Chase vehicle interior images

[Robert Edmonds]

Perhaps this has been done before but I didn't see anything immediately pop up when I was searching ST. However, I was wondering what the interior of everybody’s chase vehicle looks like. I think it would be interesting to see all the gadgets that you throw into your car for a chase. Perhaps you have allot of technology at hand or very little. Either way I was hoping people here could post a pic or two of the inside of their vehicle all set up for chasing. I was thinking of throwing my stuff in my car tomorrow and just making sure it all works, I’ll post the pic(s) after.

[Zac Goode]

Mine is pretty much simple. Laptop,ham radio,Digital tv tuner and tv card for laptop. Wifi and also have data card and plan,(the card I got off ebay failed me friday though:mad: )inspeed anemometer w/ data logging,cameras,scanner and hustler mag mount antenna. Thats about all:) (Click To Enlarge)

[Chris Hayes]

Finally got a photobucket account. This is the inside of the Dodge pickup we chase in. We also have a dashmount for our camcorder now. The dashmount was being sold at the 2005 chaser convention.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/t80tank/JottoDesk-2.jpg

[Caleb Kimbrough]

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w84/tornadojunkies/P1000666.jpg

Pretty standard setup. Two Dell Laptops, Weather Radio, Some Davis equipment, Anemometer display, camera mount...

The front laptop runs Mobile Threat Net and the back one runs our GPS, since we always chase with three people it works out nicely. We also have wifi on both computers and two webcams (one forward facing and one rear facing) that feed images into the rear laptop every 3 seconds.

In the back of the truck we have a cooler and first aid kit. On the ceiling we have a switch panel and cell phone holders. We also have a drop down map of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska that shows all the counties and their names.

That's really about it...although theres probably something I'm missing...

Caleb

[John Hudson]

I've kept the tech toys to a minimum in the car for chase purposes. Perhaps I'm not great at multitasking, but the laptop and ham unit are about the only gear I really want/need. There's a power inverter on the floor to run everything.

http://skywatch7.com/media/chase%20car%20album/index.html

For me, less is better :cool:

John Hudson
www.skywatch7.com (http://www.skywatch7.com)

[Matt Ziebell]

I've kept the tech toys to a minimum in the car for chase purposes....

John, I agree. Though my setup certainly won't impress any judges, it allows me plenty of room to operate the laptop, tripod and most importantly have unrestricted access to my camera bags on the floor. I simply remove the passenger seat, bolt on the jotto desk, bring in a 25lb-weighted tripod (never liked window mounts since they block my view too much), and wire up the GPS and WxWorx. I have a permanent scanner inside, but as a whole it's simple enough to set up and has worked great over the last four years. I chase with a Saturn mostly for the great gas mileage, but I would prefer a slightly higher profile vehicle for some of those gravel and dirt roads!
http://limetap.com/images/car_int.jpg

[Robert Edmonds]

Here's my car. This will be the first season I will be chasing with WX WORX, I purchased it at the end of last summer. I also recently got a cord to connect my gps to my computer, so I can track my position and path with some mapping software I have. I also have a usb tv tuner to pick up tv stations. I'm not planning on using that as much because it's a little slow on tuning, and I originally got it for my workspace at home.

http://untitledimages.com/car3.jpg

I haven't shown the pile of cords on the passenger side. I'm still trying to figure out how to prevent all the cords from turning into a rats nest.

[Jesse Risley]

I posted earlier in another thread, but I'll throw a few pics back in.

1. Chase Vehicle 1 - 2005 Chevy Impala
2. Chase Vehicle 2 - 1999 Chevy Silverado Z-71

The GPS unit also has the XM weather package for doppler radar, etc. I'm in the process of installing an in-car camera system for this chase season. I'm also pricing toughbook laptops (possible acquisition this year) and I have a mobile anemometer (not pictured). The radio equipment is standard ham, two-way (110 watt high power) and scanner equipment. If I ever get married and have kids I'm sure chase vehicle number 2 is history.

I figured I'd throw in a shot from the home station too of me running one of the wx nets last year (I'm usually in the field but this was a rare exception).:)

[Laura Hedien]

HAM, laptop, PC card, GPS, GPS PC WAAS enable Sensor, video camera and mount.
Very happy with the set-up. Everything's right within reach.
Now we need a good year!
Laura

[Robert Edmonds]

Laura Hedien, what are you chasing in?

[Shane Reichert]

it looks like a hummer, a real one too, H1 :eek:. i could be wrong though

certainly wouldn't have to worry about getting stuck on those muddy country roads:p

[Laura Hedien]

Laura Hedien, what are you chasing in?

