Massive Technology Failure?

[Tony Cook]

I had no problems on a solid connection. When chasing in questionable data coverage the strategy should be to reduce the number of products you're pulling to get a better success rate and less of a 'log jam' when you do lose coverage.

When chasing, I just have BR1, SRV1, and MAYBE ET or VIL, but not both, and usually not either.

That's a good point. I probably tend to run too much, but I don't stream, so that is going to save some bandwidth. My connection was pretty solid during the times I was having problems with GR3. I guess my specific question is- was anyone chasing using KNQA and getting BR and SRV products during the times I mentioned (17:47:33Z - 20:32:39Z).

If others were getting these specific products with KNQA, then it was something with my connection. Otherwise, it sounds like the problem was not just with the NWS servers since I was using AllisonHouse. This is a behavior I have not seen before, and it sounds like the problem was widespread. It would be valuable to know exactly where the bottleneck is.

TonyC

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

Relying on your gear to keep you safe instead of your eyes, brain & experience is just plain stupidity.

That's a bit of a loaded statement. Gear does not negate the use of eyes, brain and experience, it augments it. As any pilot making an ILS approach in fog can attest, the sudden and unexpected loss of it can be devastating, no matter your vision, intelligence, and experience.

 

[rdale]

It's a problem that happens every time we get a major outbreak. Nothing new - it's simply the public NWS servers being overwhelmed.

GR3 is _extremely_ popular and only growing more and more with time. Since the NWS servers can't keep up with the demand, and use very bad ways of storing and sending data, this WILL happen again. The bottleneck is bandwidth.

 

[Kurt Hulst]

While chasing Saturday in KY and TN I experienced GR3 data outage several times. I was not the only one as another chaser I was with had the same issue. We were both using GR3. I was able to use COD's radar site just fine, as well as Weatherunderground and radar was up to date.

 

[rdale]

While chasing Saturday in KY and TN I experienced GR3 data outage several times. I was not the only one as another chaser I was with had the same issue. We were both using GR3.

For those coming late to the game - GR3 was not an issue. GR3 data was not an issue. Your data provider was the issue.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

But that's just it Ben, radar needs to be used as a tool, not as a crutch.

Oh, I totally agree. My post was dripping with Sarcasm

 

[Terry Tyler]

For those coming late to the game - GR3 was not an issue. GR3 data was not an issue. Your data provider was the issue.

In that case; Who is the default data provider for grlevel3 out of the box ?

I am extremely disappointed with the performance at such a pivotal time. When you wait and train so much to be prepared for an event like this only to have your most important tool give out on you. Aggravating doesnt begin to describe the situation. I pay $60+ a month for internet I use only a handful of days in a year. The only reason I pay for it is because of level 3. That program is crucial to what I do. I invested alot of time, effort and money on this stuff and most importantly I invested in the program. When you wait for months and years on end to use the program, and it fails. You lose trust for it, you feel like youve been took and you feel like looking for some kind of alternative.

All other internet based radars were working (wunderground, NWS, COD) but level 3 refused to update. I understand that this may not be the programs fault, but I dont know. I thought alot about what could be causing the problem, but I did everything I could to see that it wasnt on my end, and judging by this thread it looks like im right. I dont feel comfortable going back out with that program the way it is. Im very dissapointed and I want to know what I need to do to make sure that doesnt happen again. Do I need to subscribe to a private data service or get a different program ?

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

In that case; Who is the default data provider for grlevel3 out of the box ?

I am extremely disappointed with the performance at such a pivotal time. When you wait and train so much to be prepared for an event like this only to have your most important tool give out on you. Aggravating doesnt begin to describe the situation. I pay $60+ a month for internet I use only a handful of days in a year. The only reason I pay for it is because of level 3. That program is crucial to what I do. I invested alot of time, effort and money on this stuff and most importantly I invested in the program. When you wait for months and years on end to use the program, and it fails. You lose trust for it, you feel like youve been took and you feel like looking for some kind of alternative.

