Hi, In mid august, Doug ( Doug  ) mentioned a
project that was working on using a simm-sized micro controller that
implements TCP/IP  for a strong motion devices. Since then I have
purchased two of these controller boards and the company that
provides them are about to release an upgrade to the software the makes
it easier to access I/O through the units programming language, Java.
They have already released the documentation.  Given easy access to the
high speed hardware it would be simple to add some A/D chip. At the
moment the device's supported I/O is a "one wire interface" and serial
port.  I'm looking forward to the upgrade and access to the "real" I/O.

My vote is for Doug's concept for the strong motion device for the schools.
Though the controller boards should have the better I/O software.
Better I/O means a huge range of possibilities.

The device could then be plugged into a local school network. All you need
to do is give it a "IP" address. This coupled with a good 12 bit multi-channel
A/D chip and support software would make an impressive interface.
A/D chip -> LTC1290 ?

The boards are cheap and powerful: see   http://www.ibutton.com/TINI/

I'm not sure about the strong motion sensor, it all depends on what level
of quake the schools want to record.

Maybe the "MOUSE" on your computer is a strong motion device. It even tells
you direction and intensity of the ground movement. Don't laugh.

Arie



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