Computer Assistance in Experimental Area Operations at the ZGS

An on-line computer system is being used to monitor and control various devices. Progress has been continual although slow at times. Our primary difficulties have been in interfacing to a variety of devices which were brought into existence without thought of digital control or monitoring. Efficient use of a computer clearly requires considerable preplanning of the hardware that is to be attached and a thorough understanding of the operation of the hardware in order to implement useful software. One should expect to expend considerable programming effort.