Pre-Chase Season Checks

  • Renew any software subscriptions (RadarScope Pro)
  • Temporarily increase cellular data plan.
  • Clean off unnecessary or unused apps, music, and games from cell phone & tablet to free up space for pictures & video
  • Check the chase tote (see below) in the car. Anything too old & need to be replaced?
  • Car maintenance:
    • Change oil
    • Check fluids (coolant/wiper/brake)
    • Check tire wear and pressure (the spare tire too). Verify the PSI for the spare.
    • Check/replace air filter
    • Possibly bring into shop for a check
  • Consumable check:
    • Replace the batteries in the car flashlight(s)
    • First aid kit still ok/stocked?
    • Bug repellent still full? Expired?
      • Replace ziploc bag in case it’s damaged
    • Sunscreen still full? Expired?
    • Medicine check (Aleve/Pepcid/Allegra/Eye Drops)
    • Wet wipes, Window wipes, Paper towels
  • Other stuff to pack:
    • Hat
    • Towels (at least 2)
    • Microfiber clothes (2 in the camera bag, 1 in the glovebox)
    • Light and heavy coats
    • Sunglasses
    • Camping stuff if needed – Tent/Tarp/Sleeping bag/Folding chair/etc

Chase Equipment List

  • Camera
    • Check the camera bag for tripod mount plate(s), batteries, USB cable.
  • Dashcam and dashcam mount
  • Tablet with data cable
  • Phone with data cable
  • Laptop with power cable and HDMI cable
  • Surge surpressor/power strip
  • Scanner or (eventually) a HAM radio w/ power cables, antenna(s) and batteries
  • AC inverter
  • Tripods:
    • New & old tripods
    • Little bendable tripod for the phone

 

Last steps: Before leaving home…

  • Charge or replace all batteries the day before
    • Camera(s)
    • Phone
    • Dashcam
    • Tablet
    • HAM radio
  • Check camera and video settings
  • Finalize entertainment options (Audiobooks/Music/Podcasts/Games)

 

Out on the Road: Pre-Chase (The night before)

  • Charge current camera battery. Put in next numbered battery
  • Upload pictures and video from camera(s) to laptop
    • Backup to USB & clear all memory cards
    • Settings check (back to 100 ISO,F8,1/250)
  • Upload pictures and video from cell phone and tablet to laptop
    • Backup to USB & clear memory on cell phone and tablet
  • Set alarm for the next day. Factor in time to eat and forecast
  • Next morning:
    • Cable check! Check for all data and power cables
    • Pack car & check hotel room one last time (toiletries, under bed, cables/surge suppressor)
    • Gas up car
    • Clean windshield
    • At the gas station:
      • Hook everything back up (GPS/dashcam/etc)
      • Start my GPS tracker app for the day
      • Start the dashcam if needed