Chasing Equipment Basic Features

[Jason Berner]

So, I am planning on getting a lot more involved in chasing here this summer and thought this would be a good place to pose the question: Can everyone help compile a list of basic features for equipment such as GPS, wireless card, antenna, camera/video that one should definitely get when purchasing new items.

To try to keep it simple, I would prefer everyone stick to features that are pretty basic (i.e. a camera with X megapixels is something I can figure out myself). Basically, I am thinking of little things that the normal consumer wouldn't think about but yet comes in extremely handy or makes life a lot easier as a chaser. For example, I read on here or somewhere someone saying that newer GPS don't come within a certain com port making sending gps-related data to the computer more difficult.

I appreciate all the help.

 

[Karen St John]

Pretty much the best thing to do is use the Search feature and go through the threads and see what has been utilized to the best effect.

You do know alot about meteorology, right? All the equipment in the world won't make up for storm knowledge, good instincts and intuition.

 

[Eric Friedebach]

Consider getting your ham radio ticket and a scanner to listen to NWR and Skywarn nets. With a amateur radio license you would be exempt from laws in IN and MN prohibiting the mobile use of scanners, IIRC. Or even better, get a 2 meter radio. Most, if not all, Skywarn nets are not structured for someone “passing throughâ€￾ to give reports, but 146.550 simplex is a popular hangout frequency for chasers.

You can take practice tests of the Technician Class (and others) here.

 

[John Erwin]

GPS info

The "navigation" type GPS units popular these days for consumers are not suitable for chasers in many ways.

Virtually none of them will output GPS data (in NEMA format) for use by an external computer. Don't get fooled by the fact that they have USB connectors; that is merely to permit updates to the unit or allow charging.

For any laptop-based mapping, GPS-enabled weather apps or other tracking applications I would recommend what is often called a GPS "puck". These are simple GPS devices that connect to the laptop via a USB cable or bluetooth in some cases. A search through the forums here will provide lots of data on various models available. If you are looking for mapping software too you might want to consider a mapping/GPS combo like Microsofts Streets & Trips /w GPS; the unit that is provided with that set works very well.

 

[Drew.Gardonia]

here's my list

power converter
laptop
wireless data card and signal boost antenna
GRLevel3 Radar program
bookmarks all NWS and SPC Weather Websites and radars for fast access
Delorme Streets and Map w/ GPS puck
Police Scanner w/ charger and/or extra batteries
Cell Phone and charger
WX Radio and extra batteries
Vehicle
sturdy 6' tall tripod with adjustable height
digital camera with charger and extra batteries and memory cards
digital/hd video camera w/ charger, extra batteries
windbreaker/hoodie for when the cold front moves through
nationwide street atlas with county listings printed on the map
binoculars
cooler (for drinks/snacks) so you don't have to stop all the time
2 or 3 way cigarette adapter plug (to run multiple components)
radar detector
laptop mount