NZ Lightning Detectors

[Kiwi]

I am looking to get a lightning detector (Boltek or similar). Who is available with regards to New Zealand suppliers?

[Grant]

Not sure with regards to NZ suppliers, but you could take a look at PROVANTAGE SuperStore: Buy GPS Computers Electronics Software More in the US. With the rates as they are it may be worth a look.

[whitestone]

Originally Posted by Grant

Not sure with regards to NZ suppliers, but you could take a look at PROVANTAGE SuperStore: Buy GPS Computers Electronics Software More in the US. With the rates as they are it may be worth a look.

Grant....and Kiwi, I looked at the Boltek many moons ago and was impressed with how they put it together. Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere for a while as I lost the website reference months ago. Another site I've only just come across may be worth a look: 903-383-7047 Stormwise Lightning Sensors Lightning Detectors Ferrite Rods VLF Radio Equipment Also, a kiwi site I used to keep watch on: Met Instruments weather instruments may be able to help if you give them a call. They used to hold a fairly extensive inventory of instruments of all sorts, but have reduced this somewhat. Other than that, I don't know of any other Kiwi supplier. If I come up with anything, I'll post here.

[Grant]

A storm tracker is the next fundamental add-on to the site, but obviously that wont launch until I get back.

[41south]

Hi all,

Check out the Lightning Radar (LR) project at Lightning Radar Welcome and the forum at www.lightningradar.net • Index page. Its a European based idea/design. I've just brought 4 boards into the country with one each going in Wellington, Rotorua and Tokoroa (board #4 is being held as a spare until we confirm that the first 3 stations are up and running).

Cheers
Colin.

[windy]

you could check out sphere technologies in Australia for getting the Nexstorm software (to work with a Boltec )

[Geyserland]

I am the member here in Rotorua, Colin is talking about,
so far as I can see the system he imported is working very
well and is very easy to assemble, we could use a few more
members for better triangulation, and it should work even better,
but it is a handson system it will need to be sett up.


Cheers, Rolf

[Grant]

Originally Posted by 41south

I've just brought 4 boards into the country with one each going in Wellington, Rotorua and Tokoroa (board #4 is being held as a spare until we confirm that the first 3 stations are up and running).

Cheers
Colin.

What were the costs involved? I've got a 250LD atm and need to either upgrade to a PCI or get a new system.

[Geyserland]

Grant, the board from Colin has been NZ$ 95.00 and a few parts from
Bunnings and Dick Smith, you are up and running for about $200.00,
but as I said it is handson, you have to put it together and setup tuning it, you need a member somewere in NZ or Australia for the triangulation
and the system can pinpoint the strikes in the Pacific area.


Cheers, Rolf

[41south]

Just a quick update from me on the NZ side of the LR project.

I now have my station up and running, but not yet updating anything to my web site. Hopefully Rolf is up and about soon so he and I can work on getting our two systems talking to each other.

As Rolf pointed out the ideal situation would be to get a 3rd and/or 4th station running in Australia or the 'Islands' - anyone have a contact of a very enthusiastic weather watcher in Fiji, Samoa etc ? I say enthusiastic because there is a high "fiddle factor" for a start. After the setup is settled in I think it's pretty hands-off though.

I have one more card that I was holding for a spare, but if it helps to get a station up a bit quicker in one of the above places I'd be happy to ship it out .

This weekend I'll get the ftp sorted so at least my 'radar' screen is available, bearing in mind that it shows reasonably little information for now - just strike direction and strength.

More to come .......


Colin.