Okay time to tap into your experiance

[Jason Haller]

I have been a weather enthusiest since I started riding my big wheel. Question I have for you is what should I be investing in the way of hardware and software. I currently have the following items as a start and am hoping by next year ( was hoping for this year but had to switch jobs mid stream and that took my chase away for this year).

Hardware:
Laptop (older on that will need upgrading soon Any suggestion?)
Power Inverter (able to handle my Laptop)
350 channel scanner
Delome LT-40 GPS unit
Alltel cell service with laptop tether.
Acu-Rite wireless weather station (it was a Christmas gift and I mounted it to a three way magmount so that it would be mobile.

Software:
GRlevel 3 with Allison House (Just signed up today and I love it already)
Delome Street Atlas 2009 (downloaded the port emulator so that it would work with GRLevel 3)

My biggest stumbling block right now is getting a reliable vehicle to mount everything in. I would love suggestions as to a good used 2000's vehicle that you have had experience with that make good chase vehicles but don't break the bank so to speak.

Also looking into still and video digital camera equipment. I have a nice SLR film camera (still getting into digital after years of using film). Any ideas as to good cameras for chasing would be great as well.

Sorry to take so long but appreciate any help. Thank You.

 

[Cris Schroeder]

It sounds to me like you are loaded up fairly well already. About the only thing I use, in addition to what you listed, is a mobile UHF/VHF ham radio. I wouldn't consider it a necessity, however.

I can't help much with the car recommendations, but I would look into what it takes to make your current car reliable. Unless it takes more than the value of the car, it is probably more cost effective than getting yanked by a used car dealer somewhere.

With respect to cameras, I still chase with film occasionally. I shoot Tmax B&W and Provia 100 in my medium- and large-format kits. Having said that, now is as good a time as ever to pick up a digital SLR. I shoot Canon so I can't make recommendations on Nikon or the other manufacturers. With the new Rebel T1i coming out, The XSi or even XTi will be dropping in price. I use an XTi and didn't consider upgrading until I found out the details on the T1i.

Digital is nice for chasing because of the funky lighting you will run into. Automated metering modes get confused and the histogram helps pick the best exposure without bracketing your way through a lot of film. RAW mode also gives you a lot of flexibility afterwards. When shooting film, I use my digitals (XTi or G9) to find the best exposure before firing the shutter. Maybe it's cheating a little, but it saves on film (which is a big deal when shooting 4x5!).

 

[Mikey Gribble]

If you ever have problems loosing radar data because you're in BFE then I would consider getting XM Mobile Threatnet. It's nice to know you have a source for radar that is about as dependable as it gets.

On the camera side the new Canon they posted a thread about looks awesome http://www.dpreview.com/news/0903/09032504canoneos500d.asp
I would love to buy that thing, but I already have a D70 that never gets used. I take pictures of random stuff and storms every now and then, but in the five years I've had that camera I have never once gotten a picture of a tornado. I always end up just shooting video. I can't convince myself to spend that much money on something that I wouldn't use that much. I would love to get into photography, but video is what I sell and I don't know anything about photography so it would be a waste for me.

I do need a new video camera immediately and I am looking at two different models. I am going to get one of these three cameras. I haven't decided which one so if anybody has any advice I'd love to hear it.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665736696

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665736704

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665291476

If you need a reliable car though that has to take priority in my mind. When I chased in my old jeep I would shutter every time it felt like it did something funny because I was terrified of breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Now that I have a newer car I am more relaxed about chasing and feel a lot better about covering long distances. I also get to deck it out with permanently installed equipment since I know I'm going to have it for at least five year. I'm going to have three more dc outlets installed this week as a matter of fact.
Good luck figuring it out. What equipment to buy for chasing are always tough decisions.

 

[Scott Hammel]

Alltel has great coverage out on the plains but you still might want to get a cell amplifier from Maximum Signal. I've just added one myself for this season and it will hopefully cut down on the frustration I experienced last year...

 

[Patrick Martin]

I'd put a tripod on your shopping list, regardless if you are shooting film or digital. As Chris said, you can get good deals on used Canon Xti or XSi models now. If you have more to spend, you could consider a used 30d or 40d. For Nikon, there are deals to be had on new or used D40, D40x, and D60. It all depends on if you have lenses compatable with these and how much you want to spend.

For a vehicle, all depends on what your budget is. Is breaking the bank 2k or 20k? IMO, your best bet is to find something reliable, that fits your wants and needs as a daily driver, then customize it for your chasing.

 

[Jason Haller]

Thank you for all of your responses. I can't wait to get everything going for next season.