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Weather Software => GRLevel X Software => Topic started by: Downlinerz2 on April 25, 2011, 10:35:41 PM

Title: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 25, 2011, 10:35:41 PM
    I almost did it!  I was watching TWC's coverage of the tornadoes near Little Rock, AR and following on my radar.  I started getting depressed that I could not see things as well as they could.  I went as far as downloading GRL2 :oops:.  But, I went to AllisonHouse to look at things and reality hit :shock: :shock:.  I didn't want to spend $25/month. ](*,)  At least not now.  I apparently already used my free-trial for Level2 as it said expired.  Thank God!!! 
   Iwill have to be carefull with that from now on. It would be nice especially since I did not know you can take vertical slices through the radar with GRL2.  At least that's what was on the window.  I would love that.  I better get off before I do it again!!!!
     Mark :-( :oops: ](*,)
     
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: AWL on April 25, 2011, 10:49:56 PM
Does the GR2 program also come with the ability to FTP the files for a loop? I never see a GR Level 2 loop on the web.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: WeatherHost on April 25, 2011, 10:59:04 PM
I was watching TWC ...

Why?


Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Mark / Ohio on April 25, 2011, 11:55:29 PM
   I almost did it!  I was watching TWC's coverage of the tornadoes near Little Rock, AR and following on my radar.  I started getting depressed that I could not see things as well as they could. ...    

I was thinking the same thing watching Dr Forbes the other day!   :lol:

But I just can't justify that cost right now either.  So many toys and things to do and not enough money coming in to do them.   #-o
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 26, 2011, 09:07:09 AM
I was watching TWC ...
Why?
 
    Because when there is a severe weather outbreak Dr. Forbes does a great analysis of radar images. There is nothing else on when they do that.  He shows features on Base Reflectivity and on SRV's. It is fantastic.  I have learned numerous things watching him.  I am glued to TWC when he is on and doing his thing.  Can't get it anywhere else. They were still at it after midnite last night.  They started before 8pm. 4 hours plus excellent weather coverage.
   Mark

Does the GR2 program also come with the ability to FTP the files for a loop? I never see a GR Level 2 loop on the web.
   I don't know.  I did not have it long enough to check out all there was.  Sorry.
      Mark

Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on April 26, 2011, 12:46:17 PM
No, GR2 does not have FTP capabilities.
Marks, both of you in Ohio. GR2 is awesome. I use it more then GR3. There is a free feed from Iowa State that you can use so a sub isn't necessary.  I just tried it so it still works. I am extremely fortunate in that one of our members from Tampa gives away the L2 feed for the Florida sites.
You may even be able to negotiate with Allison for a couple specific sites.
The vertical slices you speak of are probably a product GR2 Analyst. GR2 has an option to look at a cross section from different vectors but it doesn't have the capabilities of Analyst. Analyst is a great looking program but to me right now it's just eye candy. I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking at. :oops:
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Jumpin Joe on April 26, 2011, 01:04:46 PM
I just looked at the demo for GR2 Analyst and it is nice eye candy! Is GR2 better than 3?
Joe.... another Ohioan.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on April 26, 2011, 01:20:35 PM
Hey Joe I used to be from Ohio a long time ago. Check my avatar. Currently a Browns fan incognito.  :grin:
The biggest difference between the two is the GR2 has more resolution then GR3 which is quite evident when you look at them side by side. For the average user GR3 is the way to go. GR3 has 25 products while GR2 has 4. Base Ref, velocity, relative velocity, and spectrum width.
With GR2  you can also sample 14 different heights starting at 0.5 which is most common all the way up to 19.5. Again these are more for the advanced user.
The only reason I bought it was because I was already using a program with L3 data and I wanted one with L2 data. For me it was worth the $80 but for the most part you get the same in GR3.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on April 26, 2011, 07:29:26 PM
One thing I forgot is if you can't afford GR2 WeatherTap offers L2 data with their sub package. I think it's like $7.95 a month. Very cheap for what you get and they offer a lot. L2, L3, and a great mobile app just to name a few. I usually sign up for a couple months in the summer because it's so good.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Jumpin Joe on April 26, 2011, 08:47:40 PM
When I saw your avatar a while back I noticed the Browns theme.... we're Bungal fans here, or at least we try to be.

Thanks for the info.... i guess I'll stick with GR3 and learn how to get the most out of it...... now it's time to look at Allison and try to figure how to marry them together and get it on my site.

