mobile weather station

[kc8zdf]

Hi there, I was wondering what spotters use for instant weather updates. For the county that I spot for there are instant weather updates from the EOC but was wondering if anyone has this for there mobile setup.. Its from xm radio but its there weather for ground with instand updates. Here is a link to it. http://www.xmradio.com/weather/ground.xmc Let me know if anyone has ever used this before thanks.

73, KC8ZDF

 

[kg4ojj]

I've not used XM Weather, but I know some spotters that did (out in the midwest).

One popular program is Gibson Ridge Software. It's a RADAR viewer that one can customize and it allows you to zoom into street-level viewing, etc.

There is a 21-day FREE trial period available...however, it's worth every cent of the $80 (one-time) fee. I've owned it for two years now, and have never paid another dime and I get regular updates to the program (FREE). Try it out http://www.grlevelx.com


A word of caution, though. You will want Level 3 (three) to start with, as it has the most common features a spotter (or chaser - like me) would want, and you can easily download data on the road.

Once you're established with Level 3 on your computer, try out Level 2 AE (if your graphics card is robust). That's one steep learning curve, though (for level 2). For both products, there are users' forums, how-to sections, and tutorials. See http://www.grlevelxstuff.com for tutorials.

 

[CLTX11]

If you purchase level 2 can you not get level 3? Is it all the $79 + ever thing to get the whole set up?

 

[kg4ojj]

You either buy Level 3 ($80), Level 2 ($80), or Level 2 AE ($250).

They are separate products. Level 2 volume scans (every 6 mins, per se) contain more data than typical Level 3 scans. It's all about the tilts and the overall quality of the data. Level 3 is "low" quality, but GR level 3 is best for the general enthusiast, spotter, or mobile chaser.

If you download the trial software and it works on your computer, you buy a registration code for the appropriate one. >>>Try it before you buy it<<< Some computers (namely, the graphics cards) cannot handle Level 2 or Level 2 AE. My older Pentium 3 laptop won't do Level 2, but does Level 3 perfectly fine (I have a new laptop for Level 2, however).

 

[kg4ojj]

Level 3 vs. Level 2 vs. Level 2 AE

Thanks to rdale for some of these images....found on the GibsonRidge owners' forum...

For the Enterprise, AL tornado (03/01/2007):

Top Left = Level 3

Mid-Right = Level 2

Bottom = Level 2 AE (3-d viewer)



FYI: Anyone can pull archived RADAR data.....with few exceptions based on which site & type of data (not all sites produce Level 2 & 3 archived data)....and it's free.

 

[n9zek]

When using laptops in the field; what internet service is most widely used or do people on here prefer?

 

[rdale]

I use Verizon since it's high speed most of the regions where I travel - that might help in determining since you want as fast of data throughput as you can get and not all providers are on the same page.

 

[kg4ojj]

I use Verizon here in the SE.....
I've used their cellphone card since the EVDO version came out.
Recently, I abandoned it and use my Verizon Treo for data with PDANet software.
The one-time $30+ software was far cheaper than the monthly data fee for the card ($80), since I already pay for unlimited data through the phone.

 

[kc8zdf]

Wow.... Thanks for the info and going to check into that program..

73, kc8zdf