Irecently had the opportunity

Transcription

1 EQUIMENT REVIEW BY DVE BOYT TJFUN Bober 800 Caliper Forestry and wood processing have both benefited from advances in technology. Everything from lighter, more powerful chain saws to satellite-based mapping have impacted every aspect of the industry. Forest inventory measurement tools typically include a GS, topographic maps, diameter tape, Biltmore stick, calipers, and notebook. nd then once back at the office, you have to compile the data, usually by typing it into a database or spreadsheet for record keeping and analysis. However, the electronic Bober digital caliper, combined with an ndroid smartphone or tablet (sorry no pplecompatible software yet), replaces all these tools, and automatically logs the measurements for you via a Bluetooth wireless connection. Irecently had the opportunity to try out this new high-tech tool that is targeted to foresters, log buyers, and sawmill operators. The Bober electronic digital caliper is manufactured by Tajfun (the same company that is wellknown for its winches and firewood processing equipment) in Slovenia. It looks like a conventional forestry caliper, but the computer interface makes recording and analysis of the data easy, fast and accurate. Even though the interface is user friendly and easy to learn (especially for people familiar with ndroid devices), U.S. general manager Tamara Zalar took the time to show me the features. Setting up the software is straightforward and its features allow for inputting detailed information about each job. The file management permits the user to 4 Sawmill & Woodlot identify the technician performing the inventory, the client, and the specific job. If desired, more detailed information regarding the value of different species and tree quality can also be entered. fter a half-hour of instruction, we had set up a new job and user (me), and we were ready to head for the woods to do some field work. Out in the Woods The main tool is a 32-inch tree caliper. Opening the folding jaw automatically makes the wireless Bluetooth connection to a smartphone or tablet computer. quick slide past the 22-inch reference point calibrates the caliper, and the system is ready to go. The caliper is built of aluminum and weighs only 44 ounces, but it is somewhat bulky to carry through the woods, so I fashioned a sling out of a belt to free my hands while walking Right: Tajfun U.S. general manager Tamara Zalar enters tree species and height as she takes inventory with the Bober caliper. The caliper sends diameter data to an ndroid smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. Combined with height information, species, and form class, the computer calculates the volume and value of the wood and stores the information for later analysis. Inset: The author tries his hand at measuring a tree. The measuring system is accurate and easy to use. The software was intuitive and had no bugs or glitches.

2 When selecting a species, the computer provides an image of the tree, leaf, and seed to help verify the identification. In addition to recording the diameter, the user inputs height (either in 16-ft. log lengths or in feet), species, grade, and form class. The computer does the rest, calculating volume in Doyle, Scribner, or International ¼-inch scale. The software allows the user to enter the name of the technician taking the measurement, job description, and client name. The three measurement options (shown on the screen) are measuring logs, trees, and sawn lumber. The interface is straightforward and easy to work. Measuring the log with the caliper can be a real timesaver. The caliper sends the diameter to the smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and the user inputs species, length, and grade. The laser feature also saves time, allowing the operator to take readings without walking up to each log individually. The software keeps a running tally of species, volume, and value and exports the information to a spreadsheet for analysis and archiving. Oct/Nov

3 EQUIMENT REVIEW through the woods and using the computer. The software contains a database of tree species common to North merica. Species selection can be made either by scrolling through the names in alphabetical order or by typing the first letter or two of the name. The computer displays a picture of the tree and a leaf to help verify the identification. Next, you estimate the quality of the log and the height of the tree, either in feet or number of 16-foot logs. To measure the tree diameter, simply walk up to it, set the caliper on it, and press a button to upload the measurement data to the computer. Since many trees aren t perfectly round, you can take several readings and let the computer determine the average diameter for you. The software also lets you add measurements in case the tree diameter is bigger than the 32-inch limit of the caliper. To exemplify this, Tamara described a recent project where the caliper accurately measured Sequoia SECS Bober 800 Caliper U.S. distributor...tajfun US ddress: James St., Syracuse, NY hone:...315/ Website:... Cost:...$1,950 (computer not included) ccuracy: in. Weight:...44 ounces Measuring scale...32 in. Max tree diameter...no limit Software platform...ndroid trees over 200 inches in diameter. The computer stores the data and calculates the log volume in your choice of Doyle, Scribner, or International 1/4-inch scale. It also displays a running tally of volume. If value per board foot was entered while setting up the job, the computer will display the value of the tree, and a running tally of the value of all trees on the job. If the GS feature on the computer or smartphone is enabled, the computer also records the location of each tree. If you don t want to disturb a rattlesnake between you and the tree (or can t get close to the tree), press another button on the caliper to project a pair of laser beams. djust the caliper so that the beams just hit the edges of the tree and press the send button to transmit the diameter to the computer. I measured several trees from about 10 feet away (no snake involved), and the readings were accurate. You can also enter the diameter directly into the computer if that is more convenient. Back at the office, the data can be exported to a spreadsheet for further analysis. Dry Kilns! Lowest Cost! Longest Lasting! Easiest to Operate! info@nyle.com Dehumidification, Steam & Hydronic Kilns Drying Lumber & Firewood, & Heat Treating allets Over 5,000 Units Sold! Sawmill & Woodlot

