Topic: Got bored, trying to diagnose my Boltek

[CNYWeather]

I moved my computer this weekend and decided to try out my Boltek again.
Have the Stormtracker PCI Card. Worked great but gets no strikes.

It gets warm and Windows recognizes the card, so thats a good sign.
If I put the antenna on top of the computer it goes nuts showing noise.
An electric drill shows noise also.

Anything else to try?

[dalecoy]

Apparently you are in Central New York.

As far as I can tell, there are no lightning strikes going on in your area.

I suggest you put the antenna outside, connected to your PCI card, and wait for lightning to occur.

[Sorry if I misunderstood your problem, but from your description, it appears that your Boltek is working properly...]

Oh, the best way to test this is with one of those fire-lighter gadgets (holds a cigarette lighter for fuel, and creates a spark when the trigger is pulled).

[CNYWeather]

I've gotten noise but no strikes. Sorry I wasnt clear.

I'll try the lighter also.

Thanks!

[CNYWeather]

Suddenly there were strikes on it this morning. I dont have it aligned right now
so i'm not sure where they actually were.

[dalecoy]

Suddenly there were strikes on it this morning. I dont have it aligned right now
so i'm not sure where they actually were.

So, you can't tell for sure if the strikes are due to the continuing offshore lightning SE of your location.

How did the test with the lighter go?

[miraculon]

Maybe you could use one of these to test it... (make your  own lightning..) 

http://www.easternvoltageresearch.com/drsstc_microbrute.html

Greg

[CNYWeather]

I did try the lighter, but didnt see anything. Maybe we'll get some storms
today so it will be my big test.

Thanks!!