Storm Chasing Element
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Charlotte, NC - November 03, 2004 -- Honda introduced the Element in 2003 in an attempt to target the younger SUV owners. Its boxy design appealed to some, but to others it was nothing to write home about. Like all Honda vehicles, the Element began making its rounds in the import scene. Meet Dan Threlkeld, Chief Meteorologist at KJRH-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma whose station uses a highly modified Honda Element as their Storm Chaser vehicle. We had the opportunity to have a conference with Mr. Threlkeld and his crew and discuss various aspects of their very radical Element.
When we asked KJRH-TV why they chose the Element over other Honda SUVs like the CRV or MDX, they told us that one of the first reasons they got the Element was because of its looks. The Element being a small SUV was nimble enough to run away from the eye of the storm, but was large enough to hold their 4 computers and the other storm chasing gear. The massive sunroof and side windows also were key factors in the decision as it gave the crew a nice and open view to analyze the storm systems. Honda's reliability and great gas mileage was also another factor, as was the lack of a center pillar made access to the interior very easy and efficient and the rubber floors just sealed the deal. The Element is far from being stock; the crew put in a secondary 100A lead-acid battery to power the computers and other peripherals when they are out chasing storms. A generator or a landline can either charge the battery. A high efficiency inverter helps power all the equipment inside the Element. Since storm chasing can often get bumpy and adventurous Mr. Threlkeld is buckled in a 4-point harness and a center mounted 360-degree swivel seat. A custom Honda blue paint job with a sky image, aftermarket wheels and shrink-wrapped panels gives the Element a unique look. Engineering Manager Dale Vennes did the fabrication and custom work in house in a matter of 4-6 weeks.
To be a good storm chaser a team needs a good vehicle, very good meteorological equipment and a great team of experts. The team has the driver, a navigator and the chief meteorologist Dan Threlkeld on board during a chase. KJRH-TV uses a X-band Marine Radar along with terrestrial mapping that allows them to know where they are down to the street level. A standard GPS system with built-in radar keeps the crew up to date with their current location. Two wireless systems through T-Mobile and Sprint allow KJRH-TV to remain connected to the Internet. No matter where they are. The team uses three PCs and one laptop as part of their meteorological system. The PCs are custom built with Micro ATX motherboards running off a 12V DC source. A small chassis makes them easy to store; all machines are equipped with standard Microsoft software and an XM Radio Receiver that allows the team to get real time lightning strike, weather watches and warning information.
Despite having a unique vehicle the team is looking forward to future plans to improve by adding a dash mounted camera, microphones through out the interior and live storm chasing footage that the viewers can watch. The Storm Chasing Element is a one of a kind vehicle and the only one in existence. Most other stations use microwave trucks, freelancers, or photographers. Having the Element has put KJRH-TV way ahead of its competition and given them the ability to be first ones at the eye of the storm, stream back video and leave before the ride gets too rough.
The Element has been well received by the community and it has made its rounds at parades, car shows, school talks, weather specials, out on floods, tornado chases, etc. During the spring travelling weather show many enthusiasts even came up to the engineer to ask for his autograph. The Element will also be seen in the near future at the Home and Garden Show, State Fair or if you want to see it sooner just drive down to the KJRH-TV station and it will be parked out front.
It was an honor talking to Mr. Threlkeld and Mr. Vennes and we wish them all the best in their storm chasing endeavors with the Storm Chasing Element.
- Sean Banerjee & Daniel Mendoza
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