Review: The XkyFire RealTime Lightning System -Utilizing- The Boltek LRX-1 Lightning Network Detector
You can learn a bit about, and sign-up for The XkyFire RealTime Lightning System Here.
You can learn about The Boltek LRX-1 Lightning Network Detector Here.
The Boltek LRX-1 Lightning Network Detector is an advanced lightning detecting system, which is intended to detect & report sky-to-ground lightning strikes.
Also, here's an interesting link I found to a Russian site. There are also systems there which I've never seen before.
You can see an un-boxing pic, in the previous post ('First Impression'). The system arrived well-packaged (from Canada). As illustrated on page 2 of the user manual, the package contains:
- The LRX-1
- The ANT-50 (lightning sensor & GPS antenna)
- 10' Network Patch Cable
- Lightning Sensor Cable (CAT6)
- GPS Cable (CAT6)
- 120/220v Power Adapter (N.America, or International)
- 2 Cable Grips (gray plastic)
- 3 Large Mounting Clamps
- 3 Medium Mounting Clamps
It is also provided with a 25-page User Manual.
Page 3 illustrates the theory of operation (which isn’t hard to understand).
Page 5 covers antenna installation (ANT-50).
Page 6 covers system installation (putting it all together).
Page 9-10 covers front panel (connectors) and LED indicators.
Page 12-18 covers configuration of The LRX-1; as well as the editing of the LRX.ini file, and the IP address.
Page 19 is a brief summary of operation.
Page 23 is a very guide to troubleshooting.
Page 25 (Specifications) is really a quick reference guide to the LED indicators, etc.
The LRX-1 unit itself, is 6.3” X 4.5” X 1.1” (160mm x 114mm x 28mm).
As far as Price is concerned, I will have to do some more shopping around, and update this review going forward.
Please note: this review is a work in progress. In fact, as I typed this, the system is currently down here at this location: My BIL needed to do some work on the deck where the antenna was originally installed. I suppose the upside of this, is that I’ll have an opportunity to take some videos, of what it’s like to set up the system – which I will put on YouTube. On my lightning detector channel.
Features of this system include the ability to use either 120vAC (US plug) or 100-240vAC: International multi-plug wall adapter provided. It’s recommended that you plug it into a UPS. 12vDC battery operation is also possible.
I found that I like the design (and engineering) which went into the execution of these (physical) units. They are manufactured by Boltek.
You can immediately see, that they are high-tech units, in which all facets of lightning detection were considered when they were designed.
The fact that the antenna houses two separate sensors: One Lightning sensor, and one antenna.
Along with two seperate cables (one for each > going to the indoor unit). This demonstrates a design in which no expense was spared.
The LRX-1 & XkyFire System are designed to work as part of a large network of identical systems, set-up in various locations around N. America. Canada is a base of operations, and is well-represented via this extensive network.
Each LRX-1 system instantly reports what it detects, to the network via TCP/IP. This allows the various units to work together, to accurately pinpoint the exact location of a sky-to-ground lightning strike - with extreme accuracy (which I will go into at a later time). It is rather impressive.
This factor, was something which really surprised me, when I first learned of it. I noticed that the system didn't report lightning strikes as often as other systems I'd reviewed in the past. And I was informed of the manner in which these systems are used - Recording only sky-to-ground *actual* lightning strikes; which pose a potential danger to people and property.
Stock photo - Credit: Boltek
To be continued…