Bill Tabor
EF5
Some have remarked recently that they somewhat despise chasing with gadgets, equipment, i.e tech.
Notebooks, cellphones, wifi, wxworx - just to name a few are looked down upon as being problematic,
distracting, or too expensive.
I had the pleasure a month of so ago of stopping into Belton and visiting with Lon Curtis and Alan
Moller. Later in the long conversation I whipped out my new Gateway notebook computer with various
software and gadgets that I was somewhat proud of. Alan remarked that he had no use for all that and
didn't even own a notebook computer. He thought it would only be a distraction for him and probably
cause him to miss more storms or other headaches.
While it's true that computers and tech can be daunting, and intimidating - ok downright annoying
sometimes, I guess I'm stuck with liking all the gadgetry. For myself chasing is a pleasurable
experience not just because of the storms but because of all the different facets that the
hobby/sport involves. To facilitate and document a chase we may be involved in the following
pursuits of interest: 1) automotive; 2) photography and videography; 3) cell phone tech; 4)
computers; 5) wifi; 6) Map navigation; 7) Meteorology and forecasting; 8) Storms and love of nature
and natural phenomenon. These are just a few and there are probably more; however I guess what I am
saying is that for me chasing provides stimulation in lots of different areas which I personally
find entertaining and rewarding. Some people may find all of this overwhelming and sure, it can be.
However that challenge is part of the reward for me.
Of course another challenge of all the tech is the high cost involved and I can certainly understand
difficulties there as I often can't afford the good stuff either.
I'd like to discuss a few different aspects of chase tech however that you may find interesting:
1) Is Tech for chasing cost effective?
2) Can you find more storms using tech, or does it cost you storms?
3) Does dealing with tech kill the aesthetics and enjoyment of chasing?
Here are my opinions however some of this is of course subjective. You may have a different opinion
and that is fine. It's the myriad options of this hobby that makes it rewarding.
1) I find it interesting that now that I have Wifi and Wxworx - for the most part I may not have to
make cell connections at all anymore. Cell phone chasing can be very expensive based on usage rates
of cell providers and ISP rates for connecting such as Earthlink. Technically you could get a lower
end notebook at a good price and run Wxworx (800mhz required) along with a wifi card for internet
data connects. I'd say that other than the moderate cost initial set up fee based on notebook
computer and purchase of a wxworx, - after that the year to year price remains low. Now the Ground
Responder is $100 / month, but I think anyone could probably get by with the $25/month Marine deal.
That means after purchase and set up that yearly costs other than activation will only be $25 /
month. That is cool and cheap. That means that all the data available is utilized for only $25 a
month and you are set.
What are your alternatives? Well you can just do a forecast and run blind on your instincts, or you
can have a Nowcaster to tell you where to go and what is happening. Chasers that used to chase for
the old NSSL labs used to call this 'rat on a string chasing'. Really that's not for me, because
part of the thrill I get out of chasing is making my own forecasts and being able to assess the
situation in the field along with being able to interpret radar data and make my own choices - not
those of an expert on the other end.
2) For item #2 Moller didn't think he liked computers and tech. He thought they'd get in the way and
he'd lose storms. More than that he felt they didn't contribute to anything he didn't already know.
I have to disagree. I don't know if he was listening, but I told him you have to take it all in and
use each without it being a distraction. In other words you have to learn to manage all the
information and priorities at once in the field. Now perhaps on a clear day with only one supercell
forming in your target area you could get away with Moller's philosophy. But many chase days are
unlike this - especially the big days. Take for example Gene and my most recent trip up near Paris.
That day visibility was bad, storms were all over. We could have chased the Sherman storm to our
hearts content but had no clue there even was a storm at Paris, much less if we should go after it
or if it was T-warned. We wouldn't have a clue. We also wouldn't know where the stronger parts of
our storm were once we were in core. Visually you can tell some of these things, but like I say you
don't know what is around you really except in special circumstances. This pretty much eliminates
your chances of breaking off for another storm unless someone makes a phone call and finds out some
extra information or calls Tim Vasquez on the Hotline. Once again, what I get I like to get on my
own. I like the full experience, and I also like the multiple options that all these tools provide.
