Engineering Notebooks

Above all else, it should be complete. Not only should it include details of your experiment, but it should also include peripheral comments or feelings - not necessarily backed by data. If you have a hunch, put it down (but be sure you indicate that it is merely a hunch). Any calculations whatsoever (even multiplying 2 X 2) should be put in the notebook. No scratch paper should be used in the laboratory. Incorrect data should be marked with a single line through it, or the word VOID written across a voided paragraph or page.

Your notebook should be complete enough that any competent engineer could go into the laboratory and by following your notebook set up exactly the same equipment and duplicate your experimental work in its entirety (including your mistakes).

1. Notebook Guidelines
   1. Use bound notebooks (not spiral), quadrule recommended.
   2. Number all pages sequentially in ink.
   3. Make entries in ink with each page dated.
   4. Make entries primarily while in the laboratory.
   5. Reserve the first page for a title page, the next three for table of contents.
   6. Adhere to proper engineering form in curve scaling, tabulations, and explanations.
   7. Review your notes after a short time.
   To be strictly legal, all pages should have printed numbers and all entries should be witnessed by a co-worker. We won't require this in the laboratory.

2. Notebook Format
   1. Procedure - A description of the procedures followed, including actual circuit diagrams and other pertinent material. Individual meters and equipment listed should be identified by manufacturer, model and serial number or university property number.
   2. Data - Meter readings, calculations, observations, component values, and everything worthy of note. When tabulating readings of multi- range instruments, indicate the range used. Tabulated data should be as neat and clear as possible. The independent variable (that variable you control, i.e. frequency, resistance, etc.) would normally be in the left hand column with an appropriate heading. The appropriate units should be indicated either in the heading or with the data. The dependent variable (the response to the changing independent variable) would normally be to the right of the first column with its own column heading and units. Range changes should be noted, possibly in the columns of data as the data taking progresses. If possible, take data in a monotonic (continuously increasing or decreasing) fashion.
      More consistent and accurate data will be obtained if mental calculations are minimized during data recording. When taking data, record the range as one entry and the raw data value as another. When the range must be changed, record the new range with its associated readings. Once you have complete and correct raw data, convert it to proper values. If this is done, conversion errors may be more easily found and corrected. For best results plot your data during the experiment so that inconsistent points might be recognized and re-measured if necessary.
   3. Evaluation - A critical evaluation of results pointing out weaknesses, inconsistencies, inaccuracies and probable sources of error. Suggestions for better approaches or procedures should be made. (Be "hard-nosed" with yourself here.)