Jim Rood
EF0
Thanks Stacey,
I'll be looking here for an update when the GPS feature is functional.
I'll be looking here for an update when the GPS feature is functional.
Weathertap Radarlab HD
- Thread starter Bill Tabor
- Start date
Eric Friedebach
EF2
Stacey, are there any plans to release a version that would work on Windows Mobile devices such as the Sprint Moto Q?
ssimmons
Eric,
We do not have plans for mobile version. It would be neat to have, but currently there are no plans for it.
We do not have plans for mobile version. It would be neat to have, but currently there are no plans for it.
Chad Cowan
EF5
RadarLab HD GPS enabled
Revision 12 of RadarLab HD is out and GPS tracking is now available. Once they add velocity scans, this program could rival GRLx.
Revision 12 of RadarLab HD is out and GPS tracking is now available. Once they add velocity scans, this program could rival GRLx.
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Jason Boggs
Sorry, but it will never ever rival GrLevelX.
Robert Dewey
EF5
The (non) option to turn off smoothing really makes it a no-go for me. Why they don't store both smoothed and non-smoothed images is beyond me, and seems to be in total disregard to what their customers want.
As for Jason's input... It's not meant to rival all of the GRLevelX software applications. Instead, it rivals L2 software because you're getting L2 images, not the entire huge datasets; that can be a real advantage for those in the field. If they would just have an option to turn off that ridiculous smoothing that a few have complained about, it'd be a go for many mobile users seeking L2 data in the field.
For L3 - You're better off with an application that processes data, because the datasets are typically smaller than the actual image file.
BTW... arguing "GRLevelX is teh b3st!" or "s0rry, but wxTAP HD R4D4R R0cKs!" seems kind of pointless... you really need to weigh each application. Aesthetically, arguing which one is better is a no-win argument.
As for Jason's input... It's not meant to rival all of the GRLevelX software applications. Instead, it rivals L2 software because you're getting L2 images, not the entire huge datasets; that can be a real advantage for those in the field. If they would just have an option to turn off that ridiculous smoothing that a few have complained about, it'd be a go for many mobile users seeking L2 data in the field.
For L3 - You're better off with an application that processes data, because the datasets are typically smaller than the actual image file.
BTW... arguing "GRLevelX is teh b3st!" or "s0rry, but wxTAP HD R4D4R R0cKs!" seems kind of pointless... you really need to weigh each application. Aesthetically, arguing which one is better is a no-win argument.
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ssimmons
Yes, GPS functionality is now available in RadarLab HD. We had a hard time deciding how we were going to include this. The problem is that in order to have GPS capability, we must ask for access to the user’s computer through Java Web Start. This prompts a security warning stating that RadarLab HD is asking for access to the computer. Of course, any software program you have downloaded onto your computer has access to it, but Java Web Start is different. Through Java Web Start you do not have access to anything on the user’s computer. RadarLab HD needs to have access to the serial port on the computer in order for GPS to work. Because of this, we have decided to add another page that will launch RadarLab HD with the GPS enabled. There is now a link for the GPS enabled RadarLab HD on the standard RadarLab page: http://www.weathertap.com/protected/static/radarlab.html. If you do not open RadarLab HD from the GPS page, the GPS options will be disabled. So if you choose to open RadarLab HD as you normally do, you will NOT be prompted with a security warning and the GPS capability will NOT be enabled. If you open RadarLab HD from the GPS page, you will be prompted with a security warning that you must accept and then RadarLab HD will load with the GPS capabilities enabled. If you want the GPS enabled version to launch from your desktop, you must delete your Java cache and then relaunch RadarLab HD from the GPS page. Directions are here for deleting your Java cache: http://blog.weathertap.com/2007/05/do_you_have_the_latest_version.html. I’m currently working on a blog entry explaining everything. There are directions about how to connect to your GPS device in the Help page of RadarLab HD. It is at the very bottom of the page. Mac users especially need to read this section.
Robert Dewey
EF5
It seems like this thread is just dancing around core issues... what about velocity scans? the option to turn off smoothing? a KISS image solution (i.e. Keep It Simple, Stupid), whereby it's possible to pull the L2 images in a simple interface, like GR?
Let's discuss those topics.
Let's discuss those topics.
rdale
EF5
Keep the suggestions coming - from what I've heard so far the next version (v2, not a minor upgrade) of the NWS's RIDGE viewer will have many of these features, and they are likely monitoring this thread as development continues.
And it'll remain free and open to all!
And it'll remain free and open to all!
Robert Dewey
EF5
...in the meantime, WeatherTap is paying taxes, which is helping to further the development of v2. Nothing like a little competition, eh?
Ryan McGinnis
EF5
Access to weather radar is something that the public fundementally deserves from their government. The RIDGE viewer kinda sucks as it is right now, at least compared to commercial solutions. If they make the RIDGE viewer better, great -- then WeatherTap will have to make their viewer, which apparently has some serious issues, even better. That's life.
Mr. Gibson doesn't seem to be having much trouble selling GRLevelX products for relatively high prices (for software), so why all the tears in the beer about NWS competition? Again, if the government is managing to outperform what your private company is doing, then you're either doing it wrong or your service has no reason to exist in the private sector. Offer things that targeted users really want but that the government has no reason to provide. Like, for example, the GPS functionality in GR3, or the customizable placefiles, or the 3D storm rendering in GR2AE.
Mr. Gibson doesn't seem to be having much trouble selling GRLevelX products for relatively high prices (for software), so why all the tears in the beer about NWS competition? Again, if the government is managing to outperform what your private company is doing, then you're either doing it wrong or your service has no reason to exist in the private sector. Offer things that targeted users really want but that the government has no reason to provide. Like, for example, the GPS functionality in GR3, or the customizable placefiles, or the 3D storm rendering in GR2AE.
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Dick McGowan
EF5
I think it would be better if it didn't take forever to load, even switching radar sites took longer than I would want it to. For storm chasers, on slow internet connections, I wonder how long it would take?? Velocity scans would be nice too, and paying 6.95 a month isn't as appealing as a one-time fee to purchase. Other than that, I like the different choices for backgrounds, the lightning data, and the visible satellite overlay.
Bill Tabor
EF5
I agree, I like Radarlab Hd but for me without Velocity I generally will not use it related to chasing. However I do prefer it's output and display for Base better than standard Weathertap, and comparable to Grlevelx.
I assume Velocity will be available by next chase season....no? This will be a nice product then and 'yes' I have used this in the field and it takes a little bit to load but with a decent cell phone connection it wasn't too bad and still usable IMO. I've had a Weathertap subscription for a long time and I may continue to keep it if this product improves.
I assume Velocity will be available by next chase season....no? This will be a nice product then and 'yes' I have used this in the field and it takes a little bit to load but with a decent cell phone connection it wasn't too bad and still usable IMO. I've had a Weathertap subscription for a long time and I may continue to keep it if this product improves.
Jim Zandonai
They just added the other products to Radar HD program. The other products are derived or level 3 products including the velocity. If I am reading this right as it says the only True level 2 product is base reflectivty.
I have always liked Weathertap stuff personally. Most of you that have it know its a decent product with some excellent products.
However I still think GRlevel 2 and 3 products are the best. Storm Lab is a great product too IMHO.
No doubt we have many products at our disposal these days.
I have always liked Weathertap stuff personally. Most of you that have it know its a decent product with some excellent products.
However I still think GRlevel 2 and 3 products are the best. Storm Lab is a great product too IMHO.
No doubt we have many products at our disposal these days.
rdale
EF5
True "Level II" includes reflectivity, velocity and spectrum width.
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