Minimalist storm chase equipment

[Brebuck]

These items are very compact and extremely useful if you need to quickly leave home to chase a favorable looking cell. They are small enough to be kept with you at all times such as when you are on the road.

1. 3G Iphone; provides gps location and web access to radar, etc., and communication to NWS and local TV stations
2. Uniden BCD396XT scanner to monitor SKYWARN nets, law enforcement reports, and NOAA Wx radio.
3.Kestrel 4500 pocket weather instrument. Measures every conceivable weather parameter as you sample updrafts, downdrafts, and conditions outside the thunderstorm.
4. Flip video camera. Very tiny. No telephoto but very expedient.

This is just what works for me without trying to sound preachy.

 

[kb9tfh]

How about a Ham Radio to check in to the skywarn nets?

 

[w8jjr]

How about a Ham Radio to check in to the skywarn nets?

Doesnt look like he's a ham as he listed scanner for nets

 

[Brebuck]

Nope, he's not a ham. Sadly, I communicate to Emergency Management, NWS, and TV stations via cell phone. Maybe someday I can set some time aside to get licensed. I think a ham radio would be a valuable asset.
Notice that I said monitor, not communicate with amateur radio and the nets that I referenced are County Emergency Management ham operators.

 

[kb9tfh]

Yeah, I really suggest getting your ticket. I think it makes a world of difference. It is kinda like fishing with out a poll... it can be done but it sure does help when you have one...

 

[tekshogun]

What I would add to that list:

With ham radio being metioned, if I were chasing storms, I would already have a mobile VHF/UHF rig setup in my vehicle and if that didn't work or if I were out of the vehicle, a VHF/UHF HT. Being able to check in to a Skywarn net in addition to listening is an extremely valuable asset and makes you a much greater asset to the storm chasing/weather predicting community. In a time where cell phone networks are vulnerable to bad weather, you never know when you'll need that radio.

Also:
A digital still camera, small along with the video camera. In fact, a digital camera that does video for as much room as you have on the card is great so you can take great high res photos and get decent video too.

A first aid kit.

As far as getting your ham license, for technician, it is really easy and is a small fee for the examination. The volunteer examiners do all the paper work for you. From there you just have to invest in some ham gear, typically costing less than a high end digital scanner. I have a Radio Shack Pro-96 that would come with me for monitoring those trunked/digital (P25 or EDACS) public safety comms.

Flash light and batteries.