Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Una Smith" <una@lanl.gov>


> [The problem:  how to provide backcountry communications for a
> deaf person.]
>
> Jorene Downs wrote:
> >The only option I can think of - outside the 2-way text messaging
> >for cell phones or pagers - would be the very expensive option of
> >satellite phone connection transmitting from a handheld device
> >capable of text messaging.  Someone would need to be set up to
> >send/receive and act as the relay.

> This can be done very cheaply using digital ham radio technology.
> The person in the field, and the base station, would each need a
> computer linked to a radio...but perhaps by now the computer used
> in the field can be a palmtop?

There are numerous handhelds that can transmit email, text files, etc. This
includes the higher end personal "organizers" with calendars and such -
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

Garmin is about to start marketing a combined GPS + PDA - the iQue 3600.
http://www.garmin.com/products/iQue3600/  This would provide a good "where
are you?" in lat-long (or other format) but what I do NOT see on this unit
is any transmission capability for email or other text messaging. However, I
anticipate this integration of technology will evolve to include additional
capabilities over time, and including higher end PDA functionality is an
obvious next step. Going forward I can see Garmin combining the Rino (GPS +
2-way radio) with the GPS + PDA functionality, which would open the door for
local area transmission of text messages. If they pick up on the
Ultrawideband technology options, the options would expand even further. In
the future I can also see a serious GPS unit (not just the lat-long readout,
but complete with basemap) included in high end cellular phones.

> The major issue here is:  what is the terrain like?  This would
> dictate the choice of radio frequency, or the need for repeaters
> at strategic high elevations.

If I recall correctly, the terrain in that region has a lot of mountains. If
so, the ranch would need to install (and provide power for) repeaters in
numerous locations for adequate coverage for consistent and reliable 2-way
communication.

> One advantage of digital radio is that neither station needs to
> be attended by a person for the message to be received;  the
> station itself receives the message and will store it until it
> is read, or print it just like a conventional teletype machine.

The text messaging would not only be for emergencies, but also for giving
assignments, reporting status, etc., so should be monitored and also act as
relay so the deaf person stays in constant contact while out on the range.
The base station would need to be monitored, or all participating employees
(perhaps a ranch foreman) would also need to carry both the radio and a
connected handheld ... and all would need to be within the transmission
coverage area.

Another option just occurred to me for sending text messages in a
non-telecom (cellular, pager) environment. Not appropriate for all terrain
or environments, but if someone is willing to invest in the necessary
equipment and "repeaters" (routers) you can build a self-forming wireless
computer-type network with extensive capabilities from text to voice to
media transmission. It is also capable of linking with different radio
frequencies.  http://www.meshnetworks.com/

Using basic 2-way radio only, another option to text messaging would be
learning the Morse Code and tapping out brief messages over the radio.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Jorene Downs
Tulare Co, CA
SAR, MSAR, Swiftwater Rescue, US&R,
Hasty Team, ICP