As previously stated, the main
subject of this new blog will be Lightning Detectors - Over the past
few weeks, I've been trying my hand at building some of Charles Wenzel's
lightning detector circuits. Check-out the Techlib page for more
details (specifically, this is the link to lightning detector circuits).
I've
been building these (wood-based) projects, whenever possible. I'm sorry
to report, that none of them have turned-out as expected. Or, to put it
bluntly: None of them worked (indicator LED simply stayed on when power
was applied).
In any case, here are some Pics of my results - In chronological order:
1st attempt...
...4th attempt...
A "desperate" very quick & sloppy (6th?) attempt - I tried building it the same way the designer once did. I did it by carefully examining the pics from the site.
Some other attempts aren't pictured. I really wanted to get one of Mr. Wenzel's original circuit designs to work...But, I was obviously doing something wrong.
I tried several variations: Applied power from different sources, as well as applying power at different points in the circuits, different antennas, and sources of simulated lightning, removed some (non-critical) connections/components, etc. All in the name of troubleshooting, to no avail though.
So
now, I'll be moving on to some other writer's circuit designs. They're
also very similar, in their style of construction (wood & Copper
nails). Again, I'd really like to get one of these ("old-fashioned")
designs to work, before I end up moving on to microcontroller-type
detectors; commonly referred to as sensors...
Yes...The
Arduino-based lightning detectors/sensors. Or, what I sometimes refer
to as "the dark side". Why do I refer to it as "the dark side"? Because
it has been my intention to fully test and explore the original, component-based circuits, before moving on to the more advanced stuff. I really like the simplicity and operation of these electronic circuits.
And
not because the microcontroller sensors are more difficult. The reason,
is more along the lines of (me) considering them high-tech
shortcuts...Like "cheating" if you will.
The Arduino (and/or Raspberry Pi) based designs (as well as other similar [proprietary] designs) are not a challenge for me. Due to the fact that I was an "IT Guy" for over 15 years.
In
the meantime, I've been trying to keep track of things - a record of my attempts, in chronological order.
There will be plenty more to follow! Hopefully, some folks will find it interesting. And, this new
blog will help me (in a small way) to document some snapshots of my
progress, etc.
What I'm really hoping for, is for others to benefit from this blog. As always, I encourage visitors to please share! Please share thoughts, opinions, suggestions, your experiences, etc.
If you have a lightning detector related blog, page, group, etc. - Please let me know, I'll include it on the Links list.
