A dual purpose sensor acquisition and experimental control system which functions in the demanding environment of a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) spectrometer is described. The system ensures accurate sensor readings during imaging and protects sensitive electronic equipment from the effects of the intense radio frequency pulses and magnetic field gradient switches in NMRI. A homebuilt isolation network was constructed with isolation transformers and optoisolators. A variety of hardware and software methods are implemented to ensure accurate sensor data. The system also allows for the ready incorporation of external events into the NMRI pulse sequence. LabVIEWTM, a graphical programming environment, is the heart of our acquisition/control system. LabVIEW’s graphical interface and modular design enables flexible programs to be constructed which are easily understood and modified by the user. Applications of the system, monitoring photopolymerization and controlling ultrasonic cavitation in conjunction with NMRI, are outlined. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.