Storm Chase apps for the iPad?

[Sam Barricklow]

Anyone using an iPad for chasing? If so, what apps have you found useful for radar with your location, to simulate what you would get with Mobile ThreatNet?

 

[Zachary Lassiter]

I refuse to use anything on AT&T's network

 

[rdale]

Radarscope is the way to go for display and SpotterNetwork tracking.

http://stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23489

 

[Karen St John]

I refuse to use anything on AT&T's network

You could do the car-fi thing via Autonet...or mifi tethering. You'd never have to go to ATT for anything!

I'm looking at the iPad for very, very soon, and I will get Radarscope, definitely!

 

[Steve Miller]

I refuse to use anything on AT&T's network

Why exactly did you post in this thread then?
Btw, my question is relevant as I am typing it on my iPad...

As for apps, aside from radarscope, I think most everything else I need would be attained via safari; watches, warnings, MD's, model data. I have yet to find a solid warning app for push notification.
For the record, I use the wifi version iPad with the Sprint card and cradlepoint I use for my laptop setup in the spring. I do not chase with my iPad (yet).

 

[Sam Barricklow]

MiFi

During my one "extended" 3-day chase this year, I used a Verizon MiFi box along with an in-car signal booster / repeater. My cell phone is on the AT&T network. Coverage differences were noted, with Verizon on the losing end in the northern Texas Panhandle. However, AT&T had better coverage in East Texas rural areas.

I've read reports that the MiFi data rates may not be as good as a PC with a data card, but I've done no tests, and am not sure how well the tests were done by those who reported the differences.

Radar Scope appears to be the application most recommended at this time.

Here's a link to an informative video:

http://vimeo.com/10685992

And, a second URL to a blog post:

http://ccblog.typepad.com/weblog/2010/04/7-days-with-the-an-ipad.html

And, here's a link to a mounting kit:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20004029-48.html

 

[Greg Blumberg]

One of the chasers on this forum, Ross Kimes created a great app called Storm Spotter. I suggest you check it out. He's got it working for both iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch.

I've seen it in action and it's a great investment.

 

[rdale]

Not bad!

http://www.odysseychasing.com/Storm_Spotter/Overview.html

Good: Polygon warnings
Bad: no SN integration

 

[Josh Durkee]

I used Radarscope this season and it worked great. Other than that, I used a Sprint Overdrive to use the internet for data.

I will however get one of these for next year: (not an app, but durable case)

http://www.otterbox.com/

 

[Jason Foster]

I used Radarscope this season and it worked great. Other than that, I used a Sprint Overdrive to use the internet for data.

I will however get one of these for next year: (not an app, but durable case)

http://www.otterbox.com/

Heard good things about the Otter case for iPhone. Saw someone. basically drop one on the floor without hesitation and pick it up and worked fine. Same person said they watched a salesman throw one across the (smallish) store and the iPhone still worked fine.

 

[rdale]

I'd spend the money on the cheap case and get the $90 3/yr warranty instead

 

[John Wetter]

If RadarScope had polygon warnings, it would be the perfect app... Most others I've seen are basic layers with something like the iMap weather interface with Google maps, or other general composite radar imagery. RadarScope uses the best L3 data you can which for me is a huge plus.

Will I use it as my only chase tool? Heck no. Will I use it to keep an eye on things while sitting in a Dairy Queen waiting for things to happen so I don't need to bring in my laptop? Heck yes!

 

[Tyler Allison]

If RadarScope had polygon warnings, it would be the perfect app

Look for the "provided by AllisonHouse" in the next release of RadarScope

 

[rdale]

That makes it great

Perfect requires:

- SN reporting
- SN plotting
- Lightning

 

[Mike Hardiman]

Perfect would also include:
- Basic State/Provincial maps of Mexico/Canada.
- METAR Obs Plotting