Help me identify this piece of gear!

[Dave Ragozzine]

Hey all,
I'm trying to figure out what that big PVC pipe thing is. I see it on chase vehicles and I assume it's a protective housing for some instruments but I can't find any info on it. Here's a link to a chaser who has one on his vehicle, http://www.stormpursuit.com/pictures/myvehicle/07vehicle.htm

What is that thing in the middle? (left is an anemometer, right is a camera). Thanks!!!!

 

[Ethan Lang]

Hey all,
I'm trying to figure out what that big PVC pipe thing is. I see it on chase vehicles and I assume it's a protective housing for some instruments but I can't find any info on it. Here's a link to a chaser who has one on his vehicle, http://www.stormpursuit.com/pictures/myvehicle/07vehicle.htm

What is that thing in the middle? (left is an anemometer, right is a camera). Thanks!!!!

not sure but I thinks its a pressure sensor

 

[ScottCurry]

It's this: WM-918 for data acquisition. This includes: Pressure, Dew point, Humidity, Temperature

Close up photos are at the bottom of this page:
http://www.stormpursuit.com/pictures/myvehicle/04vehicle.htm

It's this device, mounted in PVC pipe:
http://195.84.101.101/~goranl/shack/acc_wm918/temp_givare.jpg

 

[NealRasmussen]

I'd hope within 5 years that data collected from these will be piped in realtime to NWS. Yes, some will be inaccurate, but comparison of data when locations are near the same, "chaser convergence", that can be compensated for. A nice grid of theta-e around the storm, in particular the warm sector and RFD, might give a good indication whether a meso will strengthen or not. I think back to May3 1999 when the then young Chickasha tornado had occluded the RFD around it by 360-400 degrees. And THEN it got mean.

BTW. I'd have NWS chip in $10 gas monies.

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

I would carry sensors if NWS pitched in for gas. That's as much of a long shot as my wife stopping to pick up beer for me.

 

[Dave Ragozzine]

I'd hope within 5 years that data collected from these will be piped in realtime to NWS. Yes, some will be inaccurate, but comparison of data when locations are near the same, "chaser convergence", that can be compensated for. A nice grid of theta-e around the storm, in particular the warm sector and RFD, might give a good indication whether a meso will strengthen or not. I think back to May3 1999 when the then young Chickasha tornado had occluded the RFD around it by 360-400 degrees. And THEN it got mean.

BTW. I'd have NWS chip in $10 gas monies.

Right on. If the sensors weren't so expensive, I'd buy one. For now my $99 Accu-Rite meter does the trick. It comes very handy when I'm participating in my local SKYWARN net because I get real time weather data for my exact location. Personally, when chasing I really don't use much info from the meter other than wind speed and direction, temp and pressure. I'm trying to train myself to "read the skies" rather than rely on technology 100%. I use my Radar app to guide the way, then I find a spot, start filming, record data and let nature do the rest. So far this method has gifted me with many great photos and video of lightning.

I'm still learning but so far I am happy with the method that I use.