Renting Baron/Chase Budgeting?

[Zachary Ordo]

Hello. I went on my first storm chase in May 2007 as a student on Cal U of PA's Storm Intercept field course. We used Baron's then and I'm going on my second chase, this time with one friend instead of as a class, this May. I was wondering if anywhere offers Baron's for rent, or if anybody uses a satellite internet service and knows the costs of that for field data. I'm planning on my trip being May 6th through 15th. I'd even entertain buying a used Baron's system if I can find one...I just don't want to end up in a cell dead spot when I need the data bc its been awhile since I've forecasted (I've been a Geospatial Analyst since I've graduated college).

I also might need some tips that I'm not thinking of. I plan on setting at least $1500 aside for the trip alone over the next few months. I'm going to try to set some time aside to review my storm chasing logs that were part of the grading criteria from my college storm chase just to refresh my brain and be able to make good enough decisions out in the field. I have a wx radio I plan to bring...a laptop, a small electronic handheld anemometer for entertainment purposes, a small cooler, I plan to get a better camera and probably buy a video camera, I know I'll need a power inverter. What other recommendations would you have?

 

[Jim Parsons]

Forget Barons and get GR3 on a laptop and a tethered cell phone or cellular data card and either an external cell antenna of cellular amp and your good to go

 

[Skip Talbot]

Hello. I went on my first storm chase in May 2007 as a student on Cal U of PA's Storm Intercept field course. We used Baron's then and I'm going on my second chase

Forget Barons and get GR3 on a laptop and a tethered cell phone or cellular data card and either an external cell antenna of cellular amp and your good to go

Data coverage, reliability, and speed has changed significantly on the plains since 2007. If you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, a Baron's system makes a great backup data source. However, I agree with Jim that cellular data should probably be your first pick, especially if you are on a budget. Its significantly cheaper and has a lot more capabilities.

For the rest, here's a good equipment list to check against:
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?25904-Recommended-Chaser-Equipment-List

 

[Jason Foster]

It's even cheaper to just have BOTH Verizon & Sprint than Baron & you'll have tones more with internet access. But one should be able to chase without data too. Actually if you general can't get a basic idea of where to chase during the Day 3 (looking at Day 2 & Day 1) than probably need more study and/or resources. (saying this as a blanket statement for any newbies reading the thread). Gotta be self-reliant, not data reliant.

Best plan with a very limited budget like that, especially going solo, don't set dates. Prepare yourself more for a spot chase or two.

 

[Zachary Ordo]

I really wish I didn't have to set dates. haha Problem is I'm in Orlando and my friend who's going with me is in Pittsburgh, so our location and jobs don't make it easy to randomly pick up and leave unfortunately. I did manage to win a used Baron's on eBay tonight for relatively cheap compared to brand new. I want something relatively easy to use for somebody that's going to be helping me navigate. I'll probably try to find a way to tether my iPhone to my laptop as well. But from what I remember watching a tornadic storm develop outiside Hays, KS back in '07 the Baron's was usable where we were sitting and waiting for the storm whereas we had no cell service there. It was nice to be able to watch that and the storm at the same time. I know it's been 4 years, but we were outside usable data cell phone range more often than not, following a front for 3 or 4 days from Montana to Oklahoma since there was literally nothing to chase our first week that spring. We visited the Rockies for 3 days after we drove clear from California, PA to Colorado mostly on I-70 without seeing more than a dud of a rainstorm. I think mother nature was laughing at us when she chose to throw some tornadoes out along the East coast that first week.

My friend has pretty much no experience with chasing and not much advanced weather knowledge so I'll be making the calls but since I've only gone chasing once I just want to make sure we stay out of danger. Mainly I don't want any surprises (well BAD surprises) so that's the main reason I want constant access to the data.

The $1500 is my minimum budget and hopefully my friend will be able to help with lodging and some other expenses. She's still in college so I think she's getting her parents to help her out and lend her money for that at least. Plus I plan to have plenty of room on credit cards in case something pops up.

 

[Zachary Ordo]

Thanks for that link BTW...definitely helpful!