EARLY CONTROL SYSTEM APPLICATIONS USING PDAS AT TRIUMF

Several software applications are being developed that use a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless Ethernet infrastructure, and the Central Control System (CCS) of TRIUMF's 500 MeV cyclotron. These applications are primarily for use in the field rather than at a console and allow for monitoring and controlling of cyclotron parameters from a pocket-size appliance. This paper describes the initial applications, the preferred form of deployment, and the development environment. Also discussed are several potential pitfalls that may arise from the adoption of this technology.