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Being a Well Prepared Spotter: Must Have Technologies

Being a Well Prepared Spotter: Must Have Technologies. Tyler Allison tyler@allisonhouse.com Founder, AllisonHouse LLC President , Spotter Network Inc (NFP ). You may not agree…. Chaser - vs - Spotter. Pick your own definition

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Being a Well Prepared Spotter: Must Have Technologies

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  1. Being a Well Prepared Spotter:Must Have Technologies Tyler Allison tyler@allisonhouse.com Founder, AllisonHouse LLC President, Spotter Network Inc (NFP)

  2. You may not agree…

  3. Chaser - vs - Spotter Pick your own definition Since storms are mobile, the effective spotter is also mobile If you can not be safe while mobile, stay home. You can still be useful!

  4. Technology can fail • The best technology to have is an education • SKYWARN training • Books • College of DuPage, IL Storm Chasing Class • Online Training programs (http://www.spotternetwork.org) You better be able to look at the sky and know what is going on!

  5. Not going to cover the basics Transportation Road Side / Safety Equipment Ham Radio

  6. Not going to cover Lightbars Armor Plating

  7. Primary Areas of Technology Knowing where you are Getting reliable information Capturing the event Reporting the event

  8. Knowing where you are • Paper Maps ($10) • GPS ($30-$300) • Stay away from DeLorme, look for native NMEA • Puck or Full size? • Mapping Software • DeLorme Street Atlas • Microsoft Streets & Trips • Embedded Google Maps (iPad, iPhone, etc)

  9. Reliable Information - Computer Microsoft Windows is still king…sorry Apple What about a "netbook“? ($300+) iPhone? Android? iPad? Laptop Mount (RAM)

  10. Reliable Information - Software Radar Data Gibson Ridge-GR3/GR2/GRAE/GRE ($80-$250) Storm Lab v4 ($75 - $140) Radar Scope (iPhone/iPad, $10) Misc Franson / GpsGate ($40) for splitting one GPS among multiple software applications at the same time

  11. Gibson Ridge • Choices • GRLevel3 ($80 one-time license) • GRLevel2 ($80 one-time license) • GRLevel2/AE ($250 one-time license) • GREarth ($180/year subscription) http://www.grlevelx.com

  12. GRLevel3 Everyone should own GR3. It’s the industry standard for radar software. Better than your local TV station Used by 99% of chasers Supports custom feeds

  13. GRLevel2 & GRLevel2/AE Not for use by mobile users. You will be highly disappointed Intended for in-depth radar analysis Best available radar resolution Supports custom feeds AE can do 3D

  14. GREarth Not for use by mobile users. It’s usable, but you will be disappointed Intended for in-depth synoptic scale analysis, now-casting and near term forecasting

  15. StormLab 4.0 Supports L2 and L3 data in same app Supports a few custom feeds Compares to GR2/3

  16. Reliable Information - Data ( Disclaimer, I own the company) FREE is Good, but usually “best effort” If you can afford it ($10-$25/m) get data from a company who’s entire job is getting you reliable data

  17. Reliable Information - Internet You will need Internet access, typically a cell phone • Either a dedicated card or “tethering” • Typically “tethering” means you can not call at the same time you are surfing….but that’s changing • In car WiFi ($300-$500) • Router + Cell phone card • AutoNet • Integrated • iPad • Netbook

  18. Reliable Information - Boosters Unless you are near a big city, or near an Interstate don’t expect to have good cell phone coverage • Remember those paper maps? • Cellphone Booster • Wired vs Wireless ($200-$400) • External Antenna • Experience says go with the Wilson “Trucker” antenna ($50)

  19. Capture The Event – Video • Mobile Web Cams / Streaming Online • Low end/budget camera that has “always on” capability • Severe Studios - or - ChaserTV • Video Camera • Most important spec is 4 lux or lower (minimum illumination) • HD + widescreen is a must now • Tripod is a must with HD • reasonably priced examples • SONY XR350V ($900) • SONY HDR-CX150 ($550) • Pocket Camera? • In 720p HD they work great • That’s what I use

  20. First Canadian F5 Tornado

  21. Capture The Event – Photography Most folks use DSLRs • Nikon D90 ($1000 new) • Canon EOS-20D ($300 used) • You should care about the lens • I own a 75-300mm and 18-55mm (stock) • If you only want one lens buy an 18-270mm ($700) • Think about renting first

  22. Capture The Event – Mobile Meso Can not be done at scientific level for under $1000 Scientists require repeatability and consistency Do you value your car?

  23. Capture The Event – Mobile Meso Must be done right, or not worth doing unless you just like the look on your car

  24. Capture The Event – Mobile Meso Measured wind is best when you report Temperature, humidity, pressure are not used unless scientifically collected So spend $75 and get a Kestrel instead

  25. Now what?! You got there… You are in position… You are recording it… There has got to be more to it right?

  26. Report the Event • Use the Spotter Network if you have Internet connectivity (http://www.spotternetwork.org) • 13,000+ members • Standardized Training • Integrated with NWS • eSpotter • NWSChat • Place Files / Google Maps & Earth • Integrated with just about everything spotter related • Quality Controlled

  27. Report the Event NWS phone # provided Accurate GPS cords Nearest Cities Contact info The NWS might call you!

  28. The End Tyler Allison tyler@allisonhouse.com Founder, AllisonHouse LLC President, Spotter Network Inc (NFP)

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