Control view to EPICS conversion of the TRIUMF TR13 cyclotron control system

The TRIUMF TR13 Cyclotron Control System was developed in 1993 using Allen Bradley PLCs and ControlView. A console replacement project using the EPICS tool-kit was started in Fall 2009 with the strict requirement that the PLC code not be modified. Access to the operating machine would be limited due to production schedules. A complete mock-up of the PLC control system was built to allow parallel development and testing without interfering with the production system. The deployment allows both systems to operate simultaneously, easing verification of all functions. A major modification was required to the EPICS Allen Bradley PLC5 Device Support software to support the original PLC programming schema. EDM screens were manually built to create displays similar to the original ControlView screens, thus reducing operator re-training. A discussion is presented on some of the problems encountered and their solutions. (authors)