Wish List
Although we have accumulated a lot of the field and laboratory equipment necessary for our research and volunteer activities, some of it is beyond its use life and needs to be replaced or upgraded. Additionally, experience has demonstrated that we need a more appropriate field vehicle for volunteer and equipment transport. Of course a vehicle needs gasoline, tires and insurance and eventually repairs. Because we are dependent on donations (in the past we have resisted collecting fees from our volunteers) and the procedes from contracts with archaeologists for ceramic analysis are inadequate to meet those needs, we have a developed quite a wish list of things that we need in order to continue to be active. There are always various expenses associated with all of our activites, and our lack of operating funds has postponed our research projects and therefore our ability to offer volunteer opportunies to the interested public or provide payroll for our Field Director or his assistant.
Cash and In-Kind Donations
We are an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt research institute so any cash donations can be used to decrease your tax liability. We will generate voucher forms for all cash or In-Kind donations. The first priorty of cash donations is for research and volunteer support, followed by staff salaries.
Field Equipment
Our current PDA's (we use three, one for the Field Director and one for each crew) are outdated and in danger of failing. Newer versions of our handhelds combine numeric keypads with GPS and cell phone capabilties and are an attractive alternatative to carrying three separate electronic devices. Of particular interest is the HP ipaq hq6515a. We have no objection to using refurbished PDA's since field conitions are necessarily hard on electronics. http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/home.do
Laboratory Equipment
We need to replace our gasoline generator powered research kiln since it is showing signs of immenent failire. We use the Paragon Quick Fire with kiln setter and although it draws about as much current as a hair dryer, it is a bit more expensive. htpp://www.milehiceramics.com/paragon.htm#GF, GL Series and Quick Fire Series
Transportation
We desperately need an eight passenger vehicle large enough to transport two volunteer crews of 3 folks each as well as the Field Director and his assistant while in the field. The same vehicle will be used to transport camping and field equipment to and from project areas. Because most of our field work involves a lot of back road driving, the most appropriate vehicle would be something like a Chevrolet Suburban or Honda Pilot. 4-wheel drive would be preferable and a low-mileage used vehicle is totally acceptable.
Camping Equipment
Replacing our current pick-up with a more appropriate field vehicle means that we necessariy need to replace our camper with a pop-up trailer version (we spend up to a month at a time in the field and a tent is just not an option). Gently used is acceptable.
Computers and Accessories
Our old desktop computer is on its last legs and much of our software is out of date. We prefer Dell machines in the middle price range with only selected bells and whiistles (CD-Rom/DVD-RW drive and wireless card). More importantly, we require Lotus Smart Suite software in order to accomplish our various tasks.