Bill Tabor
EF5
All right! Sitting in my chase vehicle right now typing this...in the Randalls grocery store parking lot. I saw that Mon / Tue a while back was looking promising for east Tx so figured I should get the equipment ready, test, and shake the dust off. Spent most of yesterday and today screwing with my notebook computer and it's just been non-stop one pain after another.
Back last Spring I broke a tab off the USB port I use to plug the gps in along with Gpsgate. I didn't realize it at first back then and Gene Moore, David Douglas and I were treated to some entertainment in the dark with tornadic storms and blocked off flooded roads, etc. You get the idea.
So, anyway I had to remap that but anything I touch related to hardware / software mapping usually just hoses everything. That's why I am always so reluctant to upgrade any equipment. It's just a pain in the @ss to get everything ship shape and reliable again.
First prob I had was my notebook just suddenly completely kicked off while I was sitting at the table and plugged into power. A trip to Mr Notebook (them saying it was hopeless) and the purchase of a $65 power adapter later I'm back in business.
Then it was a matter of figuring out all the mappings of my com ports, and trying to remember how I configured / installed the stuff since I didn't document it, the original threads about it were gone.
Finally an hour or so ago after many tug of war games I got it remapped with Gpsgate working again. Of course then Threatnet wasn't activated, and it's been a while since I've tested my Verizon Mobile Office, or Ositech King of Hearts through Earthlink. That's what I'm doing out here now and I'm happy to report all is well and I am ready to chase. Well, that's assuming there is anything to chase.
I should mention I spent some time examining Radarlab Hd again. Oh, yeah oops I just remembered I need to install and test the gps enabled version. I'll do that in a sec. Anyway I was checking that out, and other radar apps making sure they work. I was on Weathertap and ran across / remembered Weathertap Mobile. That app is pretty kick @ss!! It is much smaller screen and lower bandwidth but is quick to access with favorites and such. It can be used for mobile devices, or I just realized when I am connected in the boonies at 9600 or 4800 baud (that being the only connect available) it will work on notebook computers as well. Plus while you are in it, you can toggle to the full sized image, set favorites, animate - all on the same radar station. Also lightning, and satellite for the same station as well as severe info- briefly. So let me just say well done Weathertap - looks like you've got me for another season!
In closing it doesn't look nearly as good for east Tx as it did. The models and SPC are pulling the action further north and east as is typical of the models and for this time of the year. Now, Tx is showing as just barely in it. My guess is I won't chase AR in the dark but at least I'll be ready if I decide to.
Back last Spring I broke a tab off the USB port I use to plug the gps in along with Gpsgate. I didn't realize it at first back then and Gene Moore, David Douglas and I were treated to some entertainment in the dark with tornadic storms and blocked off flooded roads, etc. You get the idea.
So, anyway I had to remap that but anything I touch related to hardware / software mapping usually just hoses everything. That's why I am always so reluctant to upgrade any equipment. It's just a pain in the @ss to get everything ship shape and reliable again.
First prob I had was my notebook just suddenly completely kicked off while I was sitting at the table and plugged into power. A trip to Mr Notebook (them saying it was hopeless) and the purchase of a $65 power adapter later I'm back in business.
Then it was a matter of figuring out all the mappings of my com ports, and trying to remember how I configured / installed the stuff since I didn't document it, the original threads about it were gone.
Finally an hour or so ago after many tug of war games I got it remapped with Gpsgate working again. Of course then Threatnet wasn't activated, and it's been a while since I've tested my Verizon Mobile Office, or Ositech King of Hearts through Earthlink. That's what I'm doing out here now and I'm happy to report all is well and I am ready to chase. Well, that's assuming there is anything to chase.
I should mention I spent some time examining Radarlab Hd again. Oh, yeah oops I just remembered I need to install and test the gps enabled version. I'll do that in a sec. Anyway I was checking that out, and other radar apps making sure they work. I was on Weathertap and ran across / remembered Weathertap Mobile. That app is pretty kick @ss!! It is much smaller screen and lower bandwidth but is quick to access with favorites and such. It can be used for mobile devices, or I just realized when I am connected in the boonies at 9600 or 4800 baud (that being the only connect available) it will work on notebook computers as well. Plus while you are in it, you can toggle to the full sized image, set favorites, animate - all on the same radar station. Also lightning, and satellite for the same station as well as severe info- briefly. So let me just say well done Weathertap - looks like you've got me for another season!
In closing it doesn't look nearly as good for east Tx as it did. The models and SPC are pulling the action further north and east as is typical of the models and for this time of the year. Now, Tx is showing as just barely in it. My guess is I won't chase AR in the dark but at least I'll be ready if I decide to.
