Automatic logging and processing of AutoAnalyzer peaks with an off-line, time-sharing computer

Abstract

A complete data acquisition and processing system for use with Technicon AutoAnalyzers is described. The system involves the use of a Solartron Datalogger and a teleprinter terminal connected to the Honeywell G265 Time-Sharing Computer Service by a Post Office telephone line.

AutoAnalyzer recorders are fitted with re-transmitting slide-wires to produce voltages that are proportional to peak height. Laboratory-built circuits detect the occurrence of peaks and generate digitise-command signals to the logging system. Peak-height voltages are output to a tape punch and a printer. A manual-entry unit enables coding data to be punched at the beginning of each tape.

Ten AutoAnalyzer channels can be monitored simultaneously. The channel of origin of each value is identified by a number that precedes each peak voltage.

The computer is used to process the raw data generated by the AutoAnalyzers and datalogger. The limited area of core store available to each computer user necessitates the use of several programs, which are called sequentially into the core store, to process the data. The programs were written in the BASIC language by members of the authors' Department.