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Posted by: Guest
on Nov 01, 2010
The Gabon Caving Expedition has had 2 very successful weeks (minus our very scary caving accident). In that time we have found over 10 new caves, mapped approximately 2.4 miles or 4km of new cave passage, and most importantly we have discovered
Posted by: Guest
on Oct 29, 2010
I decided to head out on a backpacking expedition up the Middle Fork of the Willamette River with the goal of hiking up to the headwaters (start) of the mighty Willamette River.
Although the starting elevation was only around 2000 feet and we were going in the beginning of July, the mosquitos were still really bad!
Posted by: Guest
on Oct 18, 2010
This past April I made my 4th trip to Belize's Bladen Nature Reserve to participate in a program that began in 2005 to study migrant and resident bird populations. In addition, the project has expanded to focus on Harpy Eagles that are
Posted by: Guest
on Oct 11, 2010
I would like use this blog to share with you all how we are using the RECON to further conservation in Mexico. I have lived in Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo, Mexico for almost 15 years and am the Director of a non profit association dedicated to protecting the fresh water resources of this area through exploration, science and education (www.cindaq.org). Any of you that have visited this area will know that it is world renown for its incredible white sand beaches and Maya Temples. The hydrology of this area is fairly unique in that water (both fresh and salt) flow through flooded solution cave systems. Most peoples first impression of underwater caves and cave diving is that of small silty cavities, and thrill seeking adrenaline junkies that venture into them. The fact is, that the caves of this area are absolutely enormous and that those of us who are involved in the exploration of these caves could be used in a case study for risk management. To give you an idea of the enormity of the caves for this area, we currently have the 8th and 9th longest cave systems in the world. Sistema Ox Bel Ha has @170,000 meters of explored passageway while Sistema Sac Actun has over 155,000 meters. What is truly amazing is that these caves only began to be explored in the last 20 years and that they continue to grow on a yearly basis. For an in depth description on this areas caves visit the following website of the Quintana Roo Speleological Survey (http://www.caves.org/project/qrss/qrss.htm). So why are these caves important? Well, they serve as the link between every major ecosystem that we have for this region. The caves allow freshwater to flow from the jungle interior out to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef which is the second longest barrier reef in the world. Due to the high porosity of limestone these caves are vulnerable to all kinds of contamination. In the case of Ox Bel Ha, which extends more than 9 kilometers from the beach back into the jungle, any contaminant that enters the cave system can potentially exit onto the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. When you consider that Quintana Roo (The Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel and the Costa Maya) generates 10-12% of Mexico's GNP, you can see that the conservation of the regions underground rivers is vital to the future economic sustainability of the area. Contamination is already being detected in the caves, the sources are from sewage and solid waste. This is what makes the exploration of the caves so very important.
Posted by: Guest
on Oct 04, 2010
Software developed by John Reid Consultancy Services Ltd (JRCS) is now being used on the UK motorway and trunk road network by 10 highways agencies and by others at local road level. Developed specifically for Windows Mobile 6 on the TDS Nomad applications have been deveoped for Inventory, Safety Inspections, Detailed (specialist and non-specialist) Inspections, Lighting Surveys, Drainage and Traffic Signs. All include location by GPS and the inclusion of photographic records. Because of the unique and flexible way the software and output format has been configured, many other options are available. See how the Recon and Nomad are being used on the news page from John Reid Consultancy Services.
Posted by: Guest
on Sep 27, 2010
As a precision rifle firearms instructor, as well as a relatively new resident of Colorado, I utilize my Recon 400X for two main tasks, one, using Night Force's Ballistic Targeting Software, and two, locating areas that are safe for shooting, and also provide a diversified environment.
The Night Force Ballistic Targeting software is a straight forward and simple to use program that runs on the Windows Mobile 5 & 6 operating system. It is smooth in its operations and delivers extremely accurate elevation, windage, and lead adjustments, which is based on simple data that the user inputs into the software. The combination of the Recon 400X along with this software has been so successful, that not only do Hunter's in the know use it, but a great amount of US Military Shooters, as well as other Shooters under the NATO umbrella, utilize it as well. This is only one software application that runs seamlessly without locking up.
