Download Version 4 User`s Manual - Edison the Multimedia Lab for exploring

Compiling the source file to create the .EXP file
When the source file for your experiment set is ready, you must use the program called
EXPMENTS.EXE to create the .EXP file that Edison can open and use. Use Windows to access a DOS
prompt and change to the EDISON directory (likely to be C:\EDISON). Notice that, since you are in
the EDISON directory where EXPMENTS.EXE resides, you need to precede the .SRE and .EXP file
names with the path (subdirectory where these files are to be found):
EXPMENTS <path\input file name[.sre]> <path\output file name[.exp]>
In our case, we type:
EXPMENTS EXPMENTS\LAMPS.SRE EXPMENTS\LAMPS.EXP and follow it by pressing the
ENTER key. The program EXPMENTS.EXE reads the source file and creates the problem file,
LAMPS.EXP.
You should now be able to run Edison, select File/Open/Experiment Set, and open up the .EXP file
you created. The next step is to open each experiment to make sure they are all working as expected.
8.2
The Problem Set Compiler
A problem set is a group of Edison circuit files that focus on a particular area of circuit problem
solving. They are used in learning situations as homework, tests, or lab exercises. The circuit files are
bound together by the problem set source file so that the student can open them as a group and thread
through them using the Problem menu.
Although a circuit file is loaded for each problem when in problem set mode, Edison does not allow
the student the same, full range of tools and commands as are available when the circuit file is loaded
directly as a circuit (File/Open). Here are some of the tools and command differences of the problem set
mode:
· If the problem is a selection (multiple choice) or asking a value type, then the student cannot
operate any instruments, such as the Signal Analyzer, until after she has entered her answer.
Then she can use the Signal Analyzer to see the circuit performance, or pick up a meter from
the shelf and wire it in.
· If the problem is a trouble-shooting type, then the student may operate the Signal Analyzer or
pick up a new meter from the shelf and wire it in. The student can use these instruments to
gain insight into where the fault lies.
· In general, the student is not free to pick up parts from the upper left shelf, cannot edit the
content of sign boards, the error status of components, etc. In other words, many commands
and tools are masked from the student during problem set mode.
· The student cannot save the circuit file (this prevents him from modifying the files).
Creating a Problem Set
Once you’ve decided to create a new problem set, you must do the following:
· Define the focus and scope of the problem set.
· Define each of the individual problems.
· Create an Edison circuit file (*.CIR) for each problem.
· Create a problem set source file (*.SRP).
· Compile the *.SRP file to create the problem set output file (*.PRB).
· Debug the problems and correct any errors found.
In defining problems we can choose from three problem formats:
· Selection (multiple choice) The student must check the box containing the correct answer.
· Asking a value The student must compute and enter the correct value in the answer box.
· Trouble-shooting The student must find the faulty component (only one allowed) and may use
meters and switches to do so. Once she thinks she has found the faulty component, she can
click on it with the repair tool and find out if she was right.
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