tyler allison [email protected] founder, allisonhouse llc president, spotter network inc (nfp)
TRANSCRIPT
Being a Well Prepared Spotter:
Must Have TechnologiesTyler Allison
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
Founder, AllisonHouse LLCPresident, Spotter Network Inc
(NFP)