meteohub.de

Hi all,

I'm now a happy MBpro2 user, after years of MB pro red!

I'm wondering if it is possible to use a simple lightning detector like the Sparkfun AS 3935 or similar for basic registrering of nearby thunderstorms / lightning. This sensor is a small IC2 / SPI-type of sensor that detects lightning @ up to 40 km's. Not comparable to for instance the Blizortung-hardware, but a simple solution for registering thunderstorms in the vicinity.

This would bring all-new functionality to the Pro 2. I'd love it!

Anyone? Would this work? It for sure would offer extra functionality to évery weather station! The IC2/SPI connection is available on the PRO2...

I'm using a Ecowitt lightning detector as an extra sensor via a GW2000 gateway
Also multiple Ecowitt sensors in use
I do not think connecting an AS3935 directly to the Pro 2 will work
The AS3935 sensor is very sensitive and needs to be placed in a spot where there is very little radio interference, the Meteobridge is emitting to much noise
Also the 3935 sensor needs several settings for spike rejection, sensitivity settings, in/outdoor settings etc.
The only good thing would be if Davis developed their own stand alone lightning sensor and makes it compatible with their weather stations and the new 6313 console

But the Ecowitt lightning sensor is relatively cheap and it works great with my Davis setup and Nano SD meteobridge, detects lightning very well and I have no false detections as it sits far away from any interference

I agree, just connecting it will not work... Some code needs to be written! The physical connection is already on the PRO-2. But if implemented this would be a relatively cheap upgrade, since this sensor costs only about € 35,00. For some this could be a reason to upgrade to the PRO2, as most weather stations do not register thunderstorms.

I am using an AS 3935 already, connected to one of my Blitzortung-stations, and the sensitivity to interference is relatively low! It is already near the Meteobridge;-) There are almost no settings in the AS 3935. The sensitivity van be reduced, but that is not useful for this use-case. So even with a really short cable this will work!

I am also aware this will not replace my 2 Blitzortung-stations

SwitchDoc labs has offered for a while an AS3935 board for hooking up to a Raspberry Pi. To get a flavor for hardware & software, see their project site: https://www.switchdoc.com/2017/12/tutor ... pi-part-1/ and 4 more tutorials. The code isn't great, I had to heavily modify it to prevent getting stuck. But it gives an idea how to deal with the chip. For more software options check GitHub: https://github.com/search?q=as3935&type ... arch&l=&l=