Topic: Correct position of Blitzortung System Red Ferrite Antennas

[i_fiorentino]

Hi guys,
i've finished my Blitzortung system red installation but i was assailed by a doubt.
Which is the correct position of Ferrite antennas?
Here is my installation:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k5xbbgbavr2fb4u/blitzortung_installazione.jpg
Is it correct?
Thanks in advance for your advices.
Regards,


Alessandro

[saratogaWX]

Hi Alessandro,

It looks like a neat installation.  The ferrite rods should both be in a horizontal position with one rod at 90 degrees to the other.

You have mounted them on a plastic base with an amplifier case, but with the plastic base mounted to the wall -- mount the plastic base with the antennas to a shelf jutting from the wall and the orientation will be correct.

Best regards,
Ken

[miraculon]

Alessandro,

Ken is correct on the horizontal orientation.

Also, you might want to get more separation between the controller and antenna/amp. The controller is actually quite noisy with EMI and needs to be remote from the antenna. (several meters, there are some recommendations for this on Blitzortung)

Greg

[i_fiorentino]

Thanks guys 

@miraculon

I could move the controller away from the antennas....but how about the cables?
I could move it to the other side of the wall.
Could it be correct?
Thanks again,

Alessandro

[miraculon]

I would keep any of the Ethernet, power (especially if it is a "switching" type), maybe GPS routed away from the antennas. The CAT5 cable that connects the amplifier to the controller should be shielded (STP) type. Routing that cable away from the antennas would be a good idea. It is on the side of the circuit board opposite of the antenna connector, so it should be easy.

Greg

[i_fiorentino]

I would keep any of the Ethernet, power (especially if it is a "switching" type), maybe GPS routed away from the antennas. The CAT5 cable that connects the amplifier to the controller should be shielded (STP) type. Routing that cable away from the antennas would be a good idea. It is on the side of the circuit board opposite of the antenna connector, so it should be easy.

Greg

I've completed my job.
What do you think about?
Is it ok the new installation?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7mmk1rwmu5oypcy/20131010_145807.jpg

I've changed the position of the controller on the other side of the wall.

Thanks in advance,

Alessandro

[dfroula]

It looks good. The orientation is correct.

I found tilting either antenna from the horizontal to vertical drastically increased noise from power lines, even with shielded ferrite antennas.

Don

[miraculon]

I would keep any of the Ethernet, power (especially if it is a "switching" type), maybe GPS routed away from the antennas. The CAT5 cable that connects the amplifier to the controller should be shielded (STP) type. Routing that cable away from the antennas would be a good idea. It is on the side of the circuit board opposite of the antenna connector, so it should be easy.

Greg

I've completed my job.
What do you think about?
Is it ok the new installation?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7mmk1rwmu5oypcy/20131010_145807.jpg

I've changed the position of the controller on the other side of the wall.

Thanks in advance,

Alessandro

Looks good. The wall itself will probably be "transparent" to the RF (hopefully, otherwise you will not detect the lightning).
How far away is the controller from the antennas? (through the wall).

Greg

[i_fiorentino]

I would keep any of the Ethernet, power (especially if it is a "switching" type), maybe GPS routed away from the antennas. The CAT5 cable that connects the amplifier to the controller should be shielded (STP) type. Routing that cable away from the antennas would be a good idea. It is on the side of the circuit board opposite of the antenna connector, so it should be easy.

Greg

I've completed my job.
What do you think about?
Is it ok the new installation?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7mmk1rwmu5oypcy/20131010_145807.jpg

I've changed the position of the controller on the other side of the wall.

Thanks in advance,

Alessandro

Looks good. The wall itself will probably be "transparent" to the RF (hopefully, otherwise you will not detect the lightning).
How far away is the controller from the antennas? (through the wall).

Greg

What about "transparent"? 

The controller is away about two meters from the antennas.

Please, could you check this signal?
Could it be correct?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ad5tf4ly5da45f3/Signal.PNG

Thanks in advance,

Alessandro

[miraculon]

It looks like there is a small noise. What are your thresholds set to? What gain are the amps set at?
You should use "manual" mode, automatic is not supported yet.

What about "transparent"?  This means that RF signals are not impeded. Radio Waves will go right through certain materials. It is analogous to light.

Greg

[i_fiorentino]

It looks like there is a small noise. What are your thresholds set to? What gain are the amps set at?
You should use "manual" mode, automatic is not supported yet.

What about "transparent"?  This means that RF signals are not impeded. Radio Waves will go right through certain materials. It is analogous to light.

Greg

I use manual mode with 8 gain, look the image below.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/apt1k949rwxsmhe/Gain.PNG
About ferrites...what kind of ferrite should i set?
I've set these: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2x9qkdqxdp5d36u/Ferrite.PNG
...12 or 20cm  
Because i've misured 20cm 
Thanks,

Alessandro