from Italy for an exam

[spec3]

Hi.
I'm from Italy, so excuse me for the english.
I've just begin to use linux to make a project that I need for an exam of the university.
...
so now I can say "hello world"!
...

[Lakshmipathi]

Hi,
Welcome to LF ! So whats your Linux Project ?

[spec3]

oh it isn't a linux project...
I'm a student of physics...I want to measure some oscillation of a penduluum with current (by some variable resistance)
I must use the pc because i must "talk" with an instrument that measure current and elaborate data with the pc....

[Lakshmipathi]

Physics ! Cool ..I thought you are computer science student

[spec3]

eheh...with this exam I hope to learn a lot of things...but also to don't pass on it an entire year...

[MASONTX]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your project.

[previso]

I suppose the instrument records the data to a file, then you must access the data with Linux commands to process the data. Is this correct?

[spec3]

I suppose the instrument records the data to a file, then you must access the data with Linux commands to process the data. Is this correct?

now I don't really know it because my prof didn't say me how it works (a part of the exam is that I must discover it).
it's possible that the instruments doesn't record on a file all the data I need. in this case I will write or modify the file to record what I want.
after it I will process the data as you said.

[Rubberman]

It sounds like a test of your problem-solving abilities more than "can you work the equipment", which is critical for the study of physics. My wife, who has a PhD in high-energy particle physics had to be qualified on all of the general machine shop equipment (lathe, vertical mill, drill press, CNC mill, etc) when she started her graduate work. Why? Because they needed to be sure that when the physicist has designed a new widget to measure some kind of rare particle or other phenomenon, they would know whether it could be built or not. It wasn't to make them machinists.

So, apply the experimental process to the test. Some of the process has already been done for you, the problem selection, dependent and independent variables, etc. You need to test, observe, analyze, determine what is/isn't working, change the test, observe again, analyze again... until you understand what the equipment is doing and have determined how to access that data to do the computations required to solve the problem. Once you have done that, then you can set up your tests to measure the oscillation period, scope, dampening properties, and whatever you need to get consistent, and valid results.

Anyway, have fun, and good luck!

[previso]

Linux can help you in managing the data. The configuration of the instrument is your part of the deal. You must familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the instrument, including output, before we can assist you on Linux.