A Simple and Inexpensive System for Collection of Data at Remote Locations. T. Spradlin, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Georgia Station, Griffin 30223. J. Youmans, D. V. Phillips, and B. M. Cunfer. Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Georgia Station, Griffin 30223. Plant Dis. 75:645-647. Accepted for publication 14 February 1991. Copyright 1991 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-75-0645.

A program for data collection called RATE was developed for use on lightweight, inexpensive pocket computers. Using RATE, form files are constructed on a personal computer (PC), then downloaded to a pocket computer. Identifiers are displayed on the screen, and data are recorded using the keypad. The program is flexible and allows the user to edit and review recorded data anytime during data collection. Stored data can be printed with an accessory program called PRINT and/or uploaded to a PC or mainframe computer, when convenient, in a format suitable for immediate data analysis. The RATE program used in conjunction with a pocket computer allows rapid, accurate collection of data with easily portable and inexpensive equipment.