Take care,
Joe
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 26, 2011, 10:46:49 PM
No, GR2 does not have FTP capabilities.
Marks, both of you in Ohio. GR2 is awesome. I use it more then GR3. There is a free feed from Iowa State that you can use so a sub isn't necessary.  I just tried it so it still works. I am extremely fortunate in that one of our members from Tampa gives away the L2 feed for the Florida sites.
You may even be able to negotiate with Allison for a couple specific sites.
The vertical slices you speak of are probably a product GR2 Analyst. GR2 has an option to look at a cross section from different vectors but it doesn't have the capabilities of Analyst. Analyst is a great looking program but to me right now it's just eye candy. I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking at. :oops:

Could you please share this feed from Iowa State?
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 26, 2011, 11:28:49 PM
One thing I forgot is if you can't afford GR2 WeatherTap offers L2 data with their sub package. I think it's like $7.95 a month. Very cheap for what you get and they offer a lot. L2, L3, and a great mobile app just to name a few. I usually sign up for a couple months in the summer because it's so good.
   I just signed up for the Weathertap 14 day trial before I saw your post.  It is great for the price.  There is a lot of stuff included.  Personaly I did not like the Storm Relative Velocity scans. Odd colors and I could not make heads/tails out of it.  I did like the HD radar though. 
   I think that one day I will succumb to the GR2 urge.  You can do slices through the radar with GR2 and that is something I want.  Someday, but not today #-o.  Maybe tomorrow.  Probably not.  We will see :shock: ](*,).
   Mark
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: mackbig on April 27, 2011, 07:46:42 AM
And Doug, dont ask for it over there, or you might get your head bitten off.  :lol:

Andrew


No, GR2 does not have FTP capabilities.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on April 27, 2011, 12:02:54 PM
No, GR2 does not have FTP capabilities.
Marks, both of you in Ohio. GR2 is awesome. I use it more then GR3. There is a free feed from Iowa State that you can use so a sub isn't necessary.  I just tried it so it still works. I am extremely fortunate in that one of our members from Tampa gives away the L2 feed for the Florida sites.
You may even be able to negotiate with Allison for a couple specific sites.
The vertical slices you speak of are probably a product GR2 Analyst. GR2 has an option to look at a cross section from different vectors but it doesn't have the capabilities of Analyst. Analyst is a great looking program but to me right now it's just eye candy. I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking at. :oops:

Could you please share this feed from Iowa State?



http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/data/nexrd2/raw/   
I couldn't copy it so if it doesn't work let me know. Could have made a mistake.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: DaculaWeather on April 27, 2011, 12:52:02 PM
GRL2 is a higher resolution product, but doesn't have all the features and capabilities of the GRL3 product. Most storm trackers use the GRL3 because of the extra features and GPS functions.

None of the products actually do the looping to a website although it has a built in ftp client to upload the last ten images for you to loop on your own. I have four GRL3 loops going today,

Huntsville - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/storm_mode_3.php
Birmingham - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/storm_mode_1.php
Atlanta  - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/ffc_284.php
Little Rock - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/storm_mode_2.php

Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: CNYWeather on April 27, 2011, 12:56:41 PM
You have 4 instances of GR3 running then Steve?
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: DaculaWeather on April 27, 2011, 12:57:40 PM
I do! On two different computers, TWO of those are tethered through my Droid... a little slow but it works!
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: CNYWeather on April 27, 2011, 01:06:34 PM
Cool. I had toyed around with a radar of all of NY. Maybe i'll give it another shot.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 27, 2011, 03:20:24 PM
No, GR2 does not have FTP capabilities.
Marks, both of you in Ohio. GR2 is awesome. I use it more then GR3. There is a free feed from Iowa State that you can use so a sub isn't necessary.  I just tried it so it still works. I am extremely fortunate in that one of our members from Tampa gives away the L2 feed for the Florida sites.
You may even be able to negotiate with Allison for a couple specific sites.
The vertical slices you speak of are probably a product GR2 Analyst. GR2 has an option to look at a cross section from different vectors but it doesn't have the capabilities of Analyst. Analyst is a great looking program but to me right now it's just eye candy. I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking at. :oops:

Could you please share this feed from Iowa State?



http://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/data/nexrd2/raw/   
I couldn't copy it so if it doesn't work let me know. Could have made a mistake.


If I click on a radar site, and then something after that, I get a scrambled text view. How does this work?  :-k
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on April 27, 2011, 04:53:40 PM
Chris do you have GR2?
It only works with GR2 not 3.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 27, 2011, 05:27:54 PM
Chris do you have GR2?
It only works with GR2 not 3.


I have an expired trial version of GR2. I plan on purchasing it sometime later this year.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Jumpin Joe on April 27, 2011, 08:32:51 PM
GRL2 is a higher resolution product, but doesn't have all the features and capabilities of the GRL3 product. Most storm trackers use the GRL3 because of the extra features and GPS functions.

