An apparatus performs simultaneous data monitoring, logging, and controlling of the state of a system. The apparatus includes at least one system sensor that provides a sensor data signal corresponding to a system characteristic of which the sensor is detecting, a memory that stores data and program instructions, at least one output port that provides an output signal to the system, and a microprocessor that receives the sensor data signal and executes the program instructions to monitor and log data corresponding to the data signal received from the system sensor and to provide system control data to the output port.