I might add that safety is also enhanced. That was a big factor for me with purchasing Wxworx. Too
many times I've been in areas with no cell phone coverage in very bad visibility conditions, or at
night with tornadic supercells all around trying to run me over. This can be a bit intimidating. I
remember a chase in northern OK years ago south of Medicine Lodge, KS where tornadic storms were all
over me at night as I drove in remote country. All I had was a paper map, and a NOAA weather radio.
That is just plain frightening - LOL! I mean I navigated as best I could and ended up not getting
killed or hurt that time. I've done it many times and lucked out. Still it is not necessarily a
great philosophy if you want to live to chase a long time. Heck having the tools may allow you to
get closer and see more stuff you otherwise might not be able to do.
I realize it is possible to go visual, and learn rules of the sky, and be very attentive and
observant. I chase with Gene Moore and he is one of the best at this method and he used it for
years successfully. I think he realizes the value of tech however and uses it for a reason. This
brings us to #3.
3) No doubt going fully visual techless is a great release for freedom, and is enjoyable because you
aren't tied to any equipment. Being sort of poet myself I realize the value and beauty of nature,
and of this method. It is true that sometimes tech can get in the way of that. LOL - I once wrote
a poem entitled 'Death of a Programmer' about how tech kills the natural aesthetics of our outlook
on life if we let it. The key is to not be ruled by tech but to learn to use it just enough to get
improved life out of it. Of course the key is to have it simplified enough to where it is reliable,
and useful, and not too big of a distraction. Sure it is possible for it to just be one more piece
of equipment such as your vehicle that may break down. That potential headache comes along with it.
I am a person that builds my own computers, programs, and works on databases. So, for me computers
are challenging and rewarding, but believe me sometimes I pull my hair out and want to scream. If
they have you down this much - then I agree you want to keep your distance. If you can get it all
together though and use it the right way I think you may find it rewarding, and beneficial.
Notebooks, cellphones, wifi, wxworx - just to name a few are looked down upon as being problematic,
distracting, or too expensive.
I had the pleasure a month of so ago of stopping into Belton and visiting with Lon Curtis and Alan
Moller. Later in the long conversation I whipped out my new Gateway notebook computer with various
software and gadgets that I was somewhat proud of. Alan remarked that he had no use for all that and
didn't even own a notebook computer. He thought it would only be a distraction for him and probably
cause him to miss more storms or other headaches.
While it's true that computers and tech can be daunting, and intimidating - ok downright annoying
sometimes, I guess I'm stuck with liking all the gadgetry. For myself chasing is a pleasurable
experience not just because of the storms but because of all the different facets that the
hobby/sport involves. To facilitate and document a chase we may be involved in the following
pursuits of interest: 1) automotive; 2) photography and videography; 3) cell phone tech; 4)
computers; 5) wifi; 6) Map navigation; 7) Meteorology and forecasting; 8) Storms and love of nature
and natural phenomenon. These are just a few and there are probably more; however I guess what I am
saying is that for me chasing provides stimulation in lots of different areas which I personally
find entertaining and rewarding. Some people may find all of this overwhelming and sure, it can be.
However that challenge is part of the reward for me.
Of course another challenge of all the tech is the high cost involved and I can certainly understand
difficulties there as I often can't afford the good stuff either.
I'd like to discuss a few different aspects of chase tech however that you may find interesting:
1) Is Tech for chasing cost effective?
2) Can you find more storms using tech, or does it cost you storms?
3) Does dealing with tech kill the aesthetics and enjoyment of chasing?
Here are my opinions however some of this is of course subjective. You may have a different opinion
and that is fine. It's the myriad options of this hobby that makes it rewarding.