4 T THE MILL YRD, the caliper can also measure board width. The user manually inputs thickness, length, species, and grade. With the laser feature, an experienced operator could measure and input the information as the boards slide by on the green chain. The smartphone or tablet compiles the data and saves it for transfer to a spreadsheet on a computer. Wish List The system was clearly designed with foresters in mind, but there are a few things I would like to see in future versions. provision to customize the tree database would be nice. For example, it would be useful to identify an oak tree more specifically than white oak or black oak, or identify the species of a pine tree. I have little doubt that the system will eventually link intelligent tree selection to the GS. The tablet computer I used for recording the information was a little cumbersome, but the screens were easy to read. ccording to Tamara, most foresters use a smartphone strapped to their wrist, which is more convenient. nother useful feature would be sensing two identical readings taken from the same location. couple of times, I accidentally sent a reading to the computer twice, and I wouldn t mind a heads-up if I came back to the same tree from a different direction and measured it again. In the Log Yard In the log yard, the same caliper measures and records log diameter. The laser system saved the time of walking up to each individual log. The diameter-averaging feature was especially helpful with oval-shaped logs. Measuring and recording data is similar to that for trees, with the same selection of species and log grade. The user must manually input the length, species, and quality of the logs. The computer keeps a running tally of the number, volume, and value of logs. s with the forest inventory system, the data can be exported to a spreadsheet for analysis. nother Wish List Soon I started to think about improvements. rangefinder to quickly measure the length of the log comes to mind. n integrated bar code reader would be useful for tracking logs, streamlining the inventory and purchasing process, and documenting chain of custody. ortable Chainsaw Milling & Woodworking Machinery Make money or start a rewarding new hobby! Use Key Code: SW13 Timberjig Chainsaw Mill Reg. $ SVE 40%! $ Call Toll-Free LOGOSOL ( ) Distributed by Bailey s in the US baileysonline.com/logosol Oct/Nov

5 EQUIMENT REVIEW t the Sawmill t the sawmill, the software accepts caliper or manual input of board width and manual input of the length, thickness, species, and grade. The computer calculates total board footage and value of the lumber. For this segment of the program, the user sees a sample photo of each species to help identify it. Lots of Uses The Bober caliper is well built. lthough, like any precision instrument, it can be damaged with rough use (like driving a truck over it), it can handle being bumped around, and the electronics are sealed to keep out moisture. The aluminum construction is lightweight and rustproof. lthough most landowners may continue to use a Biltmore stick and notebook, professional foresters who spend a lot of time in the woods will find this a valuable time-saving tool especially when it is time to do an analysis on a patch of timber. The caliper would also be useful to lumber buyers, allowing accurate measurement and recording of board footage as the logs are being loaded or unloaded. Logging companies could use the caliper to keep track of production, and sawmills will find it useful for quick measurement of boards and calculations of output by grade and species. Time for a New Wish list When I mentioned some of my suggestions to Tamara she had to laugh, as most of them are already in the newest version of the software or under development (including more tree species and bar code reading). We ll put the caliper to the test at this coming October s Great ortable Sawmill Shoot-Out as we measure the logs and lumber. The caliper should allow us to provide production The author measures tree diameter. The caliper transmit the information to the computer through a Bluetooth wireless connection. results on the spot no more waiting until the next day while we crunch numbers offsite. Dave Boyt has a BS degree in Forest Management and an MS in Wood Technology. He manages a tree farm (2006 Missouri Tree Farm of the Year), and operates a band saw sawmill. 8 Sawmill & Woodlot

6 NEW! TimberKing Sawmills Rugged, Hardworking & Dependable TURN TIMBER INTO CSH! KING OF THE WOODLOT! 2400 Super-ro 66H Mill with Full Hydraulics Simply the BEST THERE IS! EVERY TimberKing Mill gives you THE TIMBERKING DVNTGE RIGID 4-ost Saw Head perfect alignment of blade and deck. DEENDBLE Direct-ction Hydraulics reliable performance. SOLID Welded Twin Beam Cut Deck big logs, huge loads, no problem. MSSIVE Cut Throat wider, taller cuts other mills simply can t make. INDUSTRY-LEDING Warranties 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, 2-Year & 5-Year Warranties. Tradition of Trust since generations of sawyers have banked on TimberKing. SIX TIMBERKING MODELS from Weekend Warrior to Super-ro INDUSTRIL! WTCH DEMO VIDEOS ONLINE! TimberKing.com SEE TimberKing Mills in action WTCH actual owners sawing VIEW free videos online NOW CLL TOLL FREE Ext. ZN26???? TimberKing, Dept. ZN26,????, 1431 North Topping ve., Kansas City, Missouri es Best Deals all at FREE FCT KIT! On e la c IER S IER S Saaw w Sh hop op e B la tb, d es TimberKing Sawmills IZES ND S S D N ST BR LSO K EN MO R STOC SH ES IN I L WE RE U ING S REN ER H S RE HO C R E I THE OUR SCR BOUT Y F K O S RE C E K TO T! ES BLD Oct/Nov