Category Archives: Lightning detector

Last night as I making for algorithm changes to my lightning detector, I experienced an unexpected reboot. Never mind, I was probing with a scope lead at the time. That likely caused the problem. But after a few minutes it … Continue reading →

Here is a sample CSV file from a lightning storm that passed through my area on August 2, 2011 at around 5:30PM. sparks_38 Here is a sample piece of that CSV file: 1312198123.414 8 187.975 8 1312198123.416 0 0.002 8 … Continue reading →

Strange as it may be, my lightning detector goes off every few minutes… but without the thunder and blinding flash of light.

Since the conversion rate on the MSP430 would not reliably see my piezo sparks, I decided to try my hand at a max hold circuit. I considered using a simple RC circuit to try to capture and stretch out the … Continue reading →

I started with 50 turns of Radio Shack magnet wire on a 12 wooden embroidery hoop purchased at a craft store. These bare ends I connected to an oscilloscope and waited for a storm. As luck would have it, it … Continue reading →

Over the years, I have had more than my fair share of computer equipment destroyed by lightning. Even with good surge suppressors, I still seem to loose parts of computers. Do I live in Florida where they get daily lightning … Continue reading →