Topic: Displaying Lightning Data

[W Thomas]

Given all the supply chain issues we face,and I know from obtaining parts for my sideline repairing 2 way radio equipment, is there any possibility of displaying the lightning map using Kens scripts without being a data sending member?  I would like to go the full route when things become more obtainable and I can budget it into my system.

Thanks!

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

Wayne,
The original BOMaps script package from Ken, and virtually ALL direct data access requires User ID and Passwords belonging to an active operator... not publicly acessable. I'm NOT sure Ken has  updated that package to function with the newer Blitzortung database processing, as I don't deploy it. Generally Raw Data, etc is only available to operators.
What I display at https://frankfortweather.us/fwxBLPublic/index.html is derived from MOSTLY publicly available data, and is NOT focused on 'Local' lightning, but on performance and relationship to the network.

The latest production system will be the Blue Mini system. It SHOULD be available in Early July. Blue Mini will have 2 H (M) channels only. No E channel capability.  Two H channels is really all that is needed for locating, with newer, updated processing and firmware. Data output is equivalent  to system RED (2 H, 3 E) or Blue Max (3H, 1 E). It is a 'mini-version' of the Blue Max H channel design, without all the optional bells and whistles of the Blue Max, and uses the same LATEST  (V10 and up) firmware as system blue.  An estimated cost shipped to the United States around $300 U.S.  You'd have to obtain cables, power supply, and H field antennas.

... what operational information you can access regarding System Blue, except for the 'extras', will apply to the 'Mini'.

Yeah, inflation and political restrictions have driven the production costs to an insane level. Blue Mini is an effort to expand the network at the most reasonable non-profit production obtainable within the current geo-political climate.

Mike

[ConligWX]

Wayne,
The original BOMaps script package from Ken, and virtually ALL direct data access requires User ID and Passwords belonging to an active operator... not publicly acessable. I'm NOT sure Ken has  updated that package to function with the newer Blitzortung database processing, as I don't deploy it. Generally Raw Data, etc is only available to operators.
What I display at https://frankfortweather.us/fwxBLPublic/index.html is derived from MOSTLY publicly available data, and is NOT focused on 'Local' lightning, but on performance and relationship to the network.

The latest production system will be the Blue Mini system. It SHOULD be available in Early July. Blue Mini will have 2 H (M) channels only. No E channel capability.  Two H channels is really all that is needed for locating, with newer, updated processing and firmware. Data output is equivalent  to system RED (2 H, 3 E) or Blue Max (3H, 1 E). It is a 'mini-version' of the Blue Max H channel design, without all the optional bells and whistles of the Blue Max, and uses the same LATEST  (V10 and up) firmware as system blue.  An estimated cost shipped to the United States around $300 U.S.  You'd have to obtain cables, power supply, and H field antennas.

... what operational information you can access regarding System Blue, except for the 'extras', will apply to the 'Mini'.

Yeah, inflation and political restrictions have driven the production costs to an insane level. Blue Mini is an effort to expand the network at the most reasonable non-profit production obtainable within the current geo-political climate.

Mike

Mike, are the new Blue Mini system's pre soldered or do they require assembly/soldering etc?

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

Mike, are the new Blue Mini system's pre soldered or do they require assembly/soldering etc?

Good Question!  The boards are completely fabricated with all SMD installed. It's my expectation that the GPS sma jack, network jacks will require soldered install...that would be typical of the recent designs, but not sure what will be revealed at production release...the USB power will be installed 'Type C', as will the Type C also migrate to any new Blue Max production later this year, replacing the deprecated USB mini.

[ConligWX]

and are these going to be just available to new sites or anyone that orders?  the blue systems were in very short supply over several years.  I couldnt get my hands on one at all.

[Cutty Sark Sailor]

and are these going to be just available to new sites or anyone that orders?  the blue systems were in very short supply over several years.  I couldnt get my hands on one at all.

ANYONE who meets suggested background at https://www.blitzortung.org/en/cover_your_area.php can order, but keep in mind that this is NOT an alert or warning system. It is NOT a local lightning 'detector'. Controllers operate in a network with many other stations to LOCATE a c-g lightning discharge, though it has potential for much, much more. It does NOT 'stand alone'.  It cannot determine, by itself, that a stroke has occurred. It has only detected an impulse of energy.  The computers in Germany and Finland compare data from ALL stations and determine if a stroke is real, then best channel data from 8 to 17 or so stations is processed to 'locate' the ground point.
Likewise, this is NOT a 'plug'n'play' system. It needs to be optimized for your location and environment so that "most" of your signals represent a sferic, not 'noise', etc.  Once optimized, over time, you 'might' have a 'seasonal' configuration, for example, that you'd use, say, during 'lightning' season, as opposed to 'winter'...
It is classed as 'hobbyist', 'experimental', for many reasons, including geo-political economics and legality.

So, if someone expects something else, then it's not necessarily appropriate.

I'm ONLY suggesting based on the past.
Priority distribution to regions with low to poor station coverage.
Priority to current owners who have damaged or inoperative stations, Green, Red, or Blue Max.

Hope that helps????
 https://frankfortweather.us/fwxBLPublic/index.html