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NBC's Storm Rangers, Weather Expansions and NBCU Model


rkolsen

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I just want to know what the long term plan is with these vehicles. Is the gimmick going to be worth the upkeep? What's going to happen the first time one of these trucks malfunctions in the field (like regular trucks do on a normal basis)? What does NBC plan on doing with these things when they're due for replacement?

 

It's probably been said of other things before, but I feel like this is truly the "jumping the shark" moment of local television news.

 

I suppose once some moron destroys the radar transmitter with mis-use...then at least you have a 4wd sat/eng feeder good for 5-10 years. If you remove that radar dome you could add a little porta potty or a make-up station where the reporters can get all pretty.

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just want to know what the long term plan is with these vehicles. Is the gimmick going to be worth the upkeep? What's going to happen the first time one of these trucks malfunctions in the field (like regular trucks do on a normal basis)? What does NBC plan on doing with these things when they're due for replacement?

 

I imagine they would make the necessary repairs to extend the life of the vehicle. Remember the Bloommobile? It's still going strong even after it lost its radome and severely damaged its reflector in a tornado. The truck has been going strong for over 13 years and has been updated with the times. I highly doubt the truck was designed for HD or Ka/Ku band operation in 2003 but it's been upgraded.

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I updated the thread title to cover all the expansions of weather technology that NBC has invested in their stations in the past few months. Hopefully this won't become a list thread but a discussion of improvements.

 

Even though WTVJ didn't get a fancy new promo with the Storm Ranger it looks like they are upgrading their Doppler radar. Claiming to make it the most powerful in South Florida.

 

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Apparently the O&O's can tap into the storm ranger doppler anywhere they're at. Yesterday, KNSD was able to que the Storm Ranger which was north of LA. I was under the impression that only one station could tap into the system at a time.

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Apparently the O&O's can tap into the storm ranger doppler anywhere they're at. Yesterday, KNSD was able to que the Storm Ranger which was north of LA. I was under the impression that only one station could tap into the system at a time.

During Tropical Storm Hermine WRC seemed to be the one getting the most use out* of it on air but WCAU and WNBC all had the data on their apps. I wish the app showed a general location or the town the truck was located in - sometimes you had to go looking for it.

 

*I say that because WNBC meteorologist Steve Sosna seemed to be the operator/meteorologist of the truck and was only doing hits/tweeting about WRC. Finding it odd that he only tweeted about WRC I searched WCAU and WNBC's websites and found no recent hits for Storm Ranger or Steve Sosna. You would think since this was the trucks first real test they would feature this technology even through a recorded package. WRC's StormTeam 4x4 was leading the way/escorting the truck up I'm to Delaware when the truck returned back to wCAU.

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Apparently the O&O's can tap into the storm ranger doppler anywhere they're at. Yesterday, KNSD was able to que the Storm Ranger which was north of LA. I was under the impression that only one station could tap into the system at a time.

 

What happens if there is an earthquake?

Does StormRager just sit at the NBC field shop with his thumb in his butt?

 

How would you use your Stormranger in an earthquake?

Be creative !

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What happens if there is an earthquake?

Does StormRager just sit at the NBC field shop with his thumb in his butt?

 

How would you use your Stormranger in an earthquake?

Be creative !

 

They could track the smoke from all the fires caused by gas line breaks and how it effects you. Meanwhile all hell is breaking loose.

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What happens if there is an earthquake?

Does StormRager just sit at the NBC field shop with his thumb in his butt?

 

How would you use your Stormranger in an earthquake?

Be creative !

 

I can picture it now:

 

"Storm Ranger 4 is giving you exclusive access to the clouds of smoke caused by this once in a lifetime earth quake. So here once again is where the smoke is headed courtesy of the Santa Ana winds. Just to remind you all Storm Ranger 4 can go places no other Doppler radars can go giving you a closer view to YOUR community and how the weather will affect you."

 

Meanwhile every other station in LA is live across Southern California reporting the damage from the air and on the ground.

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No....no no....

KNSD???

Not in a million years would the city ever approve one of those radars....

Unless...

They disguise it as a golf ball.

 

[ATTACH=full]3327[/ATTACH]

No, but the county will. Just give them enough $$$ and they'll bend over backwards... Just ask Supervisor Horn and his developer buddies...

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KPCC (KNBC's non profit news partner) has an interview with Fritz Coleman discussing their new Storm Ranger and why it's needed in a place like Southern California.

 

http://www.scpr.org/programs/offramp/2016/09/22/52257/inside-nbc-los-angeles-insane-new-doppler-weather

 

I hope it gets destroyed in Sharknado 5 ,and my cousin Mack eats Fritz Coleman.

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I know not many of you follow or care about this stuff but I'd thought I'd show some progress pictures of KXAS's new radar installation:

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/RickMitchellWX/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1178885405483796

 

https://www.facebook.com/RickMitchellWX/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1178064152232588

 

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1177830722255931

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Another NBC S-band dual-pol radar has been installed. This time, the new radar has landed in South Florida. On top of its Miramar office.

 

Welcome aboard First Alert Doppler 6000.

 

Looks good but all I'm thinking of is the imfamous

that WTWO put out. I was just reading literature from both Barron and EEC recommending the Doppler be placed 23 miles away from the core coverage area. Miramar seems to be a bit close to Miami.
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How soon before WCAU gets StormForce Doppler 10,000 or is this the current one they have?

 

I doubt they get one before they move to the Comcast Technology Center. Hell with it being the tallest building in the city, it wouldn't surprise me if they just throw the Doppler dome on the roof.

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