Microcomputer-based automated rock properties measurement systems

In the past, major rock properties test systems at Terra Tek have been linked to multitasking minicomputer facilities for data acquisition. This system suffered from high noise levels on data acquisition lines, occasional adverse interaction between different test systems and a general increase in system overhead to the point where it became impractical to consider additional expansion of the central computer system. A decision was made about three years ago to investigate the application of low cost dedicated microcomputers for automation of individual test systems. This decision was driven in part by the feeling that implementation of fully automated systems for both data acquisition and machine control would provide improved quality data. In addition, training of new test system operators was simplified.