Client-server data acquisition controller.

Automated data acquisition (DAQ) becomes more and more important in performing modern experiments. On the one hand, introductory level physics classes require basic single probe detectors and readout systems such as accelerometers or barometers and on the other hand, national laboratories use elaborate arrays of detectors and sophisticated complex DAQ systems such as CAMAC (Computer Automated Measurement And Control), FASTBUS, and VME (Versa Module Europa). The research performed at test laboratories in many universities requires a DAQ that is much more advanced than those for introductory physics classes but not as complex and specialized as those at national research laboratories. To accommodate these needs, we have developed a program that assists in the use of CAMAC systems, which are still used in national laboratories but are no longer the primary source of DAQ since the price per channel ratio is higher than for VME or FASTBUS. This program employs a client server protocol so that a single computer can be used to operate as the server while users need only to run the client program. It also implements a GUI (graphical user interface) to relieve the experienced user of running many command line functions as well as assisting the new user who may not understand all of the command line functions yet. This program is also an effective learning tool for any laboratory course that explores data acquisition in nuclear and particle experiments. * Supported by NSF Grant 0244982