None of the products actually do the looping to a website although it has a built in ftp client to upload the last ten images for you to loop on your own. I have four GRL3 loops going today,

Huntsville - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/storm_mode_3.php
Birmingham - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/storm_mode_1.php
Atlanta  - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/ffc_284.php
Little Rock - http://www.daculaweather.com/grlevel3/storm_mode_2.php


Steve,
Nice...What does the looping?
Joe
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 27, 2011, 09:44:11 PM
   After watching the coverage tonight on TWC the one thing I really noticed is a lot better is the velocity data...the Storm Relative velocities.  Much better resolution.  I don't know if anything has better SRV scans but it would be nice.  SimuAwips has pretty good Base Velocities but you cannot zoom in, at least that I know of.  And, still would like to be able to cut slices which GR2 can do. 
   Can anyone who uses GRL2 tell me if the SRV data is better than GRL3?
     Thanks,
       Mark
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 28, 2011, 12:22:12 AM
I believe certain color tables for velocity data in GR3 improves the image a bit…but I can't be too certain on this. The color table I'm using is pretty blocky.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 28, 2011, 10:10:18 AM
I believe certain color tables for velocity data in GR3 improves the image a bit…but I can't be too certain on this. The color table I'm using is pretty blocky.
   Mine is the same way.  I have around 5 or so tables for velocity available but alot of them have rediculous colors and are even harder to read.  I usually use the default table one other that uses green/red scheme.  It is amazing that the SimuAWIPS base velocities are almost better than the GRL3.
    Mark
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 28, 2011, 11:17:11 AM
I believe certain color tables for velocity data in GR3 improves the image a bit…but I can't be too certain on this. The color table I'm using is pretty blocky.
  Mine is the same way.  I have around 5 or so tables for velocity available but alot of them have rediculous colors and are even harder to read.  I usually use the default table one other that uses green/red scheme.  It is amazing that the SimuAWIPS base velocities are almost better than the GRL3.
    Mark

Where is the default located? I'm tempted to switch back to it.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 28, 2011, 11:43:40 AM
   Mine is under the place where you set the color tables under "View".  Then "Set Color Table"  and click Velocity.  In the list is several default tables that came with the GRL3, I think.  It's hard to remember.  I do not remember getting them from anywhere.  There are reflectivity, echo-tops, vil, and stormrelative, and velocity default tables.  ADDED: The one I like is the default-velocity.  The default-stormrelative velocity is not as good!  Forgot there were two.
   Hope this helps.
   Mark
I believe certain color tables for velocity data in GR3 improves the image a bit…but I can't be too certain on this. The color table I'm using is pretty blocky.
  Mine is the same way.  I have around 5 or so tables for velocity available but alot of them have rediculous colors and are even harder to read.  I usually use the default table one other that uses green/red scheme.  It is amazing that the SimuAWIPS base velocities are almost better than the GRL3.
    Mark

Where is the default located? I'm tempted to switch back to it.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: IMADreamer on April 29, 2011, 03:23:41 PM
I agree I prefer the default tables for velocity on GR3. 

I want GR2 but then there is the subscription and then I'd want GR2 Analyst and where would it end? lol  So for now GR3 does a fine job.  I think it kind of blows that we have to pay a subscription fee through a third party company to get the data that our tax dollars are used to create.  Our world is screwed up. 
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 30, 2011, 02:18:28 PM
You can get Level II data for free from the NCDC. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/nexradinv/
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on April 30, 2011, 03:34:32 PM
You can get Level II data for free from the NCDC. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/nexradinv/
    Thanks Chris!  I have only a minute so I will have to check it all out later but it looks like it will take a little digging to find what I want.  Very neat.  Looks like some software things may be available as well.   8-)
     Mark
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Chris H. on April 30, 2011, 07:13:07 PM
You can get Level II data for free from the NCDC. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/nexradinv/
   Thanks Chris!  I have only a minute so I will have to check it all out later but it looks like it will take a little digging to find what I want.  Very neat.  Looks like some software things may be available as well.   8-)
     Mark

