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The following software is available for free download. All that we
ask is that you fill out and submit the short form below so that we can keep
you advised of updates to the programs. All information submitted will
be kept confidential and only used for these purposes.
- Artificial Log Generator (ALOG) - ALOG is a user-friendly
Microsoft
® Excel®-based computer program that was developed to accurately
generate random, artificial log data and to serve as an alternative to
using a real log database. Information obtained from the analysis of
actual red oak (Quercus rubra, L.) logs was incorporated into the
program to ensure the validity of the generated log data. Generated log
feature information includes length, small and large inside-bark
diameters, amount of sweep or crook, and defects. External defect
attributes include type, location, length, width, and height. Internal
defect information, including depth, volume and angle, is also given for
the most common defect types that exhibited a significant linear
relationship between external and internal defect attributes within the
sample data. The user has the option of specifying the grade of the log as
well as the position of the log in the tree, or having the features drawn
randomly from known distributions. Finally, a grading algorithm is
incorporated into the program to check the grade of the generated log.
Hardwood Edging and Trimming Trainer - The Edging and Trimming
Trainer program is designed to help hardwood lumber edger and trimmer
operators and sawmill managers better understand how lumber grade, surface
measure, and price interact to affect lumber value and processing
decisions. The training system can be used both as a training tool and as
a testing tool. As a training tool, the program allows the user to
manually select edging and trimming saw line placement and determine the
grade and lumber value for each position. A comparison can then be made
between the user's decisions and the optimum edging and trimming solution
given by the program. As a testing tool, the user's learning progress
after various training sessions can be tested. Another section of the
Trainer provides the user with a lumber grade testing program which allows
users to test their knowledge of lumber grading rules.
Economic Choice for Hardwood Sawmill Operations (ECHO) - The
ECHO software package was developed to help analyze the economic benefit
of installing thinner-kerf and higher-accuracy sawing machines.
Replacement of headrigs and resaws with reduced kerfs and increased sawing
accuracy can be tested. ECHO will also assist in the estimation of the
increased lumber recovery and the resultant increased revenue from
reducing kerf or lumber sizes on headrigs and resaws. As an alternative,
users may make their own increased revenue estimate. Users must also
determine the estimated increased costs expected from equipment changes.
Based on the estimated increased revenues and costs, a discounted cash
flow analysis is performed by ECHO. The investment feasibility measures of
present net value, rate of return, and payback period are provided. The
software also addresses federal tax implications.
Pallet Recovery Opportunity Analysis Tool (PROACT) - Pallet
recovery projects are environmentally responsible and offer promising
business opportunities. The Pallet Recovery Opportunity Analysis Computer
Tool (PROACT) assesses the operational and financial feasibility of
potential pallet recovery projects. The use of project specific
information supplied by the user increases the accuracy and the validity
of the feasibility study. Different scenarios of the same project can also
be compared easily because changes in input are instantly reflected in the
feasibility study results. PROACT is designed for use with Microsoft®
Excel®—the most widely used spreadsheet program on the market
today. It is easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with computer
spreadsheet programs. PROACT is a workbook with three worksheets.
Please fill out the following address information and select the
software package you would like to download.
Last Modified:
06/13/07
Send Comments to Matt Winn: mwinn@fs.fed.us
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