Abstract: Provided is a system and method for concurrently adjusting parameters of a system incorporating separate devices. In a preferred embodiment, a series of amplifiers used in an instrumentation system are able to be adjusted and calibrated concurrently via a simple operation of an unskilled operator. One option provides for this adjustment to occur remotely from the devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning an electronic signal that includes a number of signal amplifiers sequentially arranged from a first amplifier to a final amplifier. There is also a microcontroller/microcomputer. A balance circuit is interposed between the first amplifier and the microcontroller/microcomputer, and a calibration step circuit is interposed between the microcontroller/microcomputer and a second amplifier. A digital to analog converter (DAC) is interposed between the microcontroller/microcomputer and each of the amplifiers.

Abstract: A reagent carrying tape is captured between the soil and the outer wall of penetrometer. As the penetrometer moves with respect to the soil, the tape is pressed against an optical window in the penetrometer. Contaminants in the soil reacting with the reagents cause an optically sensible reaction in the tape to occur which is optically detected at the optical port as the penetrometer moves with respect to the tape and the soil sample. The optically sensible reaction occurring in the tape is optically isolated from the masking effects of the soil. A method is also disclosed.