Warthog Systems LabHelper data acquisition software for Macintosh computers For information on specific functions, go to the topics page For direct downloads, try the downloads page    OS X and 'classic' compatability A new LabHelper X version runs natively in OS X, but will only access serial devices (not internal A-D cards). The Sable Systems UI2 is an excellent, fast serial A-D converter that works well with LabHelper X. LabHelper FP and FP2 use National Instruments cards or serial A-D converters, but you need to boot in OS 8 or 9 (not OS X).  LabHelper 68K uses NuBus National Instruments cards in Mac II and Quadra computers (now obsolete) or serial A-D converters. Data capacity: LabHelper X and FP2: 16 channels, up to 131,000 samples per channel. LabHelper FP: 16 channels, up to 32,760 samples per channel. LabHelper 68K: 12 channels, up to 30,000 samples per channel. Storage formats: floating-point binary files (compact and fast; readable by the 'LabAnalyst' analysis program) Sable Systems SSCF binary format (a widely-used DOS/Windows system) simple text format (readable by many spreadsheets, statistics programs, and plotting programs).

LabHelper is a family of general-purpose data acquisition programs for Macintosh computers.  The original 'plain' version of LabHelper stores data in Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) format, and the newer 'FP' and 'X' versions store data in a binary floating-point format and have some additional features and larger sample size.  Otherwise these versions are quite similar.  The minimum screen resolution is 640 by 480 pixels (so they won't work on Mac Plus, Mac SE, or Mac Classic computers ).

LabHelper (except for the X version) uses the National Instruments Lab-NB data acquisition board (in NuBus machines), the National Instruments PCI-MIO-16XE-50 or PCI-1200 boards (in PCI bus machines), the National Instruments DAQCard-1200, or the Remote Measurement Systems ADC-1 or Data Electronics DataTaker external interfaces (see below).   Note that the sixteen-bit board (16XE-50) should be used with LabHelper FP2, and that some machines -- especially laptops and new computers with USB ports -- have problems with external serial devices.  Click here to see a list of computers and A/D boards known to work with LabHelper.

• The Lab-NB, DAQCard-1200, and PCI-1200 contain eight channels of 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion with programmable gains from 1 to 100 on a ±5-volt input range.  These boards can resolve signals as low as 24 microvolts -- about six times better than a typical 16-bit converter with a fixed ±5V range.  There are also 2 channels of 12-bit digital-to-analog output, 24 digital I/O lines that can switch external devices or monitor events, and a counter-timer system.  In most computers, the sampling rate of the LabHelper software is limited by the rate at which the Macintosh video display can be updated.  For sample rates faster than about 120 hertz (on a Mac IIx or IIcx) to 300-400 hertz (on a 33 megahertz Quadra) to ~1 kilohertz (on a 200 megahertz PowerPC 604 machine), LabHelper shifts into a discontinuous display in which a channel is sampled for 640-32,760 cases (depending on screen size), then displayed, then resampled.  Using this method, LabHelper can sample at a maximum speed of 50 kilohertz on a Lab-NB and 100 kilohertz on a PCI-1200 or DAQCard-1200.
• The PCI-MIO-16XE-50 is a more sophisticated device with sixteen analog-to digital channels, with 16-bit resolution and programmable gains from 1 to 100 on a 10-volt input range. This board can resolve roughly 4 microvolts, but cannot sample as rapidly as the 12-bit NI boards (maximum sample rates are 20 kilohertz). There are two channels of 12-bit digital-to-analog output and 8 digital I/O lines.
• If you are using an internal A-D board, LabHelper requires the National Instruments NI-DAQ software drivers in the system folder.  The driver software (one extension and one control panel) is not necessary for use of the Sable UI2, ADC-1 or DataTaker.

  LabHelper offers the option of using the Sable Systems Universal Interface UI2 (LabHelper X version only, at this time), Remote Measurement Systems ADC-1 ,or Data Electronics DataTaker if a Lab-NB, DAQCard-1200, or PCI-1200 board or its drivers are not present.  You can also select these options from the LabHelper A-D menu.  NOTE: use of the ADC-1 or DataTaker does not permit high sampling rates, and some laptops and USB-equipped computers do not easily interface with serial devices.

