Equipment & Setup Guide
Set up power, communications, mounting, and backups before an outing.
Reliable gear helps you avoid preventable problems on the road. Use this guide to check vehicles, communications, and basic field hardware.
Vehicle Prep
- Inspect tires, fluids, and wipers before leaving staging areas.
- Mount dash and exterior cameras securely—loose rigs become projectiles.
- Install a 12V or 120V inverter rated for simultaneous laptop, hotspot, and camera charging.
- Carry basic recovery gear: tow straps, traction boards, and a jack rated for your vehicle.
Roadside safety
Never service gear in traffic lanes. Move completely off the roadway or delay the stop until it is safe.
Radio & Comms
- Primary: Mobile or handheld VHF/UHF radios with external antennas for range.
- Secondary: Cellular push-to-talk or group messaging for data confirmations.
- Backup: GMRS/FRS handhelds and a satellite messenger if operating in coverage gaps.
- Program shared channel names and tone squelch ahead of time.
Keep a comms cadence
Log comms checks every hour. If a team misses two scheduled check-ins, escalate via all available channels.
Field Computing
- Laptops or tablets with RadarOmega, GRLevel, or Gibson Ridge software plus Bolt access.
- External displays or dash mounts angled for the navigator to avoid driver distraction.
- Dedicated mobile hotspot with high-priority data plan; tether other devices as needed.
- Ruggedized USB-C cables and cable management to prevent accidental disconnects.
Power Management
Track power usage and rotate charging cycles. Label cables and keep spares for the devices you depend on most.
Field Documentation
Store printed maps, road atlases, and a laminated emergency checklist in each vehicle. Digital systems fail—paper backups save time when coverage disappears.