Poll: GR3 or GR2analyst for active chases

[Jason Foster]

I was starting to wonder where chasers stand these days on which versions to use of GRLevelX software.

I have access to both software, but only have used Analyst at home and not on chases. Part of that reason is because I figured GR3 was simplier and wouldn't use as much resources on my older laptops (both are 4 and 5 years old). However, I wondered if there were any benefits for using the top version for active chases.

I've created this poll to gage what is being used, and to discuss using either during active chases....not for at home uses.

 

[rdale]

Benefits of AE on chases are the same during at home... The hail & rotation algorithms are better than anything you'll ever get anywhere else. Super-resolution is unmatched when it comes to analyzing the data.

Downside is the bandwidth. If you aren't able to keep up with the higher speeds, you lose chunks of the volume. I usually run both if I'm in a high-speed area, then turn off AE if I travel into a 1X zone.

 

[John Wetter]

I think everyone would prefer Analyst while chasing, but it isn't really possible unless you're in solid 3G coverage. So, I guess the question is difficult yo answer unless you really are just looking to a best case scenario...

 

[Rob Wadsworth]

I voted for GR3 - because of the data rate requirement. It would be useful to have GR2 too, But as John W said, it is the data issue that keeps it from being used out in the field. I've seen one guy using it in the field while out in Quinter last year; I must say that it made it more interesting. I can see how it can be useful in the future when data rates increase to accomidate GR2 requirements.

EDIT: I've tried and liked the GR2 & AE trial and used them untill the trial time had finished. I used on my PC; not the laptop,
Nice...

 

[Jason Foster]

I think everyone would prefer Analyst while chasing, but it isn't really possible unless you're in solid 3G coverage. So, I guess the question is difficult yo answer unless you really are just looking to a best case scenario...

for the survey, I think best to answer including bandwidth/signal issues. However, for discussion it would be good to discuss if it wasn't an issue, and simply came down to easy of use, speed, refresh, and other program features, layout etc.

 

[rdale]

That's a no-brainer If you have good radar interpretation abilities, you use AE. If you're fairly comfortable with radar, then the algorithms of AE are still worth it. If you are just using radar for finding the big storms and plotting the warnings, then L3 is enough.

What works for one - won't necessarily work for anyone else.

 

[Bob Hartig]

I've run both simultaneously, or at least, I've tried to. I love GR2AE, but when it comes to seeing storms rather than babysitting the radar, I'll take GR3. It doesn't offer nearly the detail of L2 super-res, but it shows me enough to get me to where I need to be.

I will no doubt use AE in the field again this year, as well as just plain old GR2. But if for no other reason than bandwidth alone, GR3 will remain my essential radar tool.

 

[Terry Tyler]

The only reason i use L3 is because ive always been told you need a special feed or something for the L2. Either that or download old archived files. Has something changed? Do you still need to have someone set you up with a feed?

Personally, ive used analyst with archived data and absolutely loved it. If i could use it all the time i would. Since i cant L3 is plenty good for me.

 

[rdale]

It changed about 3 years ago You can get a feed from AllisonHouse, or use the free Iowa State server.

 

[Jason Boggs]

I think for a basic feed for storm chasers in the field, GRLevel3 is the best solution. Obviously the level2 data has much better resolution, but already mentioned is the fact that it requires a better connection.

If a chaser can't interpret level3 data, then they don't need radar in the field to begin with.

 

[Greg Stumpf]

GR2AE when mobile bandwidth supports it, otherwise, fall back to GR3.

 

[Jason Foster]

more discussion.

OK...gonna ask a similar but slightly different way (this is for discussion aside from the exact poll question):

All things (like bandwidth and using the same computer) being equal, does anyone think that using GR2AE could be a hurdle or obstical while chasing versus GR3. What if any issues don't you like or do you like about GR2AE versus GR3.

(this is starting to sound like I'm doing market research for GR...LOL...oh well)

 

[rdale]

Unless you need products like 3hr rain or STP, AE will always be an advantage over GR3.

 

[Greg Stumpf]

I like having live super-res data on the chase, thus GR2AE. I haven't used the volume explorer yet while on the chase.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

I use GR for 1) storm initiation 2) storm morphology (nice to have a loop) 3) not much else - my pick is for GR Level 3