• The Sable UI2 has 8 channels of 16-bit A-D conversion (plus or minsu 5 volt range) and (optionally) 4 channels for temperature inputs using special thermistors; these can also be used for voltage inputs (0-5 volts). The UI2 has 8 digital outputs that can be used to switch external devices, and two analog voltage outputs. LabHelper X sets the UI2 to run at 115,200 baud for exceptionaly fast communications (no parity, 8 data bits, and 2 stop bits). With most computers running OS X, a USB to serial converter is necessary to use the UI2 or any serial device; the Keyspan unit seems to work very well.
• The ADC-1 has 16 input channels, and most versions have a 50X programmable gain option on a ±0.42 volt input range.  This yields a resolution of about 0.0002 volts (normal) to 4 microvolts (when 50X gain is turned on).  The ADC-1 also has 6 output channels that can be used to switch external devices.  LabHelper assumes the ADC-1 is attached to the modem port and set to run at 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 2 stop bits (baud rates of 4800, 2400, and 1200 are also available).  The printer port can also be used. 
• The DataTaker has a variable number of channels, depending on which model is used and whether any extension modules are attached.  Recent models (500- and 600-series) have ten differential analog input channels on the basic unit and this is what the software expects.  DataTakers are quite sophisticated.  New versions have an automatic gain function within a range of plus or minus 3.5 volts.  They can also read thermocouples directly (i.e., they return a temperature instead of the microvoltage potential across the junction), and LabHelper can use this function.  Several digital outputs to switch external devices (4 single lines, or up to 8 devices in "3-bit word" output mode) are also available.  LabHelper assumes the DataTaker is attached to the modem port and set to run at 4800 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 2 stop bits.  The port and baud rate are user-adjustable. 
  

   A simulated A-D converter is used in the Test Mode option.  No actual A-D hardware is needed to explore the software.

'plain' and FP version differences LabHelper FP is a newer version of the basic LabHelper program.  It is faster than the 'plain' version when running on PowerPC Macs.  However, the plain version is faster on 68K machines when using National Instruments cards.  There are a number of improvements in the FP version, but most of them are minor.  The primary difference is in the way the menus are arranged.  The FP version menus are more logically arranged than in the plain version, use hierarchal submenus, and allow access to a wider range of functions. The binary files produced by the two versions also differ (the FP version makes floating-point files while the 'plain' version makes binary-coded decimal files).  However, both file types are read transparently by the LabAnalyst analysis program. FP and FP2 version differences The new FP2 version permits larger sample sizes, works with sixteen-bit boards, and offers some post- conversion manipulations of data. It only works on Power-PC computers with relatively recent operating systems.

LabAnalyst FP and LabHelper FP store data in a floating-point format with roughly 8-digit precision (the earlier 'plain' versions use a binary-coded decimal format with 6 digits of precision).  This saves a considerable amount of disk and memory space compared to storage at higher precisions, but provides somewhat lower numeric resolution.  For example, in 8-digit precision (but not 10-digit precision) the numbers 12445.239 and 12445.23914 are 'identical'.  This minor limitation should pose few problems to the average user.  Eight-digit resolution is a 'realistic' approach in that the accuracy of most data is considerably less than can be represented in eight digits.  A 12-bit analog-to-digital converter can resolve one part in 4096, for example.  Many LabAnalyst and LabHelper operations are performed at higher internal precision to maintain accuracy.

One situation where the 12-bit resolution of some LabHelper hardware (NOT the -16XE-50 devices) may be a limitation is when you are attempting to measure a small change in a large signal.  For example, in respirometry one is often attempting to resolve changes in oxygen concentration of 0.01% or less against a 'background' oxygen concentration of 20.95% (that's about one part in 2,000).  In these situations it is highly desirable if your instrument has a recorder offset circuit, so that the 'nominal' background signal can be set to approximately zero volts.  Against the zeroed background signal, the deflection of interest is proportionally large and easy for the computer to record accurately.

