Storm Chasing Radio?

[rescuecomm]

Chasers will be lined up for miles down a road or in a convoy booking it down the road and not just a handfull ether. We are talking 50+ or more which is a lot more traffic than normal even with general public and causing first responders who have to reduce code because of the weather and traffic delaying response because of thia for their own safety to baby sit these fools. I won't get into the chaser vs spotter as it has been beat to death.

Obviously a total different scene from here! Sounds like the old LeMans start, where the drivers run to the cars and get going. We don't see that due to the scarcity of tornadoes that can be tracked visually. I guess you guys can have some problems with that.

Bob

 

[MesquiteWx]

Obviously a total different scene from here! Sounds like the old LeMans start, where the drivers run to the cars and get going. We don't see that due to the scarcity of tornadoes that can be tracked visually. I guess you guys can have some problems with that.

Bob

Hahaha! Yeah you pretty much nailed it. Gas stations are jammed packed too. It is just a total nightmare. SPC puts out an elevated risk then they will be out there in droves. They even offer tornado tours. We have two H2 vehicles we use to spot with from my team and there have been times we have had to go off road just to get around people to get to safety because there is some newbie out there in his 1990 Ford Escort going 20 MPH with a hail core barreling down on you which means the flank of the storm isn't to far behind and they are completely oblivious to what is going on.

Like prerunner1982 said a dual band would be best in OK. CB come in nice for car to car because the Simplex channels will be packed. You can't get in a word edgewise or find an open freq. It gets that bad at times. Especially when news crews are out there.

 

[KF5WVN]

Thanks for the advice, guys
I've already taken both basic and advanced SKYWARN classes, as well as a number of other classes from MetEd covering radar and other convective topics. I also take my wife with me when I chase (she runs the radar), and we have mobile data so she/we can use radar while on the road, and we're backed by a storm team.
I had already planned on getting a dual-band, but ideally one that does APRS so that I position report with Spotter Network as well, and I've got a CB that I'm going to buy once I get paid, lol.
I've heard of radios that can be set to be basically a repeater for your handheld while out of the vehicle...I read it on a forum somewhere but I dont remember where. Obviously, while in the car, I'm going to use a mobile rig. I'm just still new to HAM radio and I appreciate the advice
Also, I'm thinking of upgrading my license from Technician to General. What do you guys think?

 

[prerunner1982]

The Yaesu ft 8800r has crossband repeat, dual receive, and one "side" can also be set up for aprs however you cant talk on the radio and transmit aprs at the same time. It also has wideband receive, if that interests you. Has remote head as well. Good radio, i like mine.

Never hurts to upgrade to general, not sure it would help with spotting any but good to have the extra privileges.

 

[pinballwiz86]

I'd also invest in GMRS radios in case you're going with another group and they don't have any comm gear. You can let them borrow a radio to keep in contact.

 

[prerunner1982]

I'd also invest in GMRS radios in case you're going with another group and they don't have any comm gear. You can let them borrow a radio to keep in contact.

You mean FRS right?...