Operating Experience with the VICKSI Computer Control System

The VICKSI control system is based upon a standardized hardware and software design which is reflected in a minimal design effort and in a maximum utilization of similar components which make it easy to maintain. The system is designed in such a way that knowledge of computers and programming is not a prerequisit for the operational user. The operator consoles use touch panels for parameter, program and option selection in normal man-machine interaction. The implementation of an interpreter with full access to the process parameter values in engineering units by their physical names facilitates programming for the machine physicist. The performance of the system as a control system depends primarily upon the reliability of the hardware, upon the quality of programs available and upon the flexibility and yet simplicity of the man-machine interface. The present state allows full control and monitoring of the complete accelerator system. Hardware weaknesses have so far only shown up in the analogue acquisition system. All known software bugs have been eliminated. The system is in a stable and reliable state and is used as a convenient tool for accelerator operation. It is flexible enough to allow future extensions.