Beauty is in the mind of the beholder!

Well, it is not pretty but it is. I will be receiving my NetBook from Verizon Wireless today. I have fully tested one of our demo units (pictured) and am quite satisfied with its processing. It better work since I just dropped $200 of money I really don't have on it.

I have tested the following applications with results:

- GRLevel3 radar application. No hang ups and processes just like on my desktop. I have also integrated the Delorme LT-40 GPS puck so that I can see my location relative to the storm.

- Delorme mapping with LT-40 USB GPS puck. So far so good. It is hard to get use to since I am a MS Streets and Trips user of over 10 years. But I figured if Reed Timmer uses it (and GRLevelX) then it is good enough for me!

- Logitech trackball mouse. This was an after thought. After trying to use the touchpad on the mini, I realized that this will not be easy to use in the chase beast. So I got a trackball mouse and using Velcro, mounted it between the cup holders in in front of the arm rest. This makes it so much easier to use!

- Spotter Net. This is the only hang up but it seems like this is a known issue. Spotter network tracks your GPS location and reports from the field. The issue is that after a couple of minutes, it freezes the GPS feed for all the applications using it. So, until fixed, I will keep it on manual until I need to make a report. I will poll the GPS and submit my report. Although it would be nice if they made an application for the Blackberry!

- Web Cam. At this point I only have the web cam that is built into the Netbook. Eventually I will get a 5mp web cam and mount it on the dash board. But this is nice when I am waiting for the cell to come to me, I can let my kids see me and talk to them on the phone. Also, for now I will only use it with Yahoo! IM. I need to see where my data usage is going to be with regular chasing activities.

Chase Beast Update

I am getting closer to completion of my Expedition, aptly named "Chase Beast". I even left a little piece of myself behind... ...More on that later.

I mounted two of three radios in the center console. A 300 channel, truck tracking scanner and a CB. Yes, a CB! When you are chasing you need several forms of communication just in case one breaks down. I may work for the nations most reliable wireless service, Verizon Wireless (Another shameless plug) but in the time of disaster, it may not be there or it may be clogged with emergency traffic.

When the armrest is closed, you cannot see them. This is good for theft deterrent since you cannot see them! I have yet to decide on a 2 meter radio. I am not sure if I want an HT or a mobile. Eventually I will have both. Regardless, there is a spot in the lower left for the HAM rig.

Additionally I installed two more antenna mounts. This brings the count to three. The scanner antenna which is a 8db gain antenna. The CB antenna which is a commercial 27MHz antenna. And, a 144MHz to 172 MHz antenna for the 2 meter HAM radio. In addition to that I have a magnetic mount PCS antenna for my Verizon Wireless PC Card. I am holding off on a more permanent solution until I decide on if I will get a Netbook or purchase a smaller, used laptop.

Shortly I will acquire the Delorme LT-40 GPS puck and software to integrate with GRLevel3 radar and the Spotter Network. Also this will help me plot around the core or tell me if it is safe to punch it! Eventually I will get a commercial antenna for this and permanently mount it on the roof.

I am doing this project so that when I am not chasing, I can make the truck look normal. The antennas can be easily removed and the radios are hidden within the center console. Other items like the camera and laptop mounts will be easily removed and stowed in the back. At any point my up time is less than 10 minutes so I really do not loose time getting to the chase.

As for the piece of me left behind. Well, not exactly anything left behind except my pride. I will drilling out access holes in the bottom of my center console when one of the plugs got stuck. I had to exert downward pressure with a screwdriver to remove it. It suddenly gave way and the screwdriver, along with my hand, attempted to fit thru the 1" hole, thusly smashing my right index finger on the outer rim of the hole.

Needless to say I was glad there were no kids around since I uttered several obscenities!!! I will have that mark for a few months and I don't expect to have a finger nail there for long. It actually looks worse now then what it does in the picture.

So anyway, it is coming together and I am waiting for some storms to develop. But with the Jet Stream sinking, it is no allowing for the systems to migrate our way. Looks like we are in a quite weather pattern for the next eight days but that can change!