Specifications: ADC-1 sample rate: 1-4 samples/sec, depending on the number of channels and the machine type.  Lab-NB, DAQCard-1200, or PCI-1200 sample rate: Up to 500/sec (or faster) in chart mode (depending on CPU speed); up to 300-1000/sec in continuous scope mode shown in real time; up to 50,000/sec in scope mode in intermittent display.  Input voltages: plus or minus 0.42 volts for the ADC-1; plus or minus 5 volts for the Lab-NB/DAQCard-1200/PCI-1200 or Sable UI2  The ADC-1 has programmable gains of 1 and 50; the Lab-NB, DAQCard-1200, and PCI-1200 have programmable gains of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100, and can resolve very small signals (to 24 microvolts).  The sixteen-bit board (16XE-50) has programmable gains of 1, 2, 10, and 100 on a plus-or-minus 10 volt range.  External device control: six modes; 1-8 devices for internal NI cards, Sable UI2, and DataTaker; 1-6 devices for the ADC-1.  Extensive on-line help.  Minimum screen resolution: 640X480 pixels.  Memory requirements: 3.5 Mb free memory; program size about 2.5 Mb (LabHelper X needs about 12 Mb due to much larger sample size).  The non-FP version is optimized for 68040 cpu but will run acceptably with a 68030 or a PowerPC 601 processor.  On PowerPC 604s running at 120 mhz or above, performance is as good or better than on the fastest 68040 machines (it's REALLY fast on a G3 or G4). The FP version is a 'fat' compile that runs on 68K or PPC machines, and is considerably faster than the older version on the latter. The FP2 version runs only on PPC machines. The X version works only with OS X and serial devices, especially the Sable Systems UI2 A-D converter.

LabHelper expects the following outline (scaleable) fonts, and may produce odd-looking or misplaced text if they are not available: Chicago or Charcoal (system default), Helvetica, Geneva, Symbol, Times, New York, Monaco, Comic Sans.

LabHelper was written in FutureBasic (©Staz Software, Inc.) by Mark Chappell (a.k.a.  'WartHog Systems', with apologies to Sable Systems and Gilbert Shelton) with facilities provided by the University of California, Riverside.  No warranty of any kind is offered or implied.  LabHelper is NOT a commercial product and may not be sold or copied for commercial purposes.  If you have questions you may contact me at the Biology Department, U.C.  Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521.  My email address is: chappell@citrus.ucr.edu

Many, MANY thanks are due to Chris Stazny and Andy Gariepy of STAZ Software, who generously provided vital assistance in interfacing the FP version to the National Instruments software drivers. Robert Purves contributed immensely to interfacing the X version to serial devices.

   National Instruments:   NI is a large company with a main office in Texas, but they have lots of regional offices, one of which is probably in your local phone book.  They have a very helpful (but complex) website: http://www.ni.com, or call (512) 794-0100.

   Remote Measurement Systems:    RMS is a small company run by Keith Ronnholm in Seattle, Washington.  They specialize in simple 'low end' analog-to-digital conversion and control.  Their phone number is (206) 328-2255, email: rmstechinfo@measure.com.  They have a nice website: http://www.measure.com.

   Data Electronics:   DE is an Australian company with offices in the U.S.  and elsewhere.  Their email address is: datataker@dataelec.com.au and they have a website at: http://www.datataker.com.

   Sable Systems:   Sable is a small company in Las Vegas that makes a variety of very nice measurement instruments and other devices that work well with LabHelper.  Sable also sells data acquisition and analysis software for Wintel machines, and complete respirometry systems.  Their website has very useful pages that cover technical questions about respirometry and other issues, and a handy online measurement guide describing how to measure all sorts of things.  Their home page is: http://www.sablesys.com.

   Staz Software:    Another small company (in Diamondhead, Mississippi), but if you need a fast compiled Basic for the Mac, their FutureBasic can't be beat.  Phone: (800) 348-2623, email: sales@stazsoftware.com, website: http://www.stazsoftware.com

go to the Warthog Systems page

back to Mark Chappell's page