Equipment for full chasing in USA 2009 Tornado season: HElp!

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

Hi dear frinds!
I'm just returned in Italy after 24 days of chasing in the Great Plains with Tour.
So, If I would came the next year not with tour, wich equipment I need?

VX - Yes, where can I buy it used?
Internet mobile - which connection can I use? exist a rechargeable sim card with internet full time plane? alternatives?
GPS - Which type can I buy for interface to my notebook and trasmit my position to spotternetwork and see my position on the GRlevel 3?

Other?

Thanks a lot dear Friends.

 

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

ehi men... help me please...

 

[John Erwin]

Hi Niccolò;

I'll answer your GPS related question; you can pretty well use any GPS receiver that outputs data in NMEA format and can connect to your computer via USB, Serial or Bluetooth. Please note that many "Car Navigation" type units (ie Tom Tom) DO NOT have this function.

I would also recommend getting a mapping program that will work for the U.S.; it will become invaluable during chasing so that you can see where the road network goes and plan accordingly. Some mapping packages also come with a USB receiver; not sure what you can get from your end but two popular packages over here include Delorme Street Atlas and Microsoft Streets & Trips.

Once you have a data connection you can then use your GPS data with SpotterNetwork.

I'm thinking that one of the other folks from Europe that comes over regularly might be able to address your data questions a bit better.

 

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

Hi Niccolò;

I'll answer your GPS related question; you can pretty well use any GPS receiver that outputs data in NMEA format and can connect to your computer via USB, Serial or Bluetooth. Please note that many "Car Navigation" type units (ie Tom Tom) DO NOT have this function.

I would also recommend getting a mapping program that will work for the U.S.; it will become invaluable during chasing so that you can see where the road network goes and plan accordingly. Some mapping packages also come with a USB receiver; not sure what you can get from your end but two popular packages over here include Delorme Street Atlas and Microsoft Streets & Trips.

Once you have a data connection you can then use your GPS data with SpotterNetwork.

I'm thinking that one of the other folks from Europe that comes over regularly might be able to address your data questions a bit better.

thanks John, I'm waiting for other answer!

 

[Kai-Asle]

Hi Niccolò;

I've also just returned to Denmark after three weeks chasing in the Midwest.

I used Street Atlas, but with this gps http://www.amazon.com/Holux-M-1000-Channel-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B000QJFOTM

Baron you can regularly find under Marketplace:

http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16931

Also a very usefull tip is Franson GPS-gate, which is used to split the signal between several programs, Spotternetwork, Baron and Street Atlas.
http://franson.com/gpsgate/

Works like a charm.

We used an aircard from Alltel, and we streamed live video. However, I recommend an amplifier. Maybe someone can tell you more about that.

Hope the infomation was helpful.

Kai-Asle

 

[Niccolò Ubalducci]

Hi Niccolò;

I've also just returned to Denmark after three weeks chasing in the Midwest.

I used Street Atlas, but with this gps http://www.amazon.com/Holux-M-1000-Channel-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B000QJFOTM

Baron you can regularly find under Marketplace:

http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16931

Also a very usefull tip is Franson GPS-gate, which is used to split the signal between several programs, Spotternetwork, Baron and Street Atlas.
http://franson.com/gpsgate/

Works like a charm.

We used an aircard from Alltel, and we streamed live video. However, I recommend an amplifier. Maybe someone can tell you more about that.

Hope the infomation was helpful.

Kai-Asle

Thanks man! I'm searching for other info!