tyler allison tyler@allisonhouse.com founder, allisonhouse llc president, spotter network inc (nfp)

Being a Well Prepared Spotter:

Must Have TechnologiesTyler Allison

tyler@allisonhouse.com

Founder, AllisonHouse LLCPresident, Spotter Network Inc

(NFP)

You may not agree…

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!

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 skyand know what is going on!

Not going to cover the basics

Transportation Road Side / Safety Equipment Ham Radio

Not going to cover Lightbars Armor Plating

Primary Areas of Technology

Knowing where you are

Getting reliable information

Capturing the event

Reporting the event

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)

Reliable Information - Computer

Microsoft Windows is still king…sorry Apple

What about a "netbook“? ($300+) iPhone? Android? iPad? Laptop Mount (RAM)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reliable Information - InternetYou 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

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)

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

First Canadian F5 Tornado

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

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?

Capture The Event – Mobile Meso

Must be done right, or not worth doing unless you just like the look on your car

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

Now what?! You got there… You are in position… You are recording it…

There has got to be more to it right?

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

Report the Event NWS phone # provided Accurate GPS cords Nearest Cities Contact info

The NWS might call you!

The EndTyler Allison

tyler@allisonhouse.com

Founder, AllisonHouse LLCPresident, Spotter Network Inc

(NFP)