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After witnessing the continued decrease of involvement in the SpotterNetwork staff in serving SN members with troubleshooting issues recently, I have unilaterally decided to terminate the relationship between SpotterNetwork's support and Stormtrack. I have witnessed multiple users unable to receive support weeks after initiating help threads on the forum. I find this lack of response from SpotterNetwork officials disappointing and a failure to hold up their end of the agreement that was made years ago, before I took over management of this site. In my opinion, having Stormtrack users sit and wait for so long to receive help on SpotterNetwork issues on the Stormtrack forums reflects poorly not only on SpotterNetwork, but on Stormtrack and (by association) me as well. Since the issue has not been satisfactorily addressed, I no longer wish for the Stormtrack forum to be associated with SpotterNetwork.
I apologize to those who continue to have issues with the service and continue to see their issues left unaddressed. Please understand that the connection between ST and SN was put in place long before I had any say over it. But now that I am the "captain of this ship," it is within my right (nay, duty) to make adjustments as I see necessary. Ending this relationship is such an adjustment.
For those who continue to need help, I recommend navigating a web browswer to SpotterNetwork's About page, and seeking the individuals listed on that page for all further inquiries about SpotterNetwork.
From this moment forward, the SpotterNetwork sub-forum has been hidden/deleted and there will be no assurance that any SpotterNetwork issues brought up in any of Stormtrack's other sub-forums will be addressed. Do not rely on Stormtrack for help with SpotterNetwork issues.
Sincerely, Jeff D.
CB radios
- Thread starter Apolehn
- Start date
Warren Faidley
Joey Ketcham
EF4
CB Radio is pretty much a thing of the past. I think you'll be hard pressed finding anyone using CB while chasing. I can't see any practical use for having one. Ham Radio would be you better option.
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
I use CB radio whenever travelling. The truckers out there know every speed trap (and they still DO exist), best restaurants, and every fuel spot along the interstates and highways. Just be sure to be polite when asking for directions for this or for that. Many will reply. Either ch 18 or 19 will work in AM mode.
The best CB radio in a vehicle is the one with the best antenna. The 'best' can be seen as the longest antenna you can run with. Otherwise, you will compromise receive and transmit capabilities. Antennas with a length of 4 1/2 ft - or longer - are best! I use a 7 footer and have virtually NO problem with hearing or transmitting. Those little 3 ft jobs, the ones you might see in 'Loves' are a waste of money and are quite frankly 'very' inefficient/nearly useless.
As far as chasing goes? Practically every county across the US has amateur radio operators ('Ham' operators) that are members of ARES or RACES (amateur radio operators that form clubs and organize for emergency scenarios) and that are directly involved and in communication with that county's own Emergency Manager - if an emergency should arise. But they use a special 2 meter FM Ham radio to do this.
This requires passing a written test and a license to operate with - a permit from the FCC. If you have the Technician level license (that is the entry level license) issued, then program your radio on-the-fly to the particular frequencies they use (where the trouble is), you can also communicate with them.
Most chasers just use cell phones of those they know and the phone numbers for, and communicate that way. Or some will use GMRS or FRS radios as well because of their small size. However, a CB would have better reach, are cheap and abundant, and have almost uncluttered airwaves.
Been a Ham since 2009, when the local Emergency Manager asked me to help out the county, since I was the only storm chaser around. But he required me to obtain my FCC license before I became part of the team - officially. Well, technically speaking - a volunteer . . .
