Well, I am officially geeking out my '97 Expedition for storm chasing. A few dollars here and there as well as a bunch of stuff I have stockpiled over the years has allowed me to start getting the truck ready for the chase.
I dropped one of four planned antennas into the roof. This was the easy one and did not require major dismantling of the interior. The other ones will not be so easy.
Also I installed two of four corner flashers in the back up light housing. These will be used more for warning at 45 degrees from the corners of the truck. I am disappointed in the light output on a a overcast day. I did expect more since these LED lights were bright as heck on my test bench. Looks like I will have to make plans for additional warning lights.
So my list is starting to shrink but I don't think I will be getting everything this season. Here are the things that are on the drawing board;
- Front and rear alternating flashers using hide-a-way LED light heads. I just have to install the fronts
- Scanner Antenna. Installed
- GPS antenna. USB to hook into the laptop for mapping and tracking on radars and Spotter Net. This is about $80.00 and I have to get it.
- 2 meter antenna. I have the antenna from a while ago so no cost here. Just have to put it in.
- 11 meter antenna. AKA CB. Again, another one I have.
- Depending on if the Netbook I may get has an antenna port, a 3db or 6 db gain antenna for that. Possibly in the future I will get an EVDO booster which is about $250.
- Mount radio equipment in the center armrest. I have the 300 channel trunk tracker and CB. I have yet to decide if I am getting an HT or Mobile amateur radio. (This decision may affect the mounting of the 2 meter antenna mentioned above.)
- Video camera dash mount. Still have yet to find one. Currently I bungee a tripod in the front passenger area but if I want to take a "Navigator" with me then I need to come up with a mounting solution.
- Laptop mount. depending on the one I get but this may cost upwards of $250.00. I just may get creative as long as I can find someone with a welder I can barrow.
- Additional LED warning lights. This can get quite expensive but if I can find all the parts, which I can, I can make this system as well and cut my costs to about 25% of the Code 3 lights that I have my eye on.
- Portable roof mount anemometer. A basic one is about $90 but does not hook into the computer. But heck, for the price I will take it. It is also magnetic mounted so it would be easy to remove.
- Some SAR equipment, including a chain saw. Which I see as the top needed item for SAR that I don't have.
I am sure the list will grow once I get back out on the chase but for now, that is what is on it. The good thing is, I don't have to pay for labor because I love installing stuff in cars!
