Build a lightning detector

[Chas]

Do you happen to own a cheap voltmeter? If so, it should be pretty easy to make some measurements and figure out what is going on.

[Kevin_RSD]

If i turns the led: plus on min and min on plus, the led burns, so he has power, i have checked the circuit 2 times full and its good with no mistakes..
The sellers on the electro shop here tells my that it has no senses how you put the resistors on the board and the other parts are exactly as the picture,

Kevin

[41South]

If i turns the led: plus on min and min on plus, the led burns

Where in the circuit do you have the LED mounted?

[Kevin_RSD]

At the end of the coax cable...

[Chas]

What are you using for an antenna?

[Kevin_RSD]

A copper pipe 22mm

[grhughes]

Ed1,
  The interface to the PC is via a DS9097U or any other acceptable one wire computer interface.  The DS9097U is the cheapest of the interfaces and connects to the com port.  When strikes are detected WD displays the counts the Lightning Data screen.  Shown here:

[JaxWeather]

Ok I have been following this very closely as I really would like to add some sort of Lightning detection to my station...

Assuming (cause it's true) there is no way i can (will) afford a Boltec or other commercial application.

I would need the following as a minumum (I think) (totally clueless on this one wire stuff)

One of the following from:  http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/2983
# DS9097U-009
# DS9097U-E25EPROM Compatible Adapter
# DS9097U-S09
(Which one?)

and:
http://www.hobby-boards.com/1wireboards/ld3-r2_lightning_detector.html  (Assembled)

Would I need anything in addition to connect to the Computer?  Or do i just need to add some sort of "Antenna"?

Thanks for any assistance,
Bob

[Weather Display]

http://www.aagelectronica.com/aag/en-us/dept_1.html
the i link is better than the standard adaptor, but a bit more pricy
of those others,
http://www.aagelectronica.com/aag/en-us/dept_2.html
should be the one


antenna:
12cm of wire is all that needed
and so the circuit board needs to be next to that
i have my whole thing just inside my office window, and it picks up lightning (needs to be closer, otherwise you can get a 50km radius)

[JaxWeather]

Ok now I am confused LOL

I assume you mean that the

The Link (1-Wire Adapter)     
 
THE LINK
Advanced DB-9 Serial to 1-Wire(tm) Bus Interface
from this page: http://www.aagelectronica.com/aag/en-us/dept_1.html is better than the adapters I listed?

Also what about the:
DS9490R USB 1-Wire Adapter

From the same page as above?

Can this be used in place of the other adaptors or is this to convert one of the above adaptors to USB use?

Yikes I am getting a headache  LOL
-Bob

[Weather Display]

yes, you can use the USB adaptor if not spare standard serial port
i have one of those, and it works OK

[Ed1]

grhughes

When You get a chance..could you please tell us the components needed in making
a Lightining Detector such as you have?  I'm a little confused as what different components are needed.

[JaxWeather]

Ok Brian...

If I get:
DS9490R USB 1-Wire Adapter
and
http://www.hobby-boards.com/1wireboards/ld3-r2_lightning_detector.html  (Assembled)

and add about 12 cm (about 1 foot US) of wire I will have a lightning detector...

Total about 70 bucks USD ?

Ohhh Boyyyy  right after I pay for a backup item i am purchasing that will be on the list if that is it...

-Bob

[Ed1]

I guess I'll go with that setup configuration like JaxWeather is thinking of.  I'll make an antennae
like that pvc - copper pipe design.

Knowing my luck ..I'll probably be picking up Radio China on my LD   

[NorCal Dan]

Just googling around and found these sites...

http://www.matchrockets.com/earth/lightning.html
http://www.stormwise.com/index2.html
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ohx/educate/lightning.html

Just some alternative ideas...