All other internet based radars were working (wunderground, NWS, COD) but level 3 refused to update. I understand that this may not be the programs fault, but I dont know. I thought alot about what could be causing the problem, but I did everything I could to see that it wasnt on my end, and judging by this thread it looks like im right. I dont feel comfortable going back out with that program the way it is. Im very dissapointed and I want to know what I need to do to make sure that doesnt happen again. Do I need to subscribe to a private data service or get a different program ?

Hi, Terry --

GRLevel3 isn't a service, it's a program. The program fetches raw data from whatever server or file you point it to and renders that as a display. The program defaults to the only free source of data out there -- right from the national weather service. There are other services out there, but they cost money. Peeps looking for the six sigma uptime tend to go with AllisonHouse. Ten bucks a month will get you a much more reliable feed.

Personally, I've never had any huge issues with the NWS feed, but it sounds like I've just been lucky. I'm sure I'll end up getting on-and-off subscriptions to Allison the first time I get burned by the NWS feed.

 

[rdale]

I understand that this may not be the programs fault, but I dont know.

Have you taken the time to read this thread? You could take the "I don't know" comment away if so.

I thought alot about what could be causing the problem

Again - stop thinking about it. The NWS servers were overloaded, and that caused probelms.

I dont feel comfortable going back out with that program the way it is.

And you shouldn't. Buy an AH subscription and you'll be set.

Im very dissapointed and I want to know what I need to do to make sure that doesnt happen again.

Again - take one minute to read the thread.

Do I need to subscribe to a private data service or get a different program ?

Did you read any of this? I'm not trying to be rude, but it appears you just saw a thread about "tech failure" and slapped a reply on without checking a sole post.

Guess what happens when you buy a different program?


Same thing. All programs that use the free NWS server suffered. The only reason it's being "blamed" on GR3 is because GR3 is the dominant name in radar software.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Listen guys...(Terry) When all the NWS servers were overloaded on Saturday during the outbreak, I was about to pull my hair out I was so frustrated. I simply checked out Allisonhouse, paid 10 bucks, and I never had another lag on GRLEVEL3 again the whole night. Again for those who don't understand. THE NWS SERVERS WERE OVERLOADED AND IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH GRLEVEL3. BUY A PRIVATE LEVEL3 SUBSCRIPTION OR DEAL WITH LAGS ON BIG EVENT DAYS. IT'S YOUR CHOICE.

 

[Robert Dewey]

I am extremely disappointed with the performance at such a pivotal time.

When you wait and train so much to be prepared for an event like this only to have your most important tool give out on you.

When you wait for months and years on end to use the program, and it fails.

I dont feel comfortable going back out with that program the way it is.

Do I need to subscribe to a private data service or get a different program ?

Terry, I was also using the NWS website radar, and it definitely wasn't "working" in the sense of timely updates. I guess you can blame the program if you want, but that's like blaming your internet service provider every time the COD website is down. To answer your last question, I'd recommend a private data feed.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

All this talk about data feeds and technology makes me forget what I did before internet was available in the field. That's right! Drove to my target and used my eyes...what a concept!

 

[Robert Dewey]

All this talk about data feeds and technology makes me forget what I did before internet was available in the field. That's right! Drove to my target and used my eyes...what a concept!

I rode in on a horse. My only technology was a monocular, wind vane, and Farmer's Almanac. The only "feed" I had was hay for the horse.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

I rode in on a horse. My only technology was a monocular, wind vane, and Farmer's Almanac. The only "feed" I had was hay for the horse.

Monocular? Real men squinted!

 

[Terry Tyler]

Have you taken the time to read this thread? You could take the "I don't know" comment away if so.

Guess what happens when you buy a different program?


Same thing. All programs that use the free NWS server suffered. The only reason it's being "blamed" on GR3 is because GR3 is the dominant name in radar software.

Thanks, Rdale and Jason for clarifying that the program had no problems. Thanks also for letting me know where an alternative data provider is. I will definatly use the allisonhouse next time I go out.