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Storm Chase Van Installation & Equipment Page

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Storm Chase Van Installation & Equipment Page
188 Storm Chase Links
160 Amateur Radio Mobile Installation Links
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October 19, 2009

New Ford Explorer XLT (4X4) Storm Chase Vehicle

Installation Photos...

Internal Installation Photos...

 

The Cockpit...
SONY DCR-H36 Mini Camcorder ICOM IC-229H 50 watt 2 m Tranceiver
Motorola W376G Tracfone Cell Phone Radio Shack Pro-2036 Scanner
ICOM IC-706mk2g Tranceiver Remote Head Dell C-810 Laptop
WXWORX XM Satellite Weather Receiver Davis Weather Monitor II
GPS and XM Satellite Antennas Davis Vantage Pro Weather Station (not shown)

                            
Upper dash..

      WXWORX XM Weather. Baron's Mobile Threat Net w/ GPS.

 

ICOM IC-706mk2g Remote Head and Tranceiver under drivers seat.

SONY DCR-H36 Mini Camcorder. XM Weather Satellite Antenna/US GlobalSat BU-353
. USB port GPS Antenna Receiver.
. Antennas inside to protect them from hail damage.

 

 
Emergency Light Rocker Switches...
Upper switch controls 2 Whelen TIR 3's mounted in the front grill.
Lower switch controls Whelen 2515 amber roof LED and rear Slimlighter.
  
MAstormchaser
MAstormchaser

 

Whelen TIR 3 installation.

 

Whelen Slimlighter installation.

 

Two 20 amp fuses for Whelen TIR 3's, Roof 2515 and Rear Slimlighter LED Lights.
Passenger side DC Power Strip. Rewired with # 8 AWG wire.

 

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External Installation Photos...

Davis Wind Instruments-Temp/Humidity/Dew Sensor. 2 NMO Roof Mount 5/8 Wave 2 meter antennas
Whelen 2515 Amber LED Light. connected to ICOM 706 and ICOM 229H tranceivers.

 

Homemade aluminum plate prevents insects and debris from entering temperature sensor.

 

30-900 MHz Scanner Antenna 40 Meter Hamstick Antenna. Hustler Quick Disconnect
. mount for easy 40-10 meter antenna change out.

 

Storm Chase Equipment Section

   Weather enthusiasts often ask, how do I become a storm chaser? Before you chase storms, a course in meteorology is strongly advised. Reading books and the internet are both great places to start. When you storm chase, it is very important to be aware of your surroundings. Safety and common sense first! Observing an anvil top of a severe thunderstorm 50 miles away and chasing that storm could put you in danger. Not knowing if the storm will change course, or, you are on an unfamiliar dead end road or the road is washed away from a flood. The storm's rain band could obstruct a tornado, high wind or hail. The greatest dangers to storm chasers are not just tornadoes, wind and hail, instead, it's traffic and lightning. Night chasing can be very dangerous. Only a few chasers pursue night storms. But those who do, rely on RADAR and frequent lightning to see the storm. I have researched the internet and found the best 188 Storm Chasing Websites which are located at the lower part of this page.

    Another important tip is public safety. Never sleep at unlit Interstate rest area's unless a caravan of tractor trailers are present. Sleep overnights on well lighted toll roads and turnpikes. Service Plaza parking areas near the food courts and Truck stops like TA Travel Centers or Love's Truck Stops are your best bet. They are open 24 hours and have hot showers.You'll be carrying expensive equipment, credit cards, money, etc.. Always cover your equipment with a blanket when leaving the vehicle unattended. KOA Campground sells a US Directory for $6.00 online. Most campgrounds are within a few miles of most interstate highways and  charge $15-20 per night which includes a hot shower and heated pool. Always have on hand a large Coleman cooler with plenty of drinks/water, food/protein bars and ice for emergencies.

    Your chase vehicle will be your best friend. It must be in good working order. A complete checkup should be done each spring, and each time before a trip. A chase can be hundreds of miles per day depending on where severe weather occurs. An oil change may be necessary during the trip.  It is wise not to chase alone. If you are traveling with a group in multiple vehicles, communication is important. Most storm chasers are amateur radio operators and they are in contact with each other on local 2 meter simplex frequencies. Non hams use citizens band or cell phones. Not all cell phones work in open areas without cell service, but some cellular companies use satellites. I use a Motorola V-170 TracFone, a pay-as-you-go service. There are some tracfones which have USB ports to download weather data to laptops. I prefer XM Satellite Weather from Baron Services.