Hi- It's a Hummer. A real one. Not an H-Tahoe (read H-1) or an H-Blazer (read H-3) either. :)
It's a lot of fun.
All we need are the storms now! Here's to a good '07!!
Laura

[CraigFisher]

Laura, all i can say is "Wow"! Pretty cool.

[Paul Stofer]

OH man, how jealous I am..

[Laura Hedien]

LOL... thanks but don't be jealous when I fill the tanks (even though I use biodiesel its expensive) or when it's time for the 12k service! YEEEOOW. Bend over time.
I work hard (as everyone else does I'm sure) for the "toys" in life.
Like I said... all the fluff and toys don't do much for Ya if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate!
Drive safe!
Laura

[Tyler Allison]

don't try and order anything from a fast food place either. You have to yell out the window to be heard over the engine ;)

[Jay McCoy]

Definitely a 2 person operation to use all this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/tornadodreams/chasetruck2004002.jpg

[Ben Engle]

I have a different radio setup, but the picture shows the console and laptop setup.

The radios shown are: Unitrol TM4 siren, Icom V8000 2m ham, radioshack pro-2096 digital scanner, radioshack pro-2066 analog scanner, Kenwood TK 930.

Current radios have been narrowed down quite a bit, due to me moving and not needing digital reception anymore. Currently I have the same console, minus the siren. The radios are: Uniden Grand LT CB, Icom V8000, Uniden BCT15 scanner, Kenwood TK930

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/uncleben03/new%20explorer/100_1028.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/uncleben03/new%20explorer/100_1030.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/uncleben03/new%20explorer/100_1031.jpg

[Robert Edmonds]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

[Laura Hedien]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

When parked at a hotel, etc- even though it's a pain, I pull everything out I can. Other than that I use comon sense with where I park- under lights, near the door, not in "bad" areas, cover things, nothing in plain view, etc.
Laura

[Jesse Risley]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

Instead of dialing 911 I just dial .357 and I'm sure that will solve the thievery issue on the spot.:D

[Caleb Kimbrough]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

We have tinted windows (which also help with laptop screen glare) and an alarm system on our Xterra. While chasing we don't really venture too far from the truck really...so theres not much to worry about there.

Whenever we are gone form the truck for an extended period of time, like overnight, we take the most valuable items out....laptops, camera, and whatnot.

[Tony Laubach]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

All my gear is in quick-release mode which means I can have my van cleared out in less than 10 minutes. My HAM radio, scanner, laptop, cameras, etc are all mounted in a fasion that they can be quickly removed when I get out. Makes it nice when I want to get my electronics out quickly and reattach them later. I shove all the gear into plastic storage containers and take them inside with me. Nothing left in the van to steal after that! :)

[Mark Manchester]

As one of the main rules for chasing is safety, I'd just like to remind everyone to take air bag deployment into consideration when mounting their equipment. I can't even begin to tell the number of stories I have regarding people, including police and fire officials, injured (some quite seriously) by laptops, cell phones, radios, etc. because they became dislodged by an air bag in an accident.

[Jay McCoy]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?


The laptop and camera come out but otherwise it all is hard mounted. I have one advantage most people dont though. Most criminals try their best to avoid law enforecement or any vehicles that have 911 decals like mine. Red/Blue lights work wonders for security :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/tornadodreams/truck006.jpg

[fplowman]

As one of the main rules for chasing is safety, I'd just like to remind everyone to take air bag deployment into consideration when mounting their equipment. I can't even begin to tell the number of stories I have regarding people, including police and fire officials, injured (some quite seriously) by laptops, cell phones, radios, etc. because they became dislodged by an air bag in an accident.

I have often worried about this.. I would say though that i could easily become more popular as Mr. Latpop head or cellphone ear ;)

If we ever become one that is.. lol

[David Drummond]

I disable the passenger bag because of it. Sure you lose the lose of the bag, but I am not so sure that is worst than all that equipment coming at high speed into your being.

[Ben Engle]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

Well, while I'm in the vehicle, my Glock 19 has alot to say to someone who attempts to steal anything.

While I'm out of the vehicle, the laptop comes out. Other than that, everything is bolted into the metal console with star bits, which is bolted to the metal track, which is bolted to the floor. If they can get anything out by prying without damaging the equipment, congratulations. If they bring the proper tools to properly remove the equipment, congratulations. It'll probably take them long enough to get it out the correct way that my Glock will sniff them out eventually.

