Author Topic: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site  (Read 3965 times)

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Offline relko

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Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« on: May 16, 2019, 06:04:15 AM »
Until now the Microsferics TOA network project has been aimed exclusively at existing Boltek users. In a few weeks we are going to introduce a custom standalone TOA E-field sensor that together with the existing controller unit will make participation a lot less costly and accessible to people who don't plan to buy or already own a Boltek detector. In order to solidify that the new sensor performs as expected in the existing network we are now looking for someone who is interested in hosting a complete Microsferics TOA system.

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The ideal site should be situated in Florida or near the FL border in GA or AL, Alternatively, if no host can be found there, central US is another target area. Selection of hosting site will depend on your location relative to already operational sensors in the general area. We will fully sponsor the equipment but you will have to pay for shipping (approx $35 USD) and possibly some import taxes as the hardware is shipped from Australia.

There are two controller unit configurations one can choose from, the difference being in the network client implementation which is how data is transmitted to the central processing server;

* Standard model which requires a Windows host PC (Win7 or later) running a dedicated client software. The host PC must be on at all times.
* WiFi model which is fully standalone and does not require a host PC but must be in good reception range of a wireless Internet router.

Both variants will operate autonomously after initial configuration. A minimum 2 Mbit/s upstream Internet connection is recommended, faster is better. Here is a pic of the controller box:

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The TOA device is plug-configure-play and does not require any electronics assembly or soldering. E-field antenna must be mounted at some height with a fairly unobstructed 360 degree view and proper grounding (i.e. ground stake or water pipe).

If you are interested in hosting it is important that you will have time to set up the equipment without delay upon receiving it. Also important is that you have some rudimentary computer skills (e.g. you know how to use Telnet to enter configuration data) and able to communicate over e-mail/Skype in a timely fashion in case we need to sort out technical issues. The TOA sensor is expected to be online 24/7/365 and remains property of the Microsferics project until agreed upon otherwise. In the event you cannot operate the unit anymore (due to relocation, illness etc) you will be required to send it to our USA contact.

If you would like to get onboard please PM me your location info, preferred controller configuration (PC or WiFi) and any other information that you think might be relevant. We anticipate to ship out the device by the end of this month or shortly thereafter. I'll be collecting applications for the next couple of weeks before we begin the selection process.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2019, 06:35:21 AM by relko »

Offline WeatherHost

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2019, 06:14:32 AM »
Need pictures of the antenna and how it's mounted.  I already have one system installed and running from a company out of Florida (http://toasystems.com/about-us/).  Not sure if that would pose a conflict.

« Last Edit: May 16, 2019, 06:17:07 AM by WeatherHost »

Offline relko

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2019, 06:19:29 AM »
I'll get a pic posted as soon as I have one, antenna is in the process of being assembled.

Don't know about the system you are already running but for us there is no conflict, our public network is a non-profit outfit.

Offline relko

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2019, 06:36:46 AM »
Need pictures of the antenna and how it's mounted.  I already have one system installed and running from a company out of Florida (http://toasystems.com/about-us/).  Not sure if that would pose a conflict.

As per PM, I've updated shipping costs in my post, forgot initially to convert from AUD to USD.

Note my PM's to you are blocked so if you expect a response later...

Offline WeatherHost

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2019, 07:07:25 AM »
Forgot about that.  You should be able to get through now.


Offline txweather.org

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2019, 10:32:39 AM »
I am interested in hosting one please.
I have a Business ISP with redundancy.

Edit: PM has been sent.
« Last Edit: May 16, 2019, 10:42:25 AM by txweather.org »

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Offline lightmaster

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2019, 11:40:19 AM »
I live very close to the Florida Georgia line. I just
 PMed you my information.

Offline relko

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2019, 05:48:53 AM »
As promised, below are a few pictures of the sensor. PVC housing can be attached to any mast with top section above or away from metal. For grounding, if no other suitable options are available a copper ground rod can be obtained via e.g. Amazon for $10.

This past week we were lucky to have some unexpected lightning activity down under and managed to squeeze in additional tests with very satisfying results. Sensor shows a nice and balanced detection sensitivity for both long range and short range lightning discharges. Right now final preparations are underway and we anticipate to ship out the unit beginning of next week (June 3).

Thanks to everyone who has PM:ed me and shown interest in hosting a sensor, I'll be getting back to you shortly.

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Offline josecmorales

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Re: Microsferics TOA lightning sensor host site
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2021, 09:18:13 PM »
I am interested in hosting one please  [tup].

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