Caution: Before broadcasting that lightning is being indicated in a certain area, check your radar and or satellite data to insure that there really is weather activity in that area. Please do not use the "Lightning Trakker" for protection of life or property". The "Lighting Trakker" is to be used as only ONE tool in weather coverage.
After testing this system we have been able to "squelch" out alot of noise. However, we have noticed that an occasional "strike" will appear without any type of radar echoes in that area. But, for the most part we have actually been very surprised how accurate the location of lightning strikes have been
Once again,
If you see lighting indicated on the "Lightning Trakker" check
your radar!!
If you have radar echoes in the general area you probably have lighting.
Use of this data can be used in many ways on the air.
If you're a broadcaster, whether TV, radio or a ham please be aware of how the "Weather Lab Lightning Trakker" works.
There are other lightning systems available BUT from what I understand most display ground strikes only! However, the "Lightning Trakker" records both cloud to ground and cloud to cloud strikes as well! Up to just a few years ago many broadcasters & spotters used AM radio to detect lightning activity from near to far but determining a direction that the lighting was from?....Well that was still very difficult by the use of "radio static" alone.
In recent years researchers have developed a system which, for the most part does a pretty good job. Basically it works like an AM radio but this has a direction.
Enjoy and don't forget that the lighting safety rules should be used on the air!
John E. Utech
President
Weather Lab