Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una@lanl.gov>]

On Mon, Dec 23, 2002 at 03:56:56AM -0800, Jorene Downs wrote:
>Barcode scanning for ID cards and logistics inventory has been
>mentioned as a viable management tool for SAR.

Just be sure all inventory item/personnel ID numbers include a
check digit.  The algorithm used on most brands of credit card
(inc. AmEx, MC, and Visa) is as follows:

Step 1:  Double the value of every other digit, working from
the second digit from the right (the first digit on the right
is the check digit). 

Step 2:  Add each digit from Step 1 and each of the remaining
digits in the number. 

Step 3:  The modulus (remainder after integer division by 10)
of the total from Step 2 should be 0.  That is, the total
should be a number ending in zero (30, 40, 50, etc.).  If not,
the number contains a typo.

To generate the check digit for a new number, do as follows:

Step 1:  Double the value of every other digit, starting 
from the first digit on the right (the number as yet has no
check digit).  

Step 2:  As above.

Step 3:  To get the check digit, subtract from 10 the modulus
of the total.  Append the check digit to the right end of the
number.

Anyway, exactly what problems in SAR is barcoding expected to
solve?


It is trivial to run computers off DC batteries and to charge
the batteries by solar panels or gas/diesel generator.  This
has been SOP for remote field research stations for over 20
years.  For example, Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Peru:
http://www.duke.edu/~manu/visiting%20scientists/energysupply.htm.
My horse trailer has a walk-in tack room, big enough to house
a full-size plotter...

Internet access in wilderness areas does not require satellite
communications, not if HAM radio service is available.  Ever
heard of FidoNet?  Traditionally, it ran on HAM radio systems.
It carried e-mail and Usenet news for years before the Internet
existed, and for many years since then has remained the only
affordable way for many computer users in (for instance) South
Africa to get access to the Internet.  http://www.fidonet.org/
FidoNet is ideal for SAR, because SAR generally has ample HAM
radio expertise.

        Una Smith
        Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse, in New Mexico