"used" Boltek 250

[WNCweather.net]

Greetings!
I am negotiating with a person for a “used” boltek 250. I do not have any boltek product, however,  I would like to know what you folks that have one, can advise:

1. I see that this comes with a serial to usb conversion cable, under windows 7 have you had any problems with the device drivers that support this hardware?

2. If you had a choice between the 250 and PCI, under windows 7, which would you choose?

3. Are there any questions you would ask from the seller, who has no way of testing it, other than the lights on the box come on?

It comes with the Lightning 2000 software, although it is an older version.  Yes, I understand the licensing issues, but maybe it can be re-licensed to me, will have to ask.

4. Have you ever had to deal with Boltek for product support, how was it?

I am willing to take a chance, maybe, but you folks are most familiar with the product, and I would appreciate your advice.
Thanks!
Steve

[jwwd]

Greetings!
I am negotiating with a person for a “used” boltek 250. I do not have any boltek product, however,  I would like to know what you folks that have one, can advise:

I am willing to take a chance, maybe, but you folks are most familiar with the product, and I would appreciate your advice.
Thanks!
Steve

Hi Steve

29/4-2010 I installed a Boltek LD-250 and im very very happy for it. This is a great tool and combined with the Nexstorm, NSLog.exe by Jim McMirry and NSdisplay  by weatherc its fantastic.
You can see my live version here: www.silkeborg-vejret.dk/english/lyn.php

1. I see that this comes with a serial to usb conversion cable, under windows 7 have you had any problems with the device drivers that support this hardware?
Im running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and I just did a search for W7 64-bit drivers for my old Serial-to-USB device (I used it for my Lacross Weatherstation before I got a Davis VP2 back in February 2009)

2. If you had a choice between the 250 and PCI, under windows 7, which would you choose?
I would choose the PCI version - but unfortunately I can't mount a PCI card in my WX-computer (Acer Aspire Revo3600)

3. Are there any questions you would ask from the seller, who has no way of testing it, other than the lights on the box come on?
In the first place I got a Boltek PCI for free and I swapped that to a LD-250 with a person from Finland. I trusted him and he trusted me. I dont think you can do other than check the LED´s on the display

It comes with the Lightning 2000 software, although it is an older version.  Yes, I understand the licensing issues, but maybe it can be re-licensed to me, will have to ask.
My Boltek came with Nexstorm - and I contacted Nexstorm to buy a new "moving" license. Nexstorm is (after my opinion) the best lightning software out there.

4. Have you ever had to deal with Boltek for product support, how was it?
No - never contacted them (fortunately)

If you have further questions - please dont hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Henrik

[MadALwx]

1. I see that this comes with a serial to usb conversion cable, under windows 7 have you had any problems with the device drivers that support this hardware?
I've been using LD-250 since '06. Now w/ W7. I settled w/ Cablemax ser-usb http://www.compusb.com/index.php/usb-to-serial-adapter.html

2. If you had a choice between the 250 and PCI, under windows 7, which would you choose? pci

3. Are there any questions you would ask from the seller, who has no way of testing it, other than the lights on the box come on?
Did previous owner have problems with noise? Noise problems could indicate antenna problem, or incorrect location.

It comes with the Lightning 2000 software, although it is an older version.  Yes, I understand the licensing issues, but maybe it can be re-licensed to me, will have to ask. I highly recommend L2K for accuracy, especially closer range. It also offers more analysis and customization. Contact Mark mark_mears@bellsouth.net and see if license is trnsferable. I used both Nexstorm and L2K. Try both. Do you want looks, or accuracy?
L2K will soon have a new web interface.

4. Have you ever had to deal with Boltek for product support, how was it? Not exactly quick.

I am willing to take a chance, maybe, but you folks are most familiar with the product, and I would appreciate your advice.
Thanks!
Steve

[/quote]

[niko]

The pci card can determine the type of strike, the 250 doesn't do that.

[MadALwx]

The pci card can determine the type of strike, the 250 doesn't do that.

Yeh, but he has a laptop.
Analysis can still be performed though. Energy, stroke, flash, overall intensity, severity, close flash, threat assessment, etc.

[niko]

Yeh, but he has a laptop.
Analysis can still be performed though. Energy, stroke, flash, overall intensity, severity, close flash, threat assessment, etc.

I didn't see he had a laptop, just that he was asking about the pci version, and although there had been two votes for pci nobody had mentioned the stroke type yet. I don't disagree that the 250 is a very worthwhile acquisition.

[WNCweather.net]

Henrik, MadAl, Niko,
Guys, thanks for ALL the info, great input! 
No laptop, I have two dedicated weather desktops, 4-gig memory, plenty of HD, etc, can handle most anything.   Both of these computers are running windows 7 ultimate, 32 bit.

Having no experience with boltek, and related software, I had run into issues a few years ago, on my first Davis Vantage Pro, with the serial to usb conversion. A serial card fixed it, on the second Davis Vantage Pro, no problem, it was newer, and USB.

For 4 years, I have run VWS, and Grlevelx on one of the PC’s, this summer I bought a copy of WD, have it set up on the second computer, the plan to phase out VWS this winter on my website, and would like to add the Boltek system. 

I missed a good deal on a used Boltek PCI a week ago on another forum ($275.00), and then there were two on Ebay.  The PCI went quick; the 250 could not meet the reserve, so I am trying to work a deal, now that the auction ended.  The person selling it is not the original owner, apparently the original owner passed away.

If we can work a deal, I get it, and if it works, I will be sure to let you know.  Again, thanks for the information. 
Thanks!
Steve

[MadALwx]

Henrik, MadAl, Niko,
Guys, thanks for ALL the info, great input! 
No laptop, I have two dedicated weather desktops, 4-gig memory, plenty of HD, etc, can handle most anything.   Both of these computers are running windows 7 ultimate, 32 bit.

Having no experience with boltek, and related software, I had run into issues a few years ago, on my first Davis Vantage Pro, with the serial to usb conversion. A serial card fixed it, on the second Davis Vantage Pro, no problem, it was newer, and USB.

For 4 years, I have run VWS, and Grlevelx on one of the PC’s, this summer I bought a copy of WD, have it set up on the second computer, the plan to phase out VWS this winter on my website, and would like to add the Boltek system. 

I missed a good deal on a used Boltek PCI a week ago on another forum ($275.00), and then there were two on Ebay.  The PCI went quick; the 250 could not meet the reserve, so I am trying to work a deal, now that the auction ended.  The person selling it is not the original owner, apparently the original owner passed away.

If we can work a deal, I get it, and if it works, I will be sure to let you know.  Again, thanks for the information. 
Thanks!
Steve

I'm was confused w/ the post. Go pci.

[WNCweather.net]

I'm was confused w/ the post. Go pci.

Thanks, that is where I am leaning, although, it all comes down to $$$.  I can add another serial card if I had to in the new set up.
Again, THANKS!!!!!!!
Steve

[karlmachner]

I own a 250 for over a year now and can only recommend it.
Go get one if you can - really good to use.