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Article

Inexpensive Digital Monitoring of Signals from a Spectronic-20 Spectrophotometer

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Alex Whitla

Deparment of Chemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, Canada

Matthew E. Morgan

Department of Chemistry, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

John R. Amend

Department of Chemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717

J. Chem. Educ., 2000, 77 (2), p 252

DOI: 10.1021/ed077p252

Publication Date (Web): February 1, 2000

Abstract

Obsolete analog-readout vacuum-tube and solid-state Spectronic-20 family spectrophotometers can be found in most college and university chemistry laboratories. While optically these are good single-beam instruments, their electronics package does not permit attachment of recorders or digital displays. This article describes a simple modification that costs less than $10.00 for parts and will permit direct digital readout of the Spectronic-20 signal with a digital voltmeter or a laboratory interface and a computer. When the external plug is removed, the Spectronic-20 reverts to its normal operating mode.