Skywarn/storm chasing Radios

[Leading_Edge]

Hi, im kinda interested in getting involved with storm chasing, I am somewhat of a new "hammer" and i was wondering if anyone have any suggestions on what type of equipment to buy and what kind of power or range i should get. Are portables of any use or only mobiles helpful?

Thanks

[gewecke]

Let's see,where should I start here? Are you licensed first of all?
What are you going to do with a storm if you catch one?

N9ZAS

[Leading_Edge]

Well, i should say that officially i am not a certified HAM operator, however every now and then i have the opportunity to operate one under a licensed operator. I am also a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, with many radio qualifications, including setting up and taking down a mobile radio by myself. I am however going to the next AARL class that is a few miles from where i live to get my HAM certification. Now to the Skywarn, I am a student pilot as well to my radio operating hobby, really i find the weather in Colorado very amazing due to its unique climate and altitude that we are at. In no other place in the country do i know of a place that can have snow falling in one area and 90 plus degree at the other side of the state. I am not going to just drive out to eastern Colorado to find "the next big one" I just want to do Skywarn as a hobby and a service (the same with the Civil Air Patrol). I understand i am a kid and that i have a lot to learn, but i think that Skywarn would be perfect for me in that i would be gaining three things. First being given the change to enhance HAM radio operations, Second being given the chance to learn about Severe weather in one of the most unique climates in the country and third providing a service for others in getting the word out about potentially severe weather that might be coming their way. Trust me when i say that i know that Skywarn is a somewhat professional organization and isnt a youth program, however i believe if i could be given the chance to come on and learn and enhance that it would be an awesome opportunity for me. I am more than willing to follow as long as some one would give me the chance to learn from them about Skywarn and about the potential dangers that could linger from it. I am not going to just jump in this program alone and believe that from just being a pilot that i know everything, i have a ton to learn from the professional Skywarn chasers, so in that sense i am going to "thread lightly" and not act like i know everything about it. There is so much more than to just take an hour class on the topic, you actually have to be able to apply the skills and knowledge in the field as well.

By the way, when i said i was new, i meant it in the sense that i didn't have my HAM certification....

[Flightwx]

I would suggest a mobile radio with 50 watts output on vhf, and get a dual band if possible. A hand held radio will not produce enough power, most skywarn/races groups require a mobile radio and may require a 5/8 wave antenna on vhf. As for brand of radio to buy, I would stick with Kenwood, Icom or Yeasu. You say you are a kid, not sure of your age. Although there is no age limit on getting your ham license some races/skywarn groups want one to be atleast 18 to actively participate. I would suggest that you find a local storm spotter/chaser and go with them. Ask the VE (volunteer examiner) when you take your test about who to contact to join a local spotter group. Good luck on your test.

[scanfan03]

I think you are getting Skywarn as a public service and Storm Chasing mixed up. Skywarn personel are instructed to sit in one place and observe the weather and report back to the national weather service. Skywarn personel are to never leave their post to chase a storm, it puts their lives in danger. To get your Skywarn certification, see when NOAA is hosting a class near you on their site and attend it. At the class they will give you a number to call during severe weather, no radio needed.

[W9NES]

With 17 years of Ham Radio Operation I will recomend the Midland WR-100 All hazards alert radio.The Midland WR-100 will program for FIPS codes for your county of your state you live in.I have one in my Comm Center and I have one near my bedside in the MasterBedroom of our home along with two scanners.

[rdale]

Originally Posted by scanfan03

Skywarn personel are instructed to sit in one place and observe the weather and report back to the national weather service. Skywarn personel are to never leave their post to chase a storm, it puts their lives in danger.

Absolutely, 100% wrong.

Some Skywarn programs tell people to stay in their homes, some programs assign spotters to specific locations around the county, and some take mobile reports.

There is no "national requirement" for Skywarn spotters to sit in one place. That is up to your local people.

[W9NES]

I would recomend that you take a "Skywarn Spotter Course put on by the National Weather Service Office in your state.I would also recomend that you get your Ham Radio License to help protect the communty you live in.There are no National Requirements"I can go anywhere where I am needed" to assist the Weather Service when asked by out local Net Control in Metro Indianapolis/Marion County,Indiana

[scottaschultz]

Regardless of what your local NWS rules are in terms of staying put or being assigned to a specific location, the one thing in common is that their Number One rule that they stress over everything else is your personal safety. No Skywarn program anywhere will ever advise you to chase a storm, ever! You are not covered by any sort of insurance program (other than your own) if you get injured (or worse!) while performing your duties as a spotter. It is strictly volunteer.

You will learn a lot about severe weather even in the basic classes, but one of the most important is knowing when to get out of harms way!

If you really want to chase storms, Google "tornado chasing tours" and you will see several options. You should, however, go in with very low expectations because these are rarely as "sexy" as the programs on TV make it out to be. OTOH, when you do see one close up, it is something you will remember for the rest of your life!

[rdale]

Originally Posted by scottaschultz

Regardless of what your local NWS rules are in terms of staying put or being assigned to a specific location, the one thing in common is that their Number One rule that they stress over everything else is your personal safety.

Absolutely. Good point.

You are not covered by any sort of insurance program (other than your own) if you get injured (or worse!) while performing your duties as a spotter.

Again - don't speak for all. I've worked with many spotter groups that are covered by their EMA which means they are covered by the county and/or city's insurance policies while storm spotting.

[scottaschultz]

Of course I can not speak for all agencies, but I can say with a great deal of certainty that none of them will ever suggest that any volunteer ever chase after severe weather under any circumstances. One bad decision can be fatal and I am pretty sure that their insurance won't cover that!

Be safe!

[rdale]

Originally Posted by scottaschultz

none of them will ever suggest that any volunteer ever chase after severe weather under any circumstances

That's probably an assumption I'll agree with...