GRLevel2 v. GRLevel3

[Jordan Bell]

Hi all. This is my first thread and first time posting on this forum, but I have been following for a while now.

I am a college student who is involved with our university chase team but also looking to start some research, that will require past data. I am debating between GR2 and GR3. I know they are both around $80. However I have read that some of the WSR88D's are not up to level 3 but this website says they all are
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/tg/rpccds.html

So I am asking which one is better for chasing and researching and why? Can I use past level 2 data in level 3?
Thanks

 

[Steve Miller]

GR Level 3 is better for chasing - Just because.

 

[Robert Bone]

Jordan,

You cannot use past level 2 data with GRLevel 3, only level 3 data.

I agree with Steve that GRLevel 3 is a better option for chasing. Data files are much smaller in size.

 

[Jon Miller]

A related question - does GRL3 require a high speed data connection ?

I live in the country and would like to get it but unfortunately still only have snail speed dialup internet out here and am wondering if GRL3 would work or be wasting my money ?

Thanks
Jon Miller

 

[J Kinkaid]

A related question - does GRL3 require a high speed data connection ?

I live in the country and would like to get it but unfortunately still only have snail speed dialup internet out here and am wondering if GRL3 would work or be wasting my money ?

Thanks
Jon Miller

I use it in 1Rtt and Edge areas without any problems

 

[Jeff Snyder]

A related question - does GRL3 require a high speed data connection ?

I live in the country and would like to get it but unfortunately still only have snail speed dialup internet out here and am wondering if GRL3 would work or be wasting my money ?

Thanks
Jon Miller

Hi Jon,

The best thing to do would be to download the free trial. If you do it today, you can go ahead and watch the supercells occurring in the southeastern U.S.. That'll give you a good feel for whether or not your dial-up internet can handle GR3. I'm inclined to say you'll be fine as long you don't open every radar product available; just limit yourself to one or two reflectivity and velocity products at any given time.

 

[Robert Bone]

Jon,

GRLevel 3 should work okay with dial up as the data files are usually less than 200 kb, usually less than 100 actually. You can always download the trial version and check it out with dialup. It is fully functional for the trial period.

 

[Chris Nuttall]

Level 2 data is the highest resolution available to the public and includes the "Super-Res" with all NWS 88D sites. Level 1 is basically "raw," and isn't available. Level 2 will provide you the best picture, but the files are quite large, and it isn't a feasible use of bandwidth of a cell connection. Level 3 data, while not as detailed, is a much smaller file size. Thus, the use of bandwidth is reduced, and it will download quicker.

Level 3 is still adequate for real-time analysis.

 

[Darren Stephens]

GRLevel3 with Sprint Card is lightning fast. If you incorporate Franson GPSGate you can utilize the GPS output from the Sprint Card into GRLevel3. IMO there is nothing better out there right now for chasing than GR.

 

[Robert Rohloff]

Jordan, This season I am running Barron Threat Net, Gibson Ridge 3 and level 2 running off a Sprint wireless card. I bought the level two this season and use it for a little more velocity information. However I have found Level 3 is the way to go. For keeping tabs a bit further out I like the Threat net. In close and to make the call GR3 is what I prefer.