Thunderstorms often approach faster than you can spot them in the sky. This build-it-yourself thunderstorm detector evaluates the electromagnetic pulses produced by lightning and therefore reaches much further than watching the clouds. Three LEDs show how close the storm is – enough time to move the garden party indoors, close the windows and unplug sensitive devices.
What the thunderstorm detector does
- Three warning levels: green (thunderstorm at about 20–40 km), yellow (about 10–20 km), red (thunderstorm nearby)
- Additional LED as lightning indicator and audible signal via piezo sounder
- Memory function: shows afterwards whether a thunderstorm has passed
- Simulation mode for testing the device
- Switchable to high sensitivity for distant thunderstorms
- Very low power consumption – one set of batteries lasts for about half a year
The kit
The circuit board comes with the SMD components already fitted. Only a few components need to be soldered on – a manageable project with detailed, illustrated instructions (in German) and additional experiments.
- 1 circuit board with SMD components fitted
- 1 receiver IC TA7642
- 1 coil 220 µH
- 4 LEDs (2 green, 1 yellow, 1 red)
- 2 resistors (22 kΩ, 100 kΩ)
- 1 piezo sounder
- 1 pin header (3 x 2 contacts) with jumper
- 1 battery holder for 2 AA batteries
Also required: 2 x 1.5 V AA batteries, soldering iron and solder (not included)
Technical data
- Operating voltage: 3 V
- Quiescent current: 1 mA, 5 mA when warning
- Receiving frequency: 500 kHz
Note: No device can foresee every danger. Broad thunderstorm fronts are normally detected reliably, but a single bolt from the blue is not. The thunderstorm detector supplements your own weather observation and does not replace it.
| Product weight: | 0,15 Kg |
Warning – eye protection and LEDs
Do not look directly into an LED at close range, as this can damage the retina! This applies especially to bright LEDs in clear housings and even more so to power LEDs. With white, blue, violet and ultraviolet LEDs, the apparent brightness gives a false impression of the actual danger to your eyes. Take particular care when using converging lenses. Operate the LEDs as described in the instructions and never with higher currents.
Warning – danger to life during thunderstorms!
During a thunderstorm, always seek shelter in buildings fitted with a lightning conductor. Keep away from masts, towers and other tall buildings or objects. Do not stay outdoors, and be sure to avoid ridges, hills, trees and bodies of water. Get out of the water immediately!
Cars offer good protection thanks to their closed metal body. Stay in the car; it acts as a Faraday cage.
If you are caught outdoors by a thunderstorm: find a hollow in the ground if possible, put your feet close together, crouch down and keep your arms close to your body. Do not lie down!
Disposal
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol means that this product must be recycled as electronic waste, separately from household waste. Your local authority can tell you where to find the nearest free collection point.