Not side by side. Wish I was rich enough to be able to have 2 stormtrackers to run side by side. Lucky you. But I did enough testing to know that NexStorm was the better software package for me. Did not like L2K one bit. Didn't like the interface, didn't like the looks, didn't like the web functions and didn't like the support (or lack there of). Of course, your mileage may vary.
Bob
I'm with Bob on just about every point. I ran L2k for a while because it was the only thing out that was better than the stock Boltek program. As soon as I found out about NexStorm, I downloaded the trial and ran it with my hardware (something you can't do with L2K) and purchased it.
I don't know either of your histories with Nexstorm or L2K or what criteria determined your decisions at the time.
However, I do know mine. I have been using L2K for over a year along side Nexstorm. Through some fairly extensive observations I have found that L2K outperforms Nexstorm in ranging, reflection rejection, noise processing and ease of calibration.
The core function of both programs is to detect and classify lightning. The better the core works the better the functions wrapped around the core work. My experiences tell me the core functions of L2K work better than Nexstorm's therefore the outputs generated by L2K are of higher technical quality. L2K might not be as "pretty" as Nexstorm but "pretty" doesn't detect lightning.
I experience frequent significant ranging anomalies with Nexstorm. I was told by Astrogenic it must be something in my setup or location. This problem occurs regardless of which of my Boltek systems I am using. That eliminates the Boltek hardware and computers. I guess there must be something funny about my location that Nexstorm doesn't like. L2K does not exhibit this behavior.
I have problems with reflections caused by nearby mountains. Nexstorm plots all of these ghosts and even tracks non existent storms. L2K does a good job of detecting and suppressing most of the reflections.
I have found support for both products to be quite good. I have always gotten prompt, courteous replies from Aninoquisi support when I had questions. Except for the unresolved issues mentioned above, Astrogenic support has been good as well. Hopefully my problems will be fixed with the next version of Nexstorm.
I agree that L2K should have a fully functional demo.
Neither program is perfect. They both have their good and bad points. It is my opinion that if you want "pretty" buy Nexstorm. If you want a technically superior product get Lightning/2000.
