What are you adding/upgrading for 2011?

Upgrades in 2011 for me include:

Newer engine and rebuilt transmission for the chase car

Garmin GPS

Sigma 10-24mm lens

Cyberlink Powerdirector Software

Some type of HD Camcorder yet to be purchased

Samsung Epic Phone

Thats it so far...;)
 
Only real upgrade for me was a very big one: Upgraded my ride to a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix (Yes, I went for mileage).

Other than that, no real big changes: same camera, same camcorder, same weather radio, same weather data sources (My-Cast and Wifi).

I am considering adding Verizon's 3G Mobile Hotspot if I can verify that the connection speed is good enough to justify paying for it for three months out of the year.
 
I'm trying to progress from being an SPC chaser to a little more involved this year, so I've added quite a bit.

Replaced my home made laptop mount with a RAM mount, added GRLevel2, GRLevel3, F5Data, Spotter Network, and some new browser bookmark links to my laptop. Have a Microsoft LifeCam Studio on order. If that doesn't work I will spring for a GOPro. Will also be trying a Wilson cell signal amplifier this year. Cameras remain the same: Nikon D300 and an older Sony Hi-8 digital camcorder.

Now, if diesel prices will remain halfway reasonable I should be all set!
 
Buying a Canon 7D, nothing wrong with my Canon XSi, just wanting two camera bodies. One with HD video capability. I like the idea of having 2 cameras to keep from switching lenses. Keep the Sigma 150-500 mounted on one and the Sigma 10-20 on the other.
 
Good idea for a thread!

My upgrades:

New(er) vehicle (2006 F-150); will use the wife's 2006 Fusion on longer trips
DSLR - Nikon D3100 - very excited to use this, may shoot video with it instead of the HD Camcorder
Laptop mount - never imagined just how badly I needed this until I put it in
New streaming webcam - Microsoft Lifecam Cinema

Plan to get before chase season:

Bigger power inverter
New tripod
More streamlined mounting for everything
 
Yeah I switched from a netbook to a full laptop for 2011
Got a mount for said laptop
Purchased a much better/larger power inverter
Picked up a Sigma 10-22 lens for my Rebel XSi
Got a Sony HDR CX-500 for teh HDs
Will be getting a GoPro 960 for up in the Talbotdome
Been tinkering with microcontrollers and electronics, so trying out a mesonet
And a couple of lightbars...err ;)
 
Planned 3 major upgrades for 2011

- Actual wiring setup so I don't have to use the cigarette lighter inverter anymore
- Hail guard system.
- Switch to Verizon.

So far I have yet to complete one of them...so we will see if I get it done. If not though, I will be ready to chase just as I was in 2010
 
My upgrades:

...
yes, none.

I'm on a budget and I upgraded a ton last year. I feel well prepared technologically for the next season of chasing. Current equipment:

-Nikon D40 with 18 - 35 mm lens, with tripod
-JVC Everio camcorder which shoots, at best, 720 x 480 (hardly good by any means, but it gets the job done)
-Dell Inspiron 250 GB 2 GB RAM laptop with Delorme SA 2010, GPS puck, and GR2 and GR3
-170 W power inverter with one outlet (lol...this annoys the hell out of my chase partners)
-Davis sonic anemometer
-1996 Ford Taurus GL with about 120,000 miles on it now. Still running good despite getting beat up during the winters here.
 
Mostly vehicle stuff for me. Installed new headlight lenses. My others were really yellowed and scuffed up so it made a huge difference.

Installed a double capacity rear fuel tank, so that's 56 gallons now when both tanks are full. I was having issues with my old one. I'll be able to go about 1,000 miles without stopping for diesel.

Installed a new transmission two weeks ago and a new clutch, replaced a u-joint in the front and rear driveshaft.
Amp is now under the seat, inverter is way up under the dash. No clutter around my shifter anymore.

Installed an additional backup light, so I should be able to see better going forwards and backwards.

About halfway through now with making a utility rack that will give a bit of hail protection.

Also bought some nice big maps of the states that I frequent and copied them in sections starting at the top left hand corner and ending at the bottom right corner. Now I won't have to rely on little book maps, or have to mess with big fold out maps. I'll just grab my stapled copies of the map I want and flip the page to where I am. Nice sized roads and print, but easy to handle.
 
Dave Rennie said:
That's about $200 a fill up. Better take cash, because credit cards cut off at about $70 !! :)
Click to expand...
Can't he use the truck stops that have $1500 fill-ups? Or is the truck nozzles different than the passenger diesels?

I forgot to mention that along with the camera upgrade...I'll have to upgrade the laptop's RAM. 8gb is the minimum I'm told for processing 7D / 5Dmk2 files.
 
The only thing that I really need to upgrade is my P.O.S. Video Camera!
Really thinking about the Vixia series from Canon.

I am also set to drop some coinage on some quality glass for my nikon. I would
like to purchase the Nikkor 14-24 F-2.8! But, it comes with a cost of about 1,600 bucks!:( So, most likely not going that route, probably more like the route of a Superwide from Tokina.
 
I'm loving all the people considering some form of hail guard... eventually a chaser convergence will look like a Mad Max convention.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Mychael Allen
Question: What software are you using to livestream your chase?
Replies
4
Views
480
Sean Ramsey
Sean Ramsey
JamesCaruso
iPhone as Primary Camera?
Replies
7
Views
670
Kyle Soldani
Kyle Soldani
Nathan Parker
Notebook Recommendation for Storm Shelter Area
Replies
5
Views
852
Nathan Parker
Nathan Parker
Nathan Parker
What Baron Mobile Threat Net Tier Are You On?
Replies
0
Views
511
Nathan Parker
Nathan Parker
Tony Laubach
NEEDED: Digital8 Camcorder (to Borrow?)
Replies
1
Views
78
Tony Laubach
Tony Laubach
Back
Top