control multiple lock-ins at the same time
 
 the program offers two main operating modes, virtual front panel and experiment recording mode, as follows:
virtual front panel
in this mode virtually all of the functions of the connected lock-in amplifier(s) can be controlled from the computer via series of property pages on a "remote front panel" property sheet. each sheet reflects the features available in the controlled instrument. two data outputs from the instrument can be se-lected from the range available and these are clearly shown on-screen. if several instruments are connected then separate panels can be opened for each one. once correctly set up, a button allows the panels to be shrunk to conserve screen space so that only the outputs are displayed.

experiment recording mode
in this mode an experiment is defined in which the output(s) of the lock-in amplifier(s) are recorded as a function of some x-axis variable. the range of possibilities for the x-axis variable depends on the capabilities of the connected instruments, but include such parameters as time, frequency, oscillator amplitude, auxiliary dac voltage and trigger events.

data is plotted to screen either as it is acquired or after acquisition on user-defined axes. you can then adjust the display to the required form prior to generating hard-copy output on any windows compatible printer or plotter. data may also be exported to ascii  or csv (comma separated value) text files for further analysis with third party software.

the program includes the ability to save defined experiments as "test" files allowing easy replication of previous runs. experiment definitions are also stored within saved data files, and can be extracted and reloaded from them. if you need to run the same experiment repeatedly then settings can be saved on program exit and reloaded on startup for greater convenience.

support for curve buffer and transient recorder modes
the models 7225, 7265 and 7280 include 32,768 point curve buffers. this new release of acquire fully supports these, including the use of binary curve dumps to speed data transfer. use of the buffer allows much faster data acquisition than is possible when data is displayed to screen as it is being taken, while the program now also allows frequency sweeps using the buffered mode. transient recorder mode will digitize any ?0v analog waveform to 16 bits at 40ksa/s (25 祍 per point), giving a useful extra feature at no extra cost.

specifications
acquire is suitable for use with our lock-in amplifiers and operates via either rs232, gpib (ieee-488) or usb (via models ce0115s or ce0116s)  interfaces. up to ten instruments from the following list can be operated simultaneously: 5105, 5106, 5110(a), 5209, 5210, 7220, 7220bfp, 7225, 7225bfp, 7260, 7265,  7280 and 7280bfp. it requires a pentium class computer running at 600 mhz or faster with hard disk, cd, 2 mbyte of free disk space, suitable communications ports (either rs232, usb or a free internal pci bus slot), and microsoft windows 98/me/2000/xp or later for full installation and operation. it includes a comprehensive context-sensitive help system and free support is available to registered users. if ordered through our normal distribution channels it is supplied on a cd complete with 53-page printed instruction manual.

try before you buy - download acquire today!
this latest version of acquire can be downloaded free of charge by clicking the link below. when installed, it will operate in a demonstration mode, known as demoacquire, for a period of seven days from first installation. during this time you can evaluate the program to see if it meets your needs, and if it does, choose to purchase it by activating a link from within the software. once you have purchased the required activation code and installed it, the program will be fully unlocked and operate in the full acquire mode thereafter.

the download includes the full product manual in adobe pdf format for your convenience.

product support and upgrades
starting with this version, product support and upgrades are automatic and free of charge to existing users of acquire 3.00 and later versions. if you have already purchased the product and installed it then you can simply download and install any later version by clicking the link below, and the setup program will up-date the existing installation. you do not need to reactivate the up-dated program, since this is done automatically. this procedure will ensure that all users of this software have the easiest possible access to the latest version.

to check if you need to upgrade, see the product version number in the program"s "about" box and verify if this matches the version given below. if it is a lower number then you should upgrade.

product activation

following installation, the software will function in the demonstration mode (demoacquire) until it is activated. in order to complete the product activation, you will require a unique activation code.

• if you have already placed a purchase order with us for the full software package, then we will supply this code on receipt and verification of details entered in the form that can be accessed by clicking the link below.
• if you have not yet ordered the full software package then complete the form that can be accessed by clicking the link below and we will contact you to give details of pricing applying in your particular territory.

access acquire product activation page

using an earlier version?
if you are using an earlier version (i.e. version number 2.9 or lower) of the package, and have registered your purchase by returning the product registration document, then you qualify for a reduced price upgrade. if you have never registered your purchase then you may still do so by clicking the link below and completing the form. we will then contact you with details of upgrade price.