Launch of System Blue delayed

[W3DRM]

Hello, 

Looking for information in USD on what it will take to setup a receiving/broadcast station in terms of terrain requirements.  I'm in a 2 story home with little room for detecting antenna (and I see there are choices available), but wonder if height over other homes, trees, hills makes any difference. 

In order for me to join in on this audacious project, (read that as fun), I have to pass some criteria.  

Primary one is due to lean times, affordability of a detector. I am versed in assembling electronics as I go back to numerous projects with the name Heathkit on them.  So now some of you know my age 8^)   Therefore if best pricing requires assembly, no issues. 

Second obstacle is a basic understanding of connectivity needs.  I have a multi-port cable modem, but only one computer which is owned by my employer. Not sure if the computer is required to act as an interface for this to work.  Can do so, but would limit provision of strike reports to when the computer is in use, (approx 14hrs/day).  

Third obstacle which has the most weight is the house spouse.  She will not want exposed antenna duct taped to a window like pressed ham on glass, or wires visibly connecting part a to b, to c, etc.   

I have been a super fan of electrical storms since I was born - almost struck twice, to the point of feeling the pre-hit warnings. Just love mother nature during furious moments, and stumbling upon this site and it's detection map make me one happy fella.  With this, I would like to eventually become a provider of lightning strikes with detection from New Hampshire, USA.  I'd be the only one from NH. 


Any insights of obtaining a strike detection kit to the basics of connection and hints on how to hide antennae would be most appreciated.

Sharpew,

As stated in the opening post of this thread by Egon, availability is not known at this time. Additionally neither is the cost of system BLUE. All of that will come in time so we all need to sit back and wait for the announcement.

As far as connectivity, you do not need to be running a computer for Blitzortung to be operational. All signals are connected through your local router to the Internet. You will need access to a computer so you can make adjustments and view your signals. All of that is done via a standard web browser. No special equipment is needed, just an Internet connection.

As for hiding your antenna(s), that will depend on your particular location. Finding the "sweet spot" can be a challenge, as some of our users have discovered. There will be wires (coax and network cabling) attached to the devices and you will have to determine the best layout for your location. One prime requirement is placement of the GPS antenna which needs to have visibility to the sky so it can "see" as many GPS satellites as possible. If you have a metal roof, it could be challenging to find a suitable inside location. However, those are just some obstacles, all of which can be solved. It just takes patience to solve them.

And btw, I've got tired old eyes too and was able to build my RED system without any problems. The new BLUE kits will have more SMD components on them so higher level soldering skills will be necessary but easily learned with some practice and a steady hand.

Good luck to you and I hope you will be able to obtain the new BLUE system when they become available. Don't hesitate to ask questions.