My collection of study materials...  "Under The Whirlwind" and "Essentials of Meteorology" are my favorite study guides. "Essentials of Meteorology" is a common college study guide. The price is about $110 new and is also available at half the price on Ebay.

 

Essentials of Meteorology Under The Whirlwind The Ultimate Storm Storm Chaser USA Today
Fifth Edition Second Edition Survival Handbook By Warren Faidley The Weather Book
C. Donald Ahrens Jerrine & Arjen Verkaik By Warren Faidley . By Jack Williams

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These books are also available at Borders and Barnes and Noble.

The week of May 10-17, 2009 I chased storms in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. I saw the Kirksville, Missouri EF 2 Tornado damage from May 13, 2009. See the photos of my trip here.

May 15, 2009  Tornadic Supercell near Garnett,Kansas Kirksville, Missouri EF 2 Tornado Damage from May 13, 2009

 

Storm Chase Equipment

To do list..
Buy 2 new ACER mini laptops.
 First laptop for Verizon Internet Access (SPC,WX Channel  & Streaming.
 Second for XM Weather and backup.
Buy 2 Webcams-Live 24 Hour Weather Streaming.
 

 

 

Weather Data Service

     I use the WXWORX Mobile Threat Net Premium Package from Baron Services to access all weather data from XM Satellite Weather. Here is the Data Service that's available. The system is $899 and includes a $100 one time, 1 year activation fee, a $49 or $99 per month service gives the customer a choice of any activation time period (I chose May thru October). The package includes a WXWORX 5.5" w x 5.3" d x 1.5" h receiver, 2" magnetic mount satellite antenna, free updated software which works with Windows 2000 and newer. A USB cable connects the receiver to one or more laptops. Due to the high demand of current weather data by storm chasers, XM Weather added the Storm Prediction Center data to it's software package in 2007. XM Radio is available at a discount of $6.99 per month (regular $12.95 per month) with the XM Weather Package, which is great on long trips. GPS is available with the Mobile Threat Net Package. The GPS Store sells the US GlobalSat BU-353 USB port Receiver for $54.95 and is NMEA Compliant with the WXWORX Software.
 
WxWorx
XM Satellite Weather
WXWORX XM Weather Mobile Threat Net Package
WXWORX Components
DC-AC Power Adaptors, Software
with your personal Radio ID Number.
Receiver connects to the first USB port.

 

US GlobalSat BU-353 USB port GPS Receiver
US GlobalSat BU-353 USB port GPS Receiver
Includes the Antenna / 5 foot USB Cable and Software.
Connects to the second USB port.

 

 

Computers

DELL C 800 & 810 Pentium III Laptops with CD Burners DELL C600 Pentium III Laptop
DELL C 800 and C 810 Pentium III Laptops DELL C 600 Pentium III Laptop. 1 USB port. (Backup)
with CD Burners. 2 USB ports each.

 

Netgear Wireless Card Asus Wireless Card
Netgear Wireless Card Asus Wireless Card

 

Communications

    Having an Amateur Radio License is a plus. When I travel in the Midwest, I chat with fellow hams back in New York State and Massachusetts on the 20 meter band (14.300 MHz). I can report severe weather to the National Weather Service operators on local 2 meter repeaters that have an operating range up to 50 miles. An ARRL US Repeater Guide lists repeaters by State, Frequency and PL tones. Some repeaters are pl toned but most are open.

ICOM IC-706mkIIg ICOM IC-229h
ICOM IC-706mkIIg HF/VHF  100 Watt All Mode Transceiver ICOM IC-229H  50 Watt FM 2 Meter Tranceiver

    It is important to monitor police activity, emergencies and National Weather Service broadcasts with a scanner or the ICOM IC-706 mkIIg.. Have a micro cassette recorder handy to record severe weather bulletins while tracking storms.

