We have started to modify our chase vehicle, a 2010 Ford Explorer. Two weeks ago, the Motorola MW800 computer was replaced with a Panasonic Toughbook CF-19. The Toughbook is much faster than the 10 year old Motorola. It has more memory and a faster processor allowing us much more flexibility while chasing. The MW800 was prone to frequent crashes and freezing while running needed programs. So far in testing the CF-19 has proven to be significantly more reliable. Video streaming will be smoother and we will now have the ability to use the new version of Gibson Ridge software as well as Microsoft Streets & Trips 2013.
This morning, a roof top basket with auxiliary lighting was installed. This will give us a place to mount an anemometer and other needed equipment without sacrificing room inside the vehicle. The lighting will help with visibility. We will also be replacing the stock struts with Rancho Quicklifts. This will give us a couple more inches of ground clearance. That may not seem like much but it could be enough to clear unavoidable debris in the roadway during chases. Once that has been completed, some leaking seals will need to be replaced.
We are also looking into installing a CB Radio and/or a ham radio in the near future.
This is what our chase vehicle looked like as of thie morning
