This paper describes the experience of systems design and software development for a microcomputer-based data processing system for the zeta potential, hydrodynamic permeability, and electric conduction measurements by the streaming current method. The system is based on NEC's microcomputer PC-8001 with 8 bits microprocessor Z-80 as CPU. The user's memeory capacity (RAM) is ca. 27 KB, which is sufficient to apply to the streaming current method. Audio cassette tapes were used as sequential data files of the system. The signal transfer speed of the cassette recorder is 600 Baud (bits/sec) and the time required to file one set of data was 191 sec.
The data input was performed in (6 × 7) matrix form and the excecution time for one set of data was ca. 9 sec.
The programming language is a modified BASIC developed by Micro Soft Inc. and programmes were developed in conversational mode using a video display. The software package consists of three programmes : (I) Batch computational mode, (II) Data filing mode, (III) Data reading and computational mode.
Although the execution time of interpreter-based microcomputer using BASIC is longer than that of the compiler-based large-scale computer using FORTRAN, the turn-around time is shorter for the microcomputer.
The microcomputer-based data processing system permits flexible programming due to sufficient memory capacity and conversational programming procedure. The system installed in a laboratory permits quick visual judgement of the results right after the experimental work using graphical functions on the screen of a video display and by the statistical treatment of the output data.
This paper is a part of the presentation at the “1981 Papermaking Conference” sponsored jointly by the Japan Tappi and CPPA (October 1981, Tokyo).
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