 
ICOM IC-735 Panasonic Micro Cassette Recorder
ICOM IC-735 HF  100 Watt All Mode Transceiver (Backup) Panasonic Micro Cassette Recorder

 

VECTOR 1,000 Watt Power Inverter
Motorola W376G Tracfone Vector 1,000 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter

 

Weather Instruments

(2) DAVIS Vantage Pro 6152 Weather Stations-Cabled Version

DAVIS Weather Vantage Pro 6152 Cabled Version Remote Sensors

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DAVIS Weather Vantage Pro 6510USB Data Logger and Software

    For the ultimate in weather monitoring, add the Davis Instruments 6510USB WeatherLink software to connect your Vantage Pro2 to your personal computer. The WeatherLink data logger (included) plugs neatly into the Vantage Pro2 console (or Weather Envoy), and stores your weather data even when the computer is off. Transfer data to your PC whenever you like or at predefined intervals, then use the Davis WeatherLink software for detailed analysis, graphing, or export the data to most popular spreadsheet, database, and word processing programs.Transfer data to your PC whenever you like or at a predefined storage interval of 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes. Data logger can store up to six months' worth of data, depending on the chosen storage interval. See current conditions at a glance on the instant weather bulletin, or graph data on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Create your own weather web site or post weather conditions to a LAN. Use the included HTML templates or design your own. Add graphs, text, lines, or scrolling ticker tapes, and upload other files (such as images from a webcam) along with your weather data. Expanded reporting includes heating degree days, cooling degree days, and fuel-on-demand. Evapotranspiration, leaf wetness, soil moisture, soil temperature, sunburn risk for different skin types, and solar energy are all available with the use of optional sensors.Create weather watcher reports in NOAA National Climatic Data Center format. The Davis Weather 6510USB WeatherLink supports several accessories and-on modules.

Current Weather Data Online....

 

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DAVIS Weather Models 7440 Weather Monitor II and Model 7425 Weather Wizard Stations.

DAVIS Weather Monitor II DAVIS Weather Wizard
DAVIS Model 7440 Weather Monitor II DAVIS Model 7425 Weather Wizard

 

SKYSCAN Lightning Detector
SKYSCAN Lightning Detector Midland Weather Radio with S.A.M.E. Alert

 

Camcorders and Cameras

   Video equipment is of great importance. When looking for a camcorder, use a VHS-C digital mini cassette format. Always use new cassettes and test each tape to assure they work properly.After recording a full tape, break the record tab and label each tape. Keep the tape/head transport clear of moisture, dirt and fingerprints. I suggest not using DVD camcorders. If you forget to save (burn) your video, you'll lose the video data. Plus, DVD's easily get scratched, tapes are encased in plastic. I purchased my camcorder new at Best Buy with a 3 year plus extended maintenance warranty.

SONY DCR-HC 36 Mini Digital Camcorder
SONY DCR-HC 36 Mini Digital Camcorder

 

OLYMPUS FE-230 7.1 Megapixel Digital Camera
OLYMPUS FE-230 7.1 Megapixel Digital Camera
OLYMPUS FE-230 7.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

 

OLYMPUS D-450 1.3 Megapixel Digital Camera
OLYMPUS D-450 1.3 Megapixel Digital Camera (Backup)

 

Storage

Equipment is protected in a Pelican Case.

 

Reflective Magnetic Signs

 

Travel Check List

Currency and Credit Cards- Cash hidden from view 2 Pelican Cases with equipment
Valid Drivers License/Vehicle Registration/Spare Keys WxWorx Receiver, Antenna, GPS and USB Cables
Current AAA PLUS Membership (up to 100 Mile towing) 3 Dell Laptops-Power Adaptors and the carrying case.
AAA Membership Maps and Road Atlases Laptop Desk Stand
Chase Log Book / Pens / Calendar / Reading Glasses Bring ALL Backup CD Software
Compasses ICOM 706mkII and ICOM 229h Tranceivers
 First Aid Kit / Medicine Motorola V-170 Tracfone and AC-DC Adaptors
Flashlights/Tool Kit (Soldering Gun, etc..) Panasonic Micro Cassette Recorder
Clothing, Blankets and personal Items. SONY Camcorder and accessories
Insulated Cooler-Non perishable Food and Bottled Water 2 Olympus Cameras and accessories
Hardhat, Eye Goggles, Raincoat 2 Davis Weather Monitor II, Weather Wizard Consoles
Car Fuses/Anti-freeze, Oil, Fanbelts,etc.. Wind, Ext. Temp and Rain Gauge Instruments
 Car Battery Jumper Cables INSPEED Anemometer and Console
100' AC Extension Cord SKYSCAN Lightning Detector
Extra Batteries- AAA, AA and 9 Volt CASIO EV-4500 4" TV
Whelen Emergency LED Strobe Amber Lights Vector 1,000 Watt Power Inverter

