Chase communications
Storm chase radio comms
When cell service dies, radios save chasers. Here is what to buy, what license to get, and how to communicate effectively.
The problem cell doesn't solve
- Cell towers fail in disasters.
- Data speeds drop when networks are overloaded.
- Rural areas have coverage gaps.
- Roaming charges add up.
- Cell signal disappears in valleys.
- Emergency dispatch may need direct radio contact.
The radio types
Ham radio (amateur)
Requires license. Widest range and features. Standard for chase.
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
License required ($35, no test). Simple, effective.
FRS (Family Radio Service)
No license. Low power. Line of sight only.
CB (Citizens Band)
No license. 27 MHz. Truckers still use.
MURS
No license. Low power. 5 VHF channels.
Commercial (business band)
Requires license and frequency assignment.
Satellite messenger (Garmin inReach)
Not radio but critical backup.
Ham radio license tiers
Technician
35-question test. Grants VHF/UHF privileges. Where most chasers start.
General
Second-tier. Grants HF privileges. Longer-distance ops.
Amateur Extra
Full privileges.
Study time
8-20 hours to Technician.
Test cost
$15.
License validity
10 years, free renewal.
Study sites
Ham Radio Prep, Ham Study, Hamstudy.org.
Recommended chase radios
Baofeng UV-5R ($30)
Cheap dual-band handheld. Popular but poor quality.
Yaesu FT-65R ($90)
Better handheld. Reliable.
Yaesu FT-857D ($700)
Mobile HF+VHF+UHF. Classic chase rig.
Icom IC-2730 ($330)
Mobile dual-band. Reliable.
Kenwood TM-D710A ($430)
APRS built-in. Popular.
Yaesu FTM-500DR ($500)
Newer mobile. C4FM digital.
The Skywarn frequency
- 2 meter FM (144-148 MHz).
- Local Skywarn nets meet on repeaters.
- Check with local repeater club for frequency.
- Standard practice: FM, PL tones vary.
- IRLP / EchoLink extend range.
- Regional Skywarn nets during severe weather.
GMRS as an option
- $35 license, no test.
- License covers whole family (10 years).
- Higher power than FRS: up to 50 watts on repeaters.
- Radios: Motorola, Midland MXT500 series ($200-500).
- GMRS repeaters exist but sparse.
- Simple for non-technical chasers.
- Not authorized to interface with amateur radio.
The APRS system
Automatic Packet Reporting System.
- Broadcasts your position over VHF.
- Received by igates, forwarded to internet.
- Free position tracking without cell.
- aprs.fi displays worldwide.
- Some chasers use APRS for group tracking.
- Requires TNC or capable radio.
- Kenwood TM-D710A has it built in.
Setting up a mobile chase radio
- Radio in reachable position.
- External antenna on roof or magnetic mount.
- NMO mount preferred for permanent install.
- Programmed frequencies: local Skywarn, 2m simplex (146.520), repeater freq, local NWS.
- Speaker mic accessible.
- Backup handheld in glove compartment.
- Antenna analyzer for tuning if needed.
Programming
- CHIRP software: free, cross-radio.
- RTsystems: commercial, brand-specific.
- Manufacturer software: brand-specific.
- Load repeater list from RepeaterBook.
- Skywarn frequencies from local club.
- Program simplex frequencies for chase team.
- Test programming before leaving.
Communicating during a chase
Call-and-response
Use call signs. "N0CALL, this is W0CHASER."
Location
Give GPS. "39.7, -98.4."
Storm data
What you see: tornado, mesocyclone, hail, wind.
Movement
Direction: "SSW to NNE at 40 mph."
Intent
What you'll do next: "Repositioning east."
Break
Say "break" or "stand by" to signal others.
For emergencies
- Repeater Emergency: prefix with "SOS SOS SOS."
- Simplex: 146.520 is national calling frequency.
- GMRS: channel 20 for emergencies.
- CB channel 9 traditionally for emergencies.
- Satellite messenger for true remote emergencies.
- Cell 911 always attempt first.
Learning
- Read the ARRL Handbook.
- Join local amateur radio club.
- Attend Field Day (June).
- Practice on local nets.
- Study Skywarn spotter training.
- Get comfortable with call sign and protocols.
- Emergency communications skills come from practice.