Our Probes

EOS 'Turtle' Probe

Modeled after the TWISTEX HITPR Turtle Probe.
Equipped with a 360 degree 4K cameras to record video in and around tornadoes.
Onboard Raspberry Pi computer equipped with a BME680 pressure/humidity/temperature sensor.
The EOS series is now a 'fleet' with four total probes numbered 1A through 1D. 1A's base was sacrificed to develop our next generation probe, TOWER.
First deployment was on the Mangum, Oklahoma Tornado on May 20th, 2019.
First tornado intercept was on the Selden, Kansas tornado on May 24th, 2021.
What does EOS mean? EOS was a joke discussed between the team, standing for 'Eye of Sauron'. The name stuck!

TOWER (Tornadic Observation and Weather Environment Recorder) is our brand new next generation probe.
TOWER stands at 28-inches (71-Centimeters), with a steel tube mast that is welded to our original EOS probe cone base.
TOWER is equipped with an Airmar 150WX Ultrasonic Weather Station. a BME680 pressure/humidity/temperature sensor, and a GoPro MAX 360 Action Camera.
This probe will be able to pull direct windspeed measurements from in and around tornadoes, greatly aiding scientists and researchers in the future. Additionally, it will record pressure, temperature, humidity, and GPS location.
Field trials for TOWER commence in May of 2024.
If this proof-of-concept probe works, we plan on developing an upgraded fleet of them to use in conjunction with our EOS turtle probes.

Retired Probes

Equipped with a Kodak SP360 1080p camera for high definition 360 degree recording.
Designed for quick deployment.
Donated by sister organization The Sirens Project.
Will eventually house it's own Raspberry Pi computer.
First deployment was on the Wynewood, Oklahoma Tornado on April 22nd, 2020.
Retired and only used during high risk events, or when multiple probe vehicles are chasing.

The original probe, constructed in the spring of 2014.
Has two 170 degree, 1080p action cameras for high definition recording.
Probe 3 was once equipped with several weather instruments, will eventually house it's own Raspberry Pi computer.
First deployment was during the S.P.E.C.T.R.A project in the spring of 2015.
Retired and only used during high risk events, or when multiple probe vehicles are chasing.

Below: Probes 1, 2 and 3.

Below: Our newest tornado probe, TOWER.

Below: A pressure reading from Probe 1 inside the Selden, KS. tornado on May 24, 2021.