The software they provide is more like "web-ware". It's a Java interface that requires you to "reinstall" it every time you need to use it. But the data (once you get an order number in your email) can be used with WeatherScope and GR2/GR2AE, and from there you can freely browse.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on May 01, 2011, 10:14:19 PM
   I went to www.GRlevelxstuff.com and looked at the velocity table downloads.  There are some new ones, at least to me, that were added or updated in Aug 2010 and Nov 2010.  Others I don't remember.  I downloaded about 9 of them and am trying them out.
So far I like the  4 Velocity, 5 Velocity, 12 Velocity MPH, and ext goss velo.  They are the basic Red/Green and I like that the scales go up higher than 70 knots up to 120 knots.
    If you have not been there in a while I would check it out.
       Mark
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: LFWX on May 02, 2011, 12:05:36 AM
   I went to www.GRlevelxstuff.com and looked at the velocity table downloads.  There are some new ones, at least to me, that were added or updated in Aug 2010 and Nov 2010.  Others I don't remember.  I downloaded about 9 of them and am trying them out.
So far I like the  4 Velocity, 5 Velocity, 12 Velocity MPH, and ext goss velo.  They are the basic Red/Green and I like that the scales go up higher than 70 knots up to 120 knots.
    If you have not been there in a while I would check it out.
       Mark
I started using Pueblo V after we had velocities above 70 kts a few weeks ago. Too soon to give a full review, but it seems to be working well so far.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: IMADreamer on May 02, 2011, 12:47:57 AM
I tried to download the trial of GR2 tonight to try it with the free data but I guess I'd downloaded a trial at some other point because it said my trial has expired.  I sure don't remember trying it but I guess I did.  :-(
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on May 02, 2011, 10:28:05 AM
I tried to download the trial of GR2 tonight to try it with the free data but I guess I'd downloaded a trial at some other point because it said my trial has expired.  I sure don't remember trying it but I guess I did.  :-(
   Phew!!!  I thought I was loosing my mind!  I downloaded the trial a week ago or so and I discovered that on AllisonHouse it said my GRL2 trial had expired.  I have absolutely no memory of ever trying it before.  But, as so many things it seems these days I thought I just forgot just as you did.  Oh well, maybe I did.  I don't remember seeing many of the velocity tables on GRLstuff before but they have been there since 2009.  I don't know what to think. :???: :???: :???: ](*,) #-o :oops: :shock: ](*,)
      Mark
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: LFWX on May 02, 2011, 10:43:12 AM
   After watching the coverage tonight on TWC the one thing I really noticed is a lot better is the velocity data...the Storm Relative velocities.  Much better resolution.  I don't know if anything has better SRV scans but it would be nice.  SimuAwips has pretty good Base Velocities but you cannot zoom in, at least that I know of.  And, still would like to be able to cut slices which GR2 can do. 
   Can anyone who uses GRL2 tell me if the SRV data is better than GRL3?
     Thanks,
       Mark
Mark

Even if you are not viewing it, be sure to have the Base Velocity (BV) open - this will give you higher resolution on your Storm Relative Velocity (SRV).

Mike
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on May 02, 2011, 12:07:35 PM
Also turning OFF the smoothing feature in Velocity mode enables better detection. At least I think so.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: LFWX on May 02, 2011, 02:20:20 PM
Also turning OFF the smoothing feature in Velocity mode enables better detection. At least I think so.
The version of GR3 I'm using has smoothing greyed-out for the velocity products, except for the Specrtum Width (which I would love for them to change!)
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on May 02, 2011, 10:14:02 PM
Also turning OFF the smoothing feature in Velocity mode enables better detection. At least I think so.
The version of GR3 I'm using has smoothing greyed-out for the velocity products, except for the Specrtum Width (which I would love for them to change!)
    Smoothing is not available on mine either.  It would be great!!! And as long as you  brought up Spectrum Width, what the heck is that all about? I saw tables for it on GRLxstuff and some mentioned debris but these were mostly for GR2/analyst ect.  I Googled it a couple times in the past but got nowhere on it. Would love to have another "club" in the bag!!!! ;) ;) :lol:
   After watching the coverage tonight on TWC the one thing I really noticed is a lot better is the velocity data...the Storm Relative velocities.  Much better resolution.  I don't know if anything has better SRV scans but it would be nice.  SimuAwips has pretty good Base Velocities but you cannot zoom in, at least that I know of.  And, still would like to be able to cut slices which GR2 can do. 
   Can anyone who uses GRL2 tell me if the SRV data is better than GRL3?
     Thanks,
       Mark
Mark

Even if you are not viewing it, be sure to have the Base Velocity (BV) open - this will give you higher resolution on your Storm Relative Velocity (SRV).
Mike
Mike,
   Thank you for that.  I had not heard that one before.  I have always had BV open. 
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: LFWX on May 03, 2011, 02:18:35 AM
Mark

I found this link at GRLevelXStuff

OPERATIONAL USES OF VELOCITY SPECTRUM WIDTH DATA: http://www.stormchasers.au.com/lemon13.htm

Mike

Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: ocala on May 03, 2011, 04:26:00 AM
Also turning OFF the smoothing feature in Velocity mode enables better detection. At least I think so.
This only applies to GR2.
Title: Re: I Almost Bit!!!
Post by: Downlinerz2 on May 03, 2011, 11:00:16 AM
Mark
I found this link at GRLevelXStuff
OPERATIONAL USES OF VELOCITY SPECTRUM WIDTH DATA: http://www.stormchasers.au.com/lemon13.htm
Mike
Mike,
    Excellent.  I only read the summary so far but this looks like it will be interesting! Thanks for posting that for me!!! =D> =D> :grin:
     Mark