What is it?

This is a nice gimmick which detects EMPs (i.e. when lighting takes place). There are many sensors around, to detect all kind of things. However, detect lighting strikes is a complete different area. Use this sensor for :

• Pre-warning systems
• Digital photography
• Domotics
• Weather-station
• Arduino experiments
• School / scientific experiments
• Etc..

Why did you make it?

:[short story]: Get kids back to outdoor trainingsessions and other reasons.

:[long story]: For an outdoor sport, I was requested to develop a lightning detection system. Some parents cancel trainingsessions for their kids, if there is a chance for rain / drizzle. When asked for detailed motivation : "saw a video at YouTube". Sporters at an open field got injured, when lightning struck nearby. Fair enough and I designed this sensor. Nowadays, when lightning is detected within a 30 km radius, an outdoor trainingsession will be aborted.

Once I got in contact with a hobby photographer. The question raised if the sensor could trigger a camera (Canon EOS something), to shoot pictures about storms / lightning. It does, with some additional electronics (relay, rechargeable Li-Ion battery). I can confirm he shot some excellent pictures about lightning phenomena (note : camera should be set into the correct direction).

I knew someone who got his home automated (domotics). Once lightning took place nearby, several devices (i.e. computer and TV) got unrepairable damaged. He asked : "Can it operate for an early warning-system ?" I can inform you, today the sensor is connected to a domotics system. As soon as lightning is detected, all sensitive equipment will be cut off the grid.

These sensors are also used at several space and nuclear research affiliated organisations. It is confirmed they do the job as required, but no further info shared. Today, I'm still not sure for what purpose. I guess it's behind secret doors and I'll never get to know the details.

What makes it special?

Sure, there are some sensors available. They operate stand-alone or it's just a tiny IC. A tiny IC requires an additional design, including a special antenna, microcontroller and alike.

However, this sensor is easy to use / implement. When an EMP (lightning) is detected, an audible beep can be heard and a LED will flash. Need such sensor as trigger ? Use digital output. Need it to study details about EMPs ? Use analog output. In other words, this is a very versatile sensor. For a datasheet (PDF, size : 676 kb), just click >here<.

This sensor can be battery operated, is small, easy to use for many projects and low cost. It's definitely something for you !