iPhone chasing is here

[Jody Radzik]

I just downloaded RadarScope for my 3G iPhone for $9.99. It only has base reflectivity and velocity, no roads, a poor map, and cheesy animated radar icons. But it shows position, and combined with a map program like the iPhone default Google Maps, makes the iPhone almost good enough to chase with as a standalone tool, barring access to a PC running GRLevel3.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Ah, it looks ok but I'll stick with a laptop and Grlevel3. I guess for users that can't afford or don't want to lug around a laptop, it might be a compromise.

 

[Jody Radzik]

Right after I posted this, I was reading the RadarScope reviews at the App Store, and was led to iweathr.com, which has a free app that's in some ways better than RS, except for the fact that it doesn't show your position (both apps have a disappointing limit on zoom level.) You can save the ten bucks with the free app, but having your position plotted along with the radar data is worth it, AFAIC.

 

[Eric Hostetter]

I'm looking forward to seeing expansion of this capability for the iPhone.

 

[Shane Adams]

Now any 15-year old with a driver's permit can be a chasing star. Every year this ridiculous technology creeps in, I have a deeper and deeper respect for the (forgotten by today's genre) veterans of the 70s-early 90s who were consistently good with nothing but a (possible) trip to a local NWSFO for a look at paper charts.

 

[Danny Neal]

Now any 15-year old with a driver's permit can be a chasing star. Every year this ridiculous technology creeps in, I have a deeper and deeper respect for the (forgotten by today's genre) veterans of the 70s-early 90s who were consistently good with nothing but a (possible) trip to a local NWSFO for a look at paper charts.

OffT: Funny you mention that, when I started out in the late 90's early 00's I was armed with no more than a NWR, a scanner to pick up spotter/EM freq. and my eyes. Granted I do have laptop now (who doesn't on a chase) but it felt much more rewarding IMO if you pick a storm and stick with it mainly with your eyes. I think you get baited if you use technology, it turns from your gut feeling to something looks better over here.....

OnT: I have a T-mobile sidekick that I can get WUnderground on. It's not the most reliable thing there is, but it gives you a good idea of whats going on in the area. I am not sure I would trust the I-Phone when it came to chasing. Just too many uncertainties with data, maybe if it was a last ditch effort to see whats going on. I just wouldn't want to waste one of my only lifelines batteries on radar when I may need it later on......

 

[Tony Perkins]

Two of the people chasing with me this year during the May 22-25 period in KS had an iPhone. While our Sprint data card was bogged down with everyone hammering the tower, the iPhone almost always had working data. It was pretty surprising.

For me, this kind of app would be great to have when you have a surprise situation. You hop into your car from work, have your iPhone/PDA with you already, and you're off.

 

[Bill Hark]

Now any 15-year old with a driver's permit can be a chasing star. Every year this ridiculous technology creeps in, I have a deeper and deeper respect for the (forgotten by today's genre) veterans of the 70s-early 90s who were consistently good with nothing but a (possible) trip to a local NWSFO for a look at paper charts.

I agree with Shane's comment about the veterans who chased with very little data. I was on the tail end of that era and chased with a WX radio and a few stops at libraries or the NWSFO. Still, technology isn't everything. It still takes experience to decide which storm to target, navigating around storms and knowing when to change. Too much data can be overwhelming and one has to learn how to filter the info. One can have great radar, GPS and computers but blow the forecast too far for recovery.

There are times when one doesn't have equipment and an i phone would be nice for a last minute chase. There are other phones coming onto the market with i phone-like capabilities and hopefully there will be similar apps. For example, there will be a Blackberry Storm later this year by Verizon that will be like an i-phone.

Bill Hark

 

[Philip Flory]

Now any 15-year old with a driver's permit can be a chasing star. Every year this ridiculous technology creeps in, I have a deeper and deeper respect for the (forgotten by today's genre) veterans of the 70s-early 90s who were consistently good with nothing but a (possible) trip to a local NWSFO for a look at paper charts.

I agree with this. Almost, at times, it feels as if chasing almost becomes too easy and the challenge isn't what it used to be with all the new gadgets. If I had to choose gadgets or no I would still want them as the ultimate goal is seeing the best storm and whatever helps me do that im game.

 

[Danny Neal]

I agree with this. Almost, at times, it feels as if chasing almost becomes too easy and the challenge isn't what it used to be with all the new gadgets. If I had to choose gadgets or no I would still want them as the ultimate goal is seeing the best storm and whatever helps me do that im game.

I agree....Whenever I use my technology it feels like I am cheating in a sense.....

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

I agree with this. Almost, at times, it feels as if chasing almost becomes too easy and the challenge isn't what it used to be with all the new gadgets. If I had to choose gadgets or no I would still want them as the ultimate goal is seeing the best storm and whatever helps me do that im game.

Now - Wait a tic.
Are you sure that you don't want to take advantage a new tech if/when you had the chance?

I think that with all of the compactness of this item - it has to lose more than a bit of detail - as well as a lack of other useful info that GR3 supports. However, I do buy the statement that says that every/any yahoo with one of these along with a tank full of gas is going to poach/encroach on chases. Well, every one of us started from some point to get where we are.

Overall, this device can increase the number of chasers, or slim down the equipment requirements in the future of chasing for those that already do chase.
As we all watch the world get smaller every day...

 

[Jason Caster]

For my chasecation I was tempted to use just my blackjack (like a blackberry). But the tethering option made it worth while to bring along the laptop, for a small extra charge. I used it for 90% of my trip.

But on the way back to DFW for my trip home I had everything put away and spotted a flying eagle to my west after I was just south of OKC. Turned out to be the best storm of my entire trip!

 

[Stephen Locke]

iphone data

I use my old iPhone as a backup. I'm suprised how often I'll lose data on the laptop and still get something on the iPhone. Not much. But something.

 

[Eric Friedebach]

Right after I posted this, I was reading the RadarScope reviews at the App Store, and was led to iweathr.com, which has a free app that's in some ways better than RS,

That looks similar to WeatherTAP Mobile, just without the monthly fee. Too bad my phone runs Windows Mobile.

 

[Stephen Locke]

Level 3 ground clutter

I have the iPhone and RadarScope. When the atmosphere is generally clear
I've noticed the radar site reports a big glob of the entire colour spectrum even during the day. Does this mean they power up? Stations in the vicinity of legitimate precip appear to have the (gain?) turned down and the map is readable and individual storm cells can be discerned. Question; Is this a normal behaviour of all Level 3 data programs or just iPhone? And, who or what decides to turn the gain down when real conditions warrant a clear view.