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What is the difference between StormTracker and
the LD-250 Lightning Detector? |
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Both StormTracker and the LD-250 are magnetic direction-finding lightning
detectors. They both work the same way to detect lightning and display it on your computer screen. The
display software is almost identical. StormTracker is an internal card that requires a desktop computer
with a free PCI card slot. The LD-250 is an external unit that connects to your computer's RS232 COM or
USB port, so it can be used with either a laptop or desktop computer. Both StormTracker and the LD-250 work
with all versions of Microsoft Windows. Only the LD-250 can be used mobile. |
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How does StormTracker detect lightning? |
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StormTracker detects the low frequency radio signals produced
by lightning's electrical discharge. This signal is the crackling you hear on an AM radio when
thunderstorms are nearby. These signals travel for hundreds of miles and are detected by
StormTracker's antenna. |
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How does StormTracker know where the lightning is? |
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StormTracker uses a direction-finding antenna to determine
the direction the lightning signal came from. StormTracker's receiver looks at the signal
strength to calculate an approximate distance for the lightning strike. There is additional
processing done in software to reduce the effect of strike to strike magnitude variations.
Once StormTracker knows the direction and distance of the strike it plots it on the map. |
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How fast does my computer need to be? |
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Any computer that will run Windows comfortably will run StormTracker and
the LD-250 software without difficulty. |
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How do I make a background map? |
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If you choose to make your own maps you will need to make a
separate background map for each of the two ranges. The maps should be centered on your location
and scaled so that the correct range is at the edge of the map. For example, the 200 mile map
should be scaled so that it is 200 miles from the center to the edge of the map. The map should
be 640x480 pixels with the center at 240,240. Save the maps in BMP format for the Windows
software or PCX format for the DOS software. Map templates are provided to help in creating
your maps. |
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Can I run StormTracker without a background map? |
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Yes. In portable applications it may not be practical to have a
map for each location, so you may choose to operate without a background map. You would see a
small cross at the center of the display (your location) and range rings to indicate distance.
Both the center cross and the distance rings are enabled from the Configure Screen configuration
screen. |
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Does the antenna need to be mounted outside? |
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The antenna may be mounted indoors provided the building is of
wood construction with no metal to block the radio signals. Radio signals will pass through a
wood frame building (the same way you can use a radio indoors). If the building has aluminum
siding or foil lined insulation the antenna might need to be moved outdoors. Many people mount
their antenna in the attic, which places it above most metal objects. |
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How should I mount the antenna? |
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The antenna is a small black box about 3" x 2" x 1.5" with mounting
flanges on the top and bottom which can accept nylon screws or nylon cable ties. The antenna may
be mounted to any non-metallic support. If you mount the antenna outdoors you should mount it
inside an enclosure. While the antenna itself is completely waterproof the cable connector should
be protected from the rain. We recommend that you purchase a short length of PVC or ABS sewer
pipe (at least 2.5" inside diameter, 2-3 feet long) from your local hardware store. Mount the
antenna inside and place an end cap over the top. Keep a small opening at the bottom to allow any
condensation to drain out. |
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How high does the antenna need to be? |
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Height is not critical. While the antenna will work as low as 5
feet off the ground, raising the antenna higher will improve reception and reduce the likelyhood
of local interference. The antenna needs to be high enough to place it above any large metal objects.
Mounting the antenna on the second floor or in the attic is usually enough height. |
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What is the maximum distance between the antenna and the computer? |
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You may have up to 200 feet of antenna cable. Fifty feet of cable
is included with the system. |
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What type of antenna cable do the Boltek lightning detectors use? |
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Both StormTracker and the LD-250 use an 8 conductor cable
(4 twisted pairs). The cable and connectors are the same type as used in 10baseT network wiring. |
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Should the antenna face true north or magnetic north? |
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The antenna needs to point in the same direction as the top of
your map (usually true north). If the antenna is rotated away from north the strike locations
will appear rotated as well. |
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