Instruments is a (fairly) consistent python interface for the instruments in Wellesley's 310 physics lab.

• python 2 or 3
• numpy
• A standard VISA library (NI-VISA, TEKVISA, etc.)
• pyVISA
• pySerial

Each instrument class is designed to be used in the following manner:

from instruments import Voltmeter
with Voltmeter('COM3') as instr:
	#your code goes here

This syntax ensures that the connection to the instrument will be safely closed, regardless of any exceptions thrown by your code.

Voltmeter, Ammeter, Encoder, SerialInstrument, and GPIBInstrument implement the instr.read(num) method, which reads num values from the instrument. If num is not provided, it will read a single value.

Oscilloscope is fundamentally different - calling scope.read(channels) will return current data from each channel in channels.

Heater, the heater for the heat capacity of copper lab, is also different. It has two methods, heater.on() and heater.off() which do exactly what you'd expect.

• Print the next 100 readings from an ammeter:

from instruments import Ammeter

with Ammeter(6) as amp: #ammeter on GPIB bus 6
	print(amp.read(100))

• Plot channels 1 and 3 from an oscilloscope:

from instruments import Oscilloscope
from matplotlib.pyplot import *

with Oscilloscope() as scope:
	data = scope.read([1,3])

plot(data['time'],data[1])
plot(data['time'],data[3])
show()

• Install anaconda python.
• Install NI-VISA, TEKVISA, or some other VISA library. Note that while NI-VISA is the best, installing it is a huge pain in the butt.
• Run pip install pyserial pyvisa from the terminal (OSX/Linux) or cmd.exe (Windows).

Email me at allevitan@gmail.com if something is unclear and fork the repo if you want to make it better!