I have to agree. A standardized system is the ideal solution. But I may have
a slightly different view than most. I believe the effective way to deliver
a reasonable costing package is to develop standardized training and support
for the unit. The real cost is not in the initial unit.  Like you Ted, in
the schools in the San Jose area we installed systems in during the early
90's, we faced all sorts of environmental, support issues, scheduling, and
training issues. So, the voice of reason tells me we are overlooking the
most import point. We tend to believe that the teacher likes this technical
stuff-- for the most part, they don't--  and we should recognize how
different their view point is towards the equipment. We want them to care
for it. They want it to be a learning aid. From the five schools we put
seismic systems in (one elementary, one Jr. high, four high schools), only
one of the teachers was skilled enough to perform diagnostics when something
went wrong. Many of the teachers had little if an PC skills.  I say the less
technical the better. There is also a real problem when processing of the
data. Most teachers don't have five minuets extra to... So, if the standard
system includes a three component design, and then a strong motion sensor or
two is added, the operational issues and data handling issues are
compounded. If you go that route, I feel the design should include a fully
automated data handling capability. The students and teachers can access the
information via a web site from home or a school. That way homework
assignments or special projects could include the use of the web and
exchanging data with other schools is then a simple task. Anyway, that's my
cents worth.
Regards, Steve Hammond
PSN Aptos, California "Stylish living in the epicenter site of Loma Prieta"
-----Original Message-----
From: ted@.......... 
To: PSN-L Mailing List 
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 1999 7:24 AM
Subject: Re: Strong motion sensor design


>
>The discussion of a standardized system is very valuable.  I believe the
closer
>it gets to being a "turnkey" system, the more it will appeal to high school
>teachers who have no extra time to spend on maintenance.
>




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