When I say "locking up," I mean freezing, until rebooting the system. Other types of PDA's were originally manufactured utilizing operating systems that were designed to be nothing more than glorified phone books. The TDS lines of Pocket PC's are different. They are not only water-proof and shock-proof; they have been designed to operate many third party software packages that are ported to run on Windows Mobile 5 & 6.
As I previously mentioned, I am a Precision Shooting Rifle Instructor and although I use my 400X in conjunction with "Night Force's" Ballistic Targeting Software, it has proven to be an invaluable tool when combined with the "Holux GR-271" GPS card. As the batteries in my rugged Recon will burn for up to 15 hours, I use the GPS to track in and out of unfamiliar areas; and have also had great success locating other areas of interest. This is and has been an enormous time saver. The reasons why is because I use my Recon in conjunction with two other desktop mapping software packages that allow me to locate the areas of interest that I want to venture into.
First, I open "Google Earth" and "fly" to the area of interest, tilting, panning and zooming, until I find the right spot. Once there, I take note of the lat long's, launch another software application on my desk-top by TDS called "Terra Guide" which is a mapping software package, then locate and mark the lat long's that I previously acquired in Google Earth, and at times, draw a path in and out of where I want to go. Once I complete those tasks, I connect my Recon to my Desktop computer via a USB cable, and export that information from Terra Guide on my Desk Top, to Terra Guide on my Recon. Later, when I turn on my Recon, and launch the Terra Guide software, the information is there, and the GPS automatically begins working. It is simple and very user friendly.
Venturing out to my areas of interest is fast and easy. Now don't get me wrong... developing mountaineering and map reading skills is an essential skill set that should be learned, however using the software packages that are available from TDS, has saved me months if not years of recon work. Utilizing them on my rugged Recon 400X, has made it easy.
Posted by: Guest
on Sep 10, 2010
The Pentagon is issuing TDS Ranger handhelds to troops in Afghanistan this month. These handhelds, with specialized software and hardware, will be used as mobile lie detectors in the field. Known by the acronym PCASS, Preliminary Credibility Assessment Screening System, the device uses the TDS Ranger with three wires that connect
Posted by: Guest
on Aug 23, 2010
Every year backpacking and outdoor publications and websites come out with their top ten products. It's a great way to learn about a new cutting edge products, old tried-and-true favorites or find an idea for that perfect gift. Here are some of my favorite rugged products (and some that are still on my wish list). Maybe you can use them while you are out backpacking or hiking this year. 10. Felt Virtue Two - This bike features an awesome new suspension design, great for the most hard core of riders. If you're more of a traditionalist however, you can't go wrong with a Santa Cruz Superlight.
Posted by: Guest
on Aug 16, 2010
If you're new to rugged computing and are hungry for a comprehensive-yet-understandable overview of what "rugged" means, I'd recommend that you read this article by Group Mobile Rugged Computers. They cover everything from non-rugged laptops all the way through rugged standards and IP ratings, wrapping up with the concept of price vs cost. One note: you'll see that the definition of "fully rugged" can vary, e.g., they consider IP54 (standing up to a heavy spray) to be a "fully rugged" laptop. For those who need something more durable, our handhelds have an IP67 rating, which we differentiate with the term "outdoor rugged" -- standing up to dust and temporary immersion. If your application calls for working outdoors, be sure you know the IP rating of the computer you select. Weather is unforgiving, and you don't want to lose your device and your data to the elements.
Posted by: Guest
on Aug 06, 2010
I own a RECON 400 mhz which I purchased in 2005 to help me locate remote jungle sinkholes and aid in data collection for a wide variety of scientific disciplines.  I run the SoloField Software on the RECON and ArcView 9.2 on my laptop. Without a doubt the RECON has revolutionized the way in which I work in the field. I have lived for the last 14 years in Quintana Roo, Mexico. I am a cave diver and run a non-profit dedicated to protecting the freshwater resources of this area through
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