Programmable Control of the Tandem VanDeGraaff

Abstract

The control system of the Tandem Van de Graaf (VDG) electrostatic accelerator was upgraded in situ, replacing analog control devices with digitally programmable devices, in order to make the control system more intuitive, automated, mobile, upgradable, and generally more user-friendly. The control replacement represents a change in mission focus from scientic research by a small number of highly skilled operators, to a new mission of education, outreach, and freelance precision measurement by a class of operators who are more numerous yet less highly trained. Design considerations and installation details are described within.