
Pressing the MODE button toggles the CBL between the Communications mode and the Multimeter mode.
Multimeter Mode allows you to use the CBL unit as a stand-alone device for measuring data based on electrical resistance of the probes. It can measure voltage, resistance, current, period, frequency, and distance in meters or feet without requiring setup commands from a calculator.