expEYES

A Tool for learning science by exploration and experimenting
User manual with 50 documented experiments
Programming manual to develop new experiments
GUI Programs written in Python
Analog Input/Output with 12 bit resolution
Time interval measurements with microsecond resolution
Built-in Signal Generator, Frequency Counter and Oscilloscope
Open Technology, Software under GNU GPL
Micro-controller based design (Get started on uC)
Tested on GNU/Linux and MS-Windows
Software available on Live CD
Modular Design
Powered by USB
Compact, 11 x 9 x 1.5 cm, 150 gm
Accessory set included
Low Cost

ExpEYES is from the PHOENIX project of Inter-University Accelerator Centre,New Delhi. It is a hardware & software framework for developing science experiments, demonstrations and projects and learn science and engineering by exploration. Capable of doing real time measurements and analysing the data in different ways. Analog voltages, in +/- 5 volts range, are measured with 12 bit resolution (around 1.25 millivolts) and time intervals with one microsecond.

This project is based on Free and Open Source software, mostly written in Python programming language. The hardware design is also open. A science laboratory at home becomes an affordable idea, with expEYES, costing around Rs.3000/- and the structured design supports adding more experiments without much effort.

The expEYES hardware is interfaced and powered by USB, having a size of 11 x 9 x 1.5 cm and weighs 150 gm. There are 32 terminals arranged in two rows where you can connect external signals, within +/-5 volts range, for control and measurement. It can function as a signal generator, frequency counter and low frequency oscilloscope . The user manual documents about 50 experiments, that can be done using expEYES and the Standard Accessory set.

Download the User Manual in PDF format (In French). Also there is a Programming Manual to help developing new experiments.

Download the Brochure

Download a video (work in progress). A high resolution photograph of expEYES.

ExpEYES hardware consists of an ATmega32 micro-controller, 12 bit ADCs and DACs, several Oscillators and Amplifiers. The micro-controller manages all the hardware resources as per the instructions from a PC. The software running on the PC side is written in Python programming language. It can run on any system having a Python Interpreter and a Python library for communicating to the Serial/USB ports.

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Click on the pictures below for information on more experiments.