Interactive troubleshooting guide for accelerators

Modern accelerators face the challenge of supporting increased machine complexity and higher levels of utilization while relying on downsized maintenance and support groups. To improve system availability, reduce reliance on system experts and provide a systematic approach to problem solving, an interactive troubleshooting guide has been implemented for the CEBAF injector at Jefferson Lab. This guide, which uses a tree structure with appropriate hypertext links, traces problems from a set of “symptoms”, through a series of diagnostic tests, to a specific corrective action. This guide is used in conjunction with an active parameter monitoring system that is part of the EPICS control system tool kit. The monitoring system generates operator alarms when injector RF or magnet parameters fall outside pre-set windows. Operators receive immediate feedback when injector components vary from their standard values and the troubleshooting guide provides a systematic means to identify and ultimately correct the problem