1) I find it interesting that now that I have Wifi and Wxworx - for the most part I may not have to
make cell connections at all anymore. Cell phone chasing can be very expensive based on usage rates
of cell providers and ISP rates for connecting such as Earthlink. Technically you could get a lower
end notebook at a good price and run Wxworx (800mhz required) along with a wifi card for internet
data connects. I'd say that other than the moderate cost initial set up fee based on notebook
computer and purchase of a wxworx, - after that the year to year price remains low. Now the Ground
Responder is $100 / month, but I think anyone could probably get by with the $25/month Marine deal.
That means after purchase and set up that yearly costs other than activation will only be $25 /
month. That is cool and cheap. That means that all the data available is utilized for only $25 a
month and you are set.
What are your alternatives? Well you can just do a forecast and run blind on your instincts, or you
can have a Nowcaster to tell you where to go and what is happening. Chasers that used to chase for
the old NSSL labs used to call this 'rat on a string chasing'. Really that's not for me, because
part of the thrill I get out of chasing is making my own forecasts and being able to assess the
situation in the field along with being able to interpret radar data and make my own choices - not
those of an expert on the other end.
2) For item #2 Moller didn't think he liked computers and tech. He thought they'd get in the way and
he'd lose storms. More than that he felt they didn't contribute to anything he didn't already know.
I have to disagree. I don't know if he was listening, but I told him you have to take it all in and
use each without it being a distraction. In other words you have to learn to manage all the
information and priorities at once in the field. Now perhaps on a clear day with only one supercell
forming in your target area you could get away with Moller's philosophy. But many chase days are
unlike this - especially the big days. Take for example Gene and my most recent trip up near Paris.
That day visibility was bad, storms were all over. We could have chased the Sherman storm to our
hearts content but had no clue there even was a storm at Paris, much less if we should go after it
or if it was T-warned. We wouldn't have a clue. We also wouldn't know where the stronger parts of
our storm were once we were in core. Visually you can tell some of these things, but like I say you
don't know what is around you really except in special circumstances. This pretty much eliminates
your chances of breaking off for another storm unless someone makes a phone call and finds out some
extra information or calls Tim Vasquez on the Hotline. Once again, what I get I like to get on my
own. I like the full experience, and I also like the multiple options that all these tools provide.
I might add that safety is also enhanced. That was a big factor for me with purchasing Wxworx. Too
many times I've been in areas with no cell phone coverage in very bad visibility conditions, or at
night with tornadic supercells all around trying to run me over. This can be a bit intimidating. I
remember a chase in northern OK years ago south of Medicine Lodge, KS where tornadic storms were all
over me at night as I drove in remote country. All I had was a paper map, and a NOAA weather radio.
That is just plain frightening - LOL! I mean I navigated as best I could and ended up not getting
killed or hurt that time. I've done it many times and lucked out. Still it is not necessarily a
great philosophy if you want to live to chase a long time. Heck having the tools may allow you to
get closer and see more stuff you otherwise might not be able to do.
I realize it is possible to go visual, and learn rules of the sky, and be very attentive and
observant. I chase with Gene Moore and he is one of the best at this method and he used it for
years successfully. I think he realizes the value of tech however and uses it for a reason. This
brings us to #3.
3) No doubt going fully visual techless is a great release for freedom, and is enjoyable because you
aren't tied to any equipment. Being sort of poet myself I realize the value and beauty of nature,
and of this method. It is true that sometimes tech can get in the way of that. LOL - I once wrote
a poem entitled 'Death of a Programmer' about how tech kills the natural aesthetics of our outlook
on life if we let it. The key is to not be ruled by tech but to learn to use it just enough to get
improved life out of it. Of course the key is to have it simplified enough to where it is reliable,
and useful, and not too big of a distraction. Sure it is possible for it to just be one more piece
of equipment such as your vehicle that may break down. That potential headache comes along with it.
I am a person that builds my own computers, programs, and works on databases. So, for me computers
are challenging and rewarding, but believe me sometimes I pull my hair out and want to scream. If
they have you down this much - then I agree you want to keep your distance. If you can get it all
together though and use it the right way I think you may find it rewarding, and beneficial.
I have to agree. I am most likely the most gadget chaser around. I have 4 laptops on every chase and as many 6 on special days. See our rig at 
