:::::: N2KNL HF Mobile Storm Chase Equipment Page ::::::

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.

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 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

Includes the Antenna / 5 foot USB Cable and Software.

Connects to the second USB port.

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.

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.

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

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.