 

Storm Chase Links

Updated May 24, 2009

 

 

 

Personal Amateur Radio Mobile Installation Links

(Links subject to change without notice)

G0LGJ  G0LUQ  GB4FUN  G3LDO G0WJR WD8CEB
K0BX 2000 Plymouth Voyager Installation N6CA
RCKARA.org Dodge Caravan Installation  Car Wiring W3IZ Mobile
KB0NLY AJ3U Mobile
K6DLC  KI6LO KF6GDJ HF Antenna Article
W9DC KF6IIU KC0MPU
K0EMT HF Verticals KM6OH
KA0DXM WA4UCF
KB7YOU KM6CQ
I0JX K6ERO Pedestrian Mobile
N1RWY N7QIP
KA1ZGC WA7KGX Aero Mobile
K0MDJ N7XU
N2FFL WM7D Yaesu ft-100d
N2OOE KG7FU
WB2RCB VK5ATN
SV2BBO AD7DB
W3DHJ 6 meter halo N2CKH
W6DBL N6LP KB0ETC
VE3GK N1DL Maritime Mobile
W5JGV WD8RIF
DG9MAQ K8BLO
AE4VY W8JI  Inductors and Mobile Loaded Antennas
KE4TV K9TIM
N5KF HB9ABX  more
KE5C WE9M
WD5BJQ An automatically tuned 7 to 30 MHz mobile ant.
K5BUG Texas Bugcatcher ARRL HF Mobile Articles
HF Portable W8JI
W5JH KA9FOX
W6RMK K0PG / K9ILT / N2MH VHF-UHF Contest Mobiles
AC6DN N3EG/W1BQ/W3IY/K0IP-N7IJ/K2QO/KI0SK Contest Mobiles
WZ6X 9H1AA
AF6O VK3HAP
K5NA VA3EP
W0ZPE N1HOQ
NP2CB W6KY
N3EPA.org Polar Bear Mobile AF4AY Mobile Radio Installation 101
N5UJJ KB8FU
G7NIZ Mobile Ham HQ
Huntsville ARC Vintage Mobile Photos K5PA
W5DDL KO6UX
WB2LUA N9BC
WZ5BC ICOM IC-706 Mobile Installation Photos
2E0LMP W9XS Bicycle Mobile
IK1ZYW WB7TUJ  "4X4HAM"
KQ6EH W4DU Bicycle Mobile
W9CTO WD8RIF Bicycle Mobile
KL7IPV KZ2G Wheelchair Mobile
KC7X N1PKW Equestrian Mobile
W6NBC RV Antenna R 7P Commander Mobile
KG7HD N7HWI N7HL W6CTQ Mobile Installation Photos KR1ST
G8AWO G3YMD
G3TSO VE3FJH
9M2AZ KE4NYV
KA5TYP  N5YSO K5MDM
JR1MAF KO7T
ZS3OBE KB5WIA
OE3MZC Outbacker Antenna mod NO5K
ON4BAM Outbacker Antenna IC-706 & Hi-Q Antenna Installation
ND2M Outbacker Antenna KG4ZQZ
KF6FIR VVARA.org
KC8YVF Motorcycle Radio Installation W3IY
Installer.com KC8HZM
KC0P K8GU
IV3YER K8RYU Ohio QSO Party
N3MRA W5NIG
VA3EXT KO7R
ON7EQ Mobile Antenna Installation
M0BOV KB8LPZ Quarter Wave Portable Antenna
G3YCC

 

Yikes! Glad I had a spare!

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