Grlevel 3 or Threatnet or other software??

[Cory Schuller]

Before somebody yells at me I know this has been talked about before and I have searched the results but I just wanted to see if opinions have changed. I ran GRlevel 3 and Threatnet this year and I'm needing to cut back on costs so once again I would like to know what is the best way to go. I can see advantages going both ways and also disadvantages. The main thing on Threatnet that I used was the Shear markers. Is this feature pretty accurate on areas of strongest rotation? I know Grlevel 3 also has rotation markers but the Threatnet is just point and click. I do a lot of night time spotting for the local emergency management team so just doing a visual on the clouds to see areas of concern is difficult. If we see something on radar that at least it gives us an area to concentrate on.

Also how many people use the F5 Data package. I see Andrew (great guy and I have lots of respect for him) is offering the 299 lifetime package again. What are the thoughts on the software package?

Oh and by the way I would sell the Threatnet to cover the costs of the F5 package.........


Thanks
Cory

 

[Joey Ketcham]

GRLevel3 is the way to go. With a datacard you not only have GRLevel3 but access to the internet to look at models, etc. I think Threatnet is overrated and way overpriced. I can't imagine chasing having only a 16-color radar. The only thing about Threatnet that is good is that it uses satellites for the data so you don't lose connection, really though other than that I think it sucks.

 

[Paul Knightley]

I used both this year, but agree that GRL3 is the best, assuming you get good data coverage - that's why we used both, as the internet drops out in some areas.

TBH, apart from the v nasty HP supercell/nighttime situations, radar is generally most useful for getting to a storm. Once on it, use your eyes and understanding of storm processes - they'll generally do you better than radar.

 

[Marcus Hicks]

I'd say GRlevel as well. And it doesn't clean out the wallet

 

[Jay Cazel]

I use GRLevel3 and GRLevel2AE, as well as Threatnet. As most people have said the GRLevel stuff is the best for radar, but sometimes even with an amp kit you can lose interent. I use threatnet just as back up for 3 or 4 months a year then shut it off. Just nice to have but sometimes the updates from XM come in slow also.

 

[Bob Hartig]

No point my repeating what has already been said about the superiority of GR3. I like using GR2AE as well when I can, since the full range of tilts and finer resolution reveal circulations that GR3 doesn't always bring out, but that's just me.

I can speak more particularly regarding F5 Data. If you've got the money to spend on Andy's offer, grab it. You'll love what F5 has to offer. It's already superb, and since Andy continues to improve it, it'll only get better. Plus, if you use AllisonHouse for your radar data, you can layer your own custom F5 RUC configurations on Gibson Ridge radar products--great for seeing at a glance what kind of environment storms are moving into.

 

[fplowman]

I used both this year, but agree that GRL3 is the best, assuming you get good data coverage - that's why we used both, as the internet drops out in some areas.

TBH, apart from the v nasty HP supercell/nighttime situations, radar is generally most useful for getting to a storm. Once on it, use your eyes and understanding of storm processes - they'll generally do you better than radar.

Agreed,

I chased Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri this year. ( slow year, I know )

I had excellent coverage using Alltel internet in the panhandle of Texas on the Texas Oklahoma border. Gosh darnit that software and Alltel modem gave me pretty good coverage in the middle of "no fricken where". Now there were times it was down for an hour or more. But I was chasing visually at that point.

Anyways, on the Kansas and Nebraska border coverage was very spotty and overall terrible for something to depend on. Someone may have different results.

I could upgrade to a new amplifier and antenna for my modem I suppose that may eliminate that issue.

My system however is the internet modem with Gr level and my Baron XM weather along with a couple websites to get other data. this covers all of your bases.

The best system to deal with Murphy's Law. IMO

 

[Adam Boggs]

If you're interested in free, I will put in a plug for some software for Linux I just released. It doesn't even compare feature-wise to what is out there already, but the software is free and open source, and the map and radar feeds are also free. I wrote it with the features that I wanted to have while out chasing, but being open source, it will hopefully evolve with time to incorporate more features, a pretty user interface, etc. If you want to check out the "beta" (may still have some bugs and change quite a bit) software: http://www.aircrafter.org/boggs/stormchasing/BrainStorm/

 

[Jeff Richardson]

I've had very good luck with GR3. For the 'bang for your buck', it can't be beat. For the most part, it gives me the data I need whether I'm in the field, or watching storms at home. If you haven't tried the three week trial period, I'd recommend you do. It's free and you'll get an idea of how it operates.

 

[Jason Boggs]

I've had very good luck with GR3. For the 'bang for your buck', it can't be beat. For the most part, it gives me the data I need whether I'm in the field, or watching storms at home. If you haven't tried the three week trial period, I'd recommend you do. It's free and you'll get an idea of how it operates.

Well said! It just simply can't be beat.

 

[Jason Foster]

I've gotten sick of all the gadgets, but won't put them all away. My opinion: unless you are flush with money....just use GR3. For fun, and when not depending on mobile internet, GR2AE (say like in a hotel or even for just a few minutes waiting for initiation to see boundaries, etc.).

There is so much more you can do with money if it isn't wasted on Baron.

 

[Benjamin Rock]

I have to agree Jason. I don't see the need to buy a $1200 radar program that you have to use XM with and still pay for a monthly subscription. GR3 is the way to go IMO.