his lightning detector circuit is a very sensitive static electricity detector that can provide an early warning of approaching storms from inter-cloud discharge well before an earth-to-sky return strike takes place. An aerial (antenna) formed of a short length of wire detects storms within a two mile radius.
The circuit emits an audible warning tone from a piezo buzzer, or flashes an LED for each discharge detected, giving you advance warning of impendig storms so that precautions may be observed.
Lightning detector schematic


The primary feature in the lighting detector is the circuit’s ability to be set close to self-oscillation, with its relaxation optimised via the bias resistor values shown in the circuit diagram. The oscillator is dc coupled and feedback is routed through the collector of TR1 to the base of TR2, while the overall loop gain is set with the multiturn(12, 18 or 22) preset VR1.
Lightning sensor setting up

To set up the lightning sensor, adjust preset VR1 for oscillation by monitoring test point TP1, which should be at roughly 7volts peak-to-peak. Test point TP2 should be at +6V dc. Now readjust VR1 back slightly to stop oscillation; use a screwdriver to touch the aerial-side of C1 several times; the alarm should sound for 1 or 2 seconds then stop. If it continues, make a very small adjustment back and recheck. The other method is to electrostatically charge a plastic ruler and then draw your finger close to discharge, about two meter away from the aerial.
Powered from a 9 volts battery the Lightning Detector circuit consumes about 600 uA in standby. Powered continously it could provide a good year of uninterrupted monitoring.
When sounding the alarm, the current will rise to 4mA depending on the low current sounder WD1. A minimum 3 volts device is required for a good output level and it will produce a “pinging” alarm to warn in real time of any electrostatic pulse activity.

Фото от Werewolf