[J West]

Instead of dialing 911 I just dial .357 and I'm sure that will solve the thievery issue on the spot.:D

I personally dial .40, but I see we are on the same page :D

As for the thread: I have are two radios (VHF Ericsson and Dualband Icom), GPS and a laptop (currently on assignment elsewhere). I don't count cameras and phones as they are all portable and stowed while in motion. I'll post a pic shortly.

[Gaetan Cormier]

I have just finished the set-up of our chase vehicule.
It's next to nothing compared to other set-ups that I have seen here :eek:

But what we have is the basics
http://bp3.blogger.com/_PoNI4qK6nQo/RknOpkiqyrI/AAAAAAAAAEM/qB1a0oqVI9k/s1600-h/car1.jpg
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8529/car1ls2.jpg

[Susan Strom]

On a side note, aren't any of you guys concerned about theft? What do you do to protect all the electronics you have in your car?

I live in 5th largest city in the country, 2 hrs from the Mexican border. My town in the foothills doesn't get it so bad, but down in the Valley the theft is brazen to the point of comical. Theives here operate in rings, and do so even in broad daylight. Security cams and car alarms do nothing.

Therefore, I outfit my SUV with equipment that I can easily set up and tear down. If I park anywhere in the Valley, nothing is showing. When chasing, all the radios & equipment are installed. I have to morph back and forth from chase vehicle mode to nondescript. Big city life I guess. That is okay, it is a bit more trouble but I worked out a little system.

Police dept recommended one device I find useful to help deter car theft in general. It is NOT The Club. It is called steel brake lock that goes over brake pedal. I use it religiously, and no electronics show when my car is parked. If they did, I could set my watch to the potential theft, even in very affluent parts of town.

[John Erwin]

I have just finished the set-up of our chase vehicule.
It's next to nothing compared to other set-ups that I have seen here :eek:


You have nothing to be ashamed of Gaétan, that's a nice clean setup!

Say, that isn't blood on your floorboard I hope? Maybe you shot somebody trying to take your stuff? :D

Cheers!

[Glenn Dixon]

I've simplified since I first started chasing in a CR-V. My little ghetto-mobile has a dual-band ham rig, permanently mounted 1/4 wave antenna, and my MacBook just sits in the passenger seat, or in their lap if someone is riding shotgun. I *may* eventually find some way of securing the MacBook, in case of sudden braking, but I doubt it will be a full docking station thingie. Haven't picked up the GPS yet since I discovered my old Magellan unit doesn't do Mac.
I'll post some pics later, but there's nothing much to see - the ham rig is under the dash with just a faceplate showing.

I have plans for my video camera that involves a tripod and bungee cords. We'll see how that works....

[Glenn Dixon]

Laura, from the pictures it looks like your laptop blocks a big part of your view to the right. Is that true or is it just the picture angle?

HAM, laptop, PC card, GPS, GPS PC WAAS enable Sensor, video camera and mount.
Very happy with the set-up. Everything's right within reach.
Now we need a good year!
Laura

[Shawn Rutherford]

Jay,

Your pic shows an earlier model explorer with red/blue lights..... Is it safe to assume you are law enforcement?

shawn

The laptop and camera come out but otherwise it all is hard mounted. I have one advantage most people dont though. Most criminals try their best to avoid law enforecement or any vehicles that have 911 decals like mine. Red/Blue lights work wonders for security :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/tornadodreams/truck006.jpg

[Gaetan Cormier]

Say, that isn't blood on your floorboard I hope? Maybe you shot somebody trying to take your stuff? :D

Cheers!

Thanks for your comment John and no it's not blood :D Those are tree buds that probably entered the van when I open the door ;)

[Joey Ketcham]

Jay,

Your pic shows an earlier model explorer with red/blue lights..... Is it safe to assume you are law enforcement?

shawn

If my memory is correct, I believe Jay works for an emergency service in Amarillo.

[Jay McCoy]

If my memory is correct, I believe Jay works for an emergency service in Amarillo.

Thats right. I am a member of Amarillo Emergency Service which is part of the DEM for potter/Randall counties which includes the city of Amarillo. As a part of EM we have response jurastiction to anywhere in the state and have mutual aid agreements with NM, Ks, And Oklahoma so I am authorized to use them there also in certain situations even though I rarely have. Only a few times when I have come upon major wrecks and nobody else is there yet anda couple of tornado scenes.

Our unit are all trained and certified 1st responders including 1st aid (most of us are EMT's), extracation, search and rescue, hazmat, WMD's, scene control and command, disaster response, etc..And are all trained spotters for the city.