🚀 go-pugleaf

To Bob and the group:

Regarding the DTN installation in Georgia and EMWIN.  Bob, you have
apparently only seen the current beta 4 version of weathernode software
from MRC.  Version 3 with the 3.8 data engine works flawlessly and I
receive a 100% 9600 baud signal here at my home.  I receive every text
product imaginable regarding everything from solar flares and
earthquakes to severe weather forecasts and hurricanes in every part of
the world.  All of it is received real time...and, most importantly, the
data is FREE.  One time cost of setup....thats it..no hidden costs.

If you already have a computer to run the software...you can set up
EMWIN for $895 plus shipping....the Zephyrus WX-12 unit also has WEFAX
on it so you can get sat pics as well.....and the new Zephyrus units are
much more sturdy than the original.

Regarding the radar pic...there are only four vendors in the world that
can provide real time NEXRAD because of the contract between the NWS and
those companies....WSI and Accuweather are two those companies.  WSI
sells an expensive satellite system used mainly by TV stations from
which you can receive real time radar.

However, please explain the purpose of having real time radar at an
EOC....few, if any, emergency managers have the training to properly
interpret what they are seeing, and typically the only "real time"
product you can receive is the base echo.....NWS forecasters use several
different modes to interpret the incoming weather.  Most particularly,
they scan the storms vertically....and I have NEVER seen this product
available on the open market.  There is a lot more to forecasting a
severe thunderstorm than seeing a big red blob on the base echo radar
screen.   Upper level dynamics, vertical lift, moisture in the
atmosphere and freeze level being just a few factors that are
considered.

The only value of radar to the average person is to give them an idea of
the timing of the storms....the same is true for EOC personnel...and
that can be obtained off the internet.  In addition, if severe weather
is expected, the local NWSFO should be transmitting an updated Hazardous
Weather Outlook and a NOWcast.

And, finally, on the average day, do you have someone in the EOC?  Our
EOC is connected to the 911 Emergency Communication Center, but the
actual EOC is not manned.....and in a state that has thunderstorms every
third day on average....and virtually every day in the summer...they
don't get real concerned about the weather until AFTER damage and/or
injuries have occurred, with the exception of hurricanes.

My point of this discussion is that someone pulled the wool over the
government's eyes again, this time in Georgia.  That money could have
been spent to improve warning systems in outlying areas or schools and
government buildings, etc.

PS, I live in a county of nearly 1 million....Tampa, with its 1.5
million, is right next door....
--
***********************************************************************
Kevin Heyboer                        E-Mail: kd4uyr@gte.net
Amateur Radio Call: KD4UYR           Packet Mail:KD4UYR@W4DPH.#TPA.FL.US
Coordinator, Pinellas (St. Petersburg/Clearwater) SKYWARN
Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Amateur Radio Emergency Service
***********************************************************************

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