UPDATED June 2019

COMPUTER LAPTOPS

DELL 7586 Windows 10 / ACER Aspire 5741 Windows 7

DELL Lattitude D630 Laptops Windows XP Backup

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Weather Display Version 10.37Q-Build 75 to run Davis WX Stations

Rainwise Windlog DataLogger V1.0.0.14/USB Driver 2.08.28

WXWORX Mobile Weather Net V1.45

ChaserTV Download/Manycam/Adobe Flash LIVE Downloads

COMMUNICATION RADIOS

KENWOOD TH-D72A Handheld 2M/70cm APRS GPS Tranceiver

ICOM IC-7000/706 mk2 100 watt HF/VHF all mode Tranceiver

ICOM IC-229H 50 Watt 2 meter FM Tranceiver

ANYTONE AT-878UV Handheld/2 Raspberry PI Hotspots

Byonics Micro-Trak RTG-3 10 watt 2 meter Transmitter APRS tracking

Uniden Bearcat BCD536HP Digital/Analog Scanner

WEATHER INSTRUMENTS

Davis Vantage Pro 2 Cabled Weather Station

Davis Monitor II Weather Station

RM Young Model 05103 Wind Sensor/Model 26700 Translator

SATELLITE WEATHER/INTERNET ACCESS

WXWORX XM Satellite Weather Receiver/SAMSUNG GALAXY 6S

VIDEO STREAMING/RECORDING/PHOTOGRAPHY

ChaserTV/Microsoft HD Webcam/ACER Laptop

SONY DCR-HC 36 Mini Digital Camcorder

OLYMPUS FE-230 7.1 Megapixel Digital Camera/Video Recorder

   

RADIO COMMUNICATION

   Having an Amateur Radio License is a plus. While traveling out of New England, I chat with fellow hams back east on the 20, 40 and 80 meter bands. Most 2 meter repeaters are pl toned but some are still open. It is important to monitor police activity, emergencies and National Weather Service broadcasts with a scanner or the ICOM IC-7000. I keep a digital voice recorder nearby to record severe weather bulletins while tracking storms. As a SKYWARN spotter I report severe weather to the National Weather Service. The Norton (Boston) N.W.S. facility is set up for HF and 2 meter communications. A direct landline is available for all SKYWARN spotter Members. 

 

 

 

  In March 2019 I purchased the newest Uniden Bearcat Model SDS200 Color Screen Trunktracker Scanner.  A full US database is already programmed in the scanner. Type in your Zip Code for your area OR connect the external GPS antenna and it scans frequencies at your mobile location. Excellent for storm chasing emergencies. Has WI-FI and LAN.  Digital and Analog. .an AMAZING Scanner!

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Computers

    My primary laptops are DELL 7586 Windows 10 and a ACER Aspire 5741 Windows 7. Main use is for live streaming, XM Weather Data and running my Mobile Weather Underground Station.

 

Two DELL Lattitude D630 Laptops Windows XP are backups.

WxWORX MOBILE THREAT NET PACKAGE

CHASERTV LIVE VIDEO STREAM

   ChaserTV Live Video Stream and Wunderground weather data transmitted with a Samsung Android Note 5 and a 4G Verizon Wireless Model 4279 Jetpack.The Jetpack transmits/receives up to 5 different Wifi signals for the laptops. I have a $95 pay as you go monthly plan.

WEATHER INSTRUMENTS

 

 

DAVIS Weather Monitor 2 / Computer Interface

 

STORM CHASING FAQ

    Weather enthusiasts often ask, how do I become a storm chaser? Before you chase storms, a course in meteorology is strongly advised. Reading books and the internet are both great places to start. When you storm chase, it is very important to be aware of your surroundings. Safety and common sense first! Observing an anvil top of a severe thunderstorm 50 miles away and chasing that storm could put you in danger. Not knowing if the storm will change course, or, you are on an unfamiliar dead end road or the road is washed away from a flood. The storm’s rain band could obstruct a tornado, high wind or hail. The greatest dangers to storm chasers are not just tornadoes, wind and hail, instead, it’s traffic and lightning. Night chasing can be very dangerous. Only a few chasers pursue night storms. But those who do, rely on RADAR and frequent lightning to see the storm. There are many chasers that only use cell phones. That’s fine but rural areas cell service is sporadic,especially when you are near the path of a severe storm. That’s where satellite weather information is BEST. I use WXWORX XM Satellite Weather. Updated data is received every 30 seconds. The service is $100 per month..but well worth it. And with XM weather you get XM Radio for a extra $5 per month.

   Another important tip is public safety. Never sleep at unlit Interstate rest area’s unless you are with other chasers or a caravan of tractor trailers. Sleep overnights on well lighted toll roads and turnpikes. Service Plaza parking areas near the food courts and Truck stops like TA Travel Centers or Love’s Truck Stops are your best bet. They are open 24 hours and have hot showers.You’ll be carrying expensive equipment, credit cards, money, etc.. Always cover your equipment with a blanket when leaving the vehicle unattended. KOA Campground sells a US online directory. Most campgrounds are within a few miles of most interstate highways which have hot showers and some include a heated pool. Always have on hand a large insulated cooler with plenty of drinks/water, food/protein bars and ice for emergencies.

   Your chase vehicle IS your best friend. It must be in good working order. A complete checkup should be done each spring, and each time before a trip. A chase can be hundreds of miles per day depending on where severe weather occurs. An oil change may be necessary during the trip.  It is wise not to chase alone. If you are traveling with a group in multiple vehicles, communication is important. Some storm chasers are amateur radio operators and they are in contact with each other on local 2 meter simplex frequencies. I use two 2 meter VHF tranceivers together if there are multiple ham groups chasing. Non hams use cell phones, FRS or Citizen Band radio. Not all cell phones work in open areas with poor cell coverage. Some cellular companies use a satellite service. I use a Samsung Galaxy S6 phone.

 Enjoy the chase!!

  

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