WX8BEN's Storm Chase Vehicle
My chase vehicle for the 2008 season is a 2002 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab. I currently have around 130,000 miles on it, however it does run very well. The truck is outfitted with a Kenwood TM-D710A dual band HAM radio, a Cobra 40-channel CB, and a laptop complete with cellular hookup and GPS. I've got a Microsoft USB GPS which hooks up to the computer. I have a serial GPS which hooks up to the Kenwood and provides APRS data. I have a 500 watt inverter along with an extra charger to charge the laptop which is mounted upon a "redneck laptop mount" which consists of pipes, pipe flange and a board with L brackets. I finish the truck off with 3 external antennas (2m/440, CB, 900mhz/1.8ghz dual band cellular antenna).
I have a Verizon Wireless (Audiovox) XV6700 phone which runs Windows Mobile 6.0, and use the Internet Connection Sharing to tether the phone to my laptop and use it for High Speed Internet. I utilize Level3 data using GRLevel3 coupled with a data plan from AllisonHouse for lightning data. Streets and Trips is used to provide guidance and spotternetwork.org along with APRS provides position updates to everyone who might be watching on the internet. Video should be streaming from time to time from my Sony Handycam (HC28).
Also, I do not leave these items in the car, so it will do you no good to break in. For anyone who wants to try and break in, Mr. Remington will be waiting.
I have a Verizon Wireless (Audiovox) XV6700 phone which runs Windows Mobile 6.0, and use the Internet Connection Sharing to tether the phone to my laptop and use it for High Speed Internet. I utilize Level3 data using GRLevel3 coupled with a data plan from AllisonHouse for lightning data. Streets and Trips is used to provide guidance and spotternetwork.org along with APRS provides position updates to everyone who might be watching on the internet. Video should be streaming from time to time from my Sony Handycam (HC28).
Also, I do not leave these items in the car, so it will do you no good to break in. For anyone who wants to try and break in, Mr. Remington will be waiting.

Rear View of the Truck

Passenger Side View. You can see the antennas in this view.

Drivers Side View.

The Drivers Seat. Laptop, Dual Band Kenwood, Power Inverter, Cellphone and Steering Wheel

View of the Laptop Mount & Passenger Seat.

CB Radio

GPS for Laptop & GPS for APRS mounted to dashboard.

View from the Passenger Side

Kenwood TM-D710A dual band amateur radio.

Laptop, CB and Inverter

Laptop, XM, Steering Wheel

Antennas and Lightbar

Front of Truck

In Action in Arkansas