An LSI-11 micro-processor and a Spectra-Physics model 3500B gradient elution liquid chromatography were interfaced for the purpose of automating the chromatograph, incorporating it into the laboratory data network system and collecting data for Michael Starlings' project.

The automation involved the construction of hardware for the control of the chromatograph and for data acquisition and display and the writing of software to operate the interface. The LSI-11 collects data by clock interrupts while displaying the current data buffer on the oscilloscope. It stores all data files on a floppy disk storage device, accessed through the main host computer. An analysis of the data is performed by a peak processing routine, calculating peak area and retention time.

The network is the DEC Rr-11/REMOTE system. It operates on a PDP-11-03 with a floppy disk system for mass storage. The laboratory system has three satellites operating under it. They can utilize all of the facilities of the main computer while maintaining a minimal operational configuration.

The project also had the purpose of being assimilated into Michael Starlings' data correlation system. The LSI-11 will collect data and send it to the NOVA computer system where it will be stored.

The system was tested with several mixtures and the results were found to be accurate and easily obtainable,