WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL

USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program

09-19

 

Project Name or Title:

Tripod Mount for Dataram

 

Submitted by (your name):

Trent Wickman

Unit name and address:

Superior NF

Telephone:

218-626-4372

IBM or Internet Address:

twickman@fs.fed.us

Date:

March 12, 2008

 

OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT

(Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)

 

Air quality specialists use particulate monitors to monitor smoke concentrations during prescribed burns and wildfires.  The DataRam is one of the monitors used by the Forest Service to monitor smoke.  Unlike other particulate monitors that come environmentally enclosed and mount on tripods, the dataram does not.  It is necessary for the user to bring a host of other equipment (a table, extension cords, duct tape, etc.) when deploying the DataRam.  It is easy to forget one of the items and not a very practical way of doing business.

 

 

PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK

(Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)

 

Request the T&D centers to design and manufacture a tripod system that the DataRams could be mounted to make deployment much easier.  The tripod should be designed to hold the Dataram and satellite telemetry systems and allow for a place for the of the satellite antenna magnetic base to attach.  Additionally, it should be light and compact.

 

 

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

(Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.)

 

The new DataRam tripod mount will make deploying the instrument much more efficient and easier for the user.  Additionally, finding a location to deploy would be easier since it would no longer be necessary to find a location to mount the magnetic antenna base.