Build a lightning detector

Check out the new FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) board for a growing list of hints, tips and diagnostic suggestions.

[JaxWeather]

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   

LMAO 

Hey I would rather spend about 70 bucks than 350 + to get Radio China  LOL

G'Luck to us both and hopefully you will get yours before me and be able to tell me what the H*** I need to do LOL

-Bob

[JaxWeather]

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...

http://www.stormwise.com/index2.html
Ohhhh someone figure out how to couple this to a 1-wire device for PC connection and then we got a real winner I think?

-Bob

[41South]

http://www.stormwise.com/index2.html
Ohhhh someone figure out how to couple this to a 1-wire device for PC connection and then we got a real winner I think

Easy. Hook up the output to a 1-wire counter interface - the same as a rain gauge. 

In fact if I remember rightly if you already have a 1-wire rain gauge there is a spare counter on the board that is un-used. 

Then again all that is done in the hobby-boards kit anyway   

[Ed1]

I won't be able to start buying the parts until first of March

That sensor from StormWise is the same makeup as the sensor at

http://homepage.mac.com/tbitson/weather/bslam/index.html

The little circuitboard that goes inside the PVC pipe ..I figuired the RadioShack price for parts at $15.00   Then I guess the 1-wire coupler is also needed like DS9490R USB 1-Wire Adapter
and Parts to construct an antennae.

StormWise said their setup can be interfaced to a PC with the diagrams and instuctions at the link below.
http://www.stormwise.com/tornadosoft.htm

I think I'd rather couple the thing to a 1-wire serial or usb  coupler

[EricVic]

Hi this is Eric from Hobby Boards. I was asked to come join in on this discussion. Since I represent www.hobby-boards.com I want to make sure that I'm going against forum rules about advertising.

To use any of the kits from my site you need a 1-wire master. Currently I don't offer them but you can get them from www.ibuttonlink.com or www.maxim-ic.com or www.aagelectronica.com.

One nice thing about 1-wire is that you can add other sensors on the same 1-wire master.

I will be happy to try and answer any questions anyone might have.

Eric

[41South]

Hi Eric,
Nice to see you on the forum - welcome

[TNETWeather]

Off the wall question.

I currently have a Davis Vantage Pro.

If I wanted to do some other 1-wire stuff, would I be able to hook them to the computer and have WD use them even while doing the Vantage?

[41South]

If I wanted to do some other 1-wire stuff, would I be able to hook them to the computer and have WD use them even while doing the Vantage?

As far as I know that is quite feasible. You could either use the second com port for 1-wire/labjack sensors or the 1-wire usb adapter. 

[administrator]

Hi this is Eric from Hobby Boards. I was asked to come join in on this discussion. Since I represent www.hobby-boards.com I want to make sure that I'm going against forum rules about advertising.

Hi Eric

There aren't any specific rules about advertising in here. If you keep it fairly low key and unobtrusive then I won't object (if there ever was a problem I'd send a personal message first to sort things out rather than say anything in open forum). I'd suggest keeping adverts in the For Sale topic, but the occasional mention in the right context here and there isn't too bad.

I should add that I like to see people selling electronic kits. I've built a fair bit of electronics over the years and I always find it great fun to use something I've made for myself.

[Macca]

Gidday guys,

I have just purchased Erics (Hobby Boards) Lightining Detector and the "the Link" 1 Wire adaptor from AAG. Hopefully should see it arrive in the next week or two.... I'll let you all know how installation and operation goes...

PS, I can vouch for Hobby Bopards Service, very timely and proffesional! 

[windy]

yes, you can add 1 wire stuff to any weather station with WD
either via the 1 wire adaptor or the labjack (which has its own temperature and temp/hum sensors too and can handle the lightning)

see in the com port setup or labjakc setup

oh and yes good to see you here eric

[NorCal Dan]

I have just purchased Erics (Hobby Boards) Lightining Detector and the "the Link" 1 Wire adaptor from AAG. Hopefully should see it arrive in the next week or two.... I'll let you all know how installation and operation goes...

Are those 2 items all that is required to make the detector?  Or do you still need to add the antenna?

If you can, pictures would be helpful (at least for me)...keep us posted...

[windy]

still need antenna, but just a length of wire, 12cm long, is all that is needed
but the higher the better...but you need to have the circuitry next to the antenna
and it needs to be a ground too

[41South]

and it needs to be a ground too

Yes - I spent 1/2 an hour last weekend with a sledge hammer getting my 6 foot earth spike into the ground out at the garage where my lightning detector is.  Just waiting for lightning now 

[JaxWeather]

Ok from what I am reading the (still) least expensive BUT mostly easiest method would be the Lightning board from Hobby-Board and the USB 1-wire adaptor

http://www.hobby-boards.com/1wireboards/ld3-r2_lightning_detector.html    $38.00 US
http://www.aagelectronica.com/aag/index.html?target=p_33.html&lang=en-us  $25.00 US

Plus shipping of course...

If there is an easier (but not more expensive) method to get lightning detecion along with PC interface with WD let me know otherwise this will be the way i go and NZmacka do keep us poor clueless types updated

Thanks to all,
Bob