 Thunderstorm
Detector Model 6500
Lightning Detection Up To 200 nautical miles
The Model 6500 Thunderstorm Detector detects electrical discharges associated
with lightning within a 200 nautical mile radius of the system. The Model
6500 is a passive lightning detection sensor that listens for electromagnetic
signals with a receiving antenna. There is no transmitter, and so no harmful
transmissions.
Consisting of an antenna mounted to a 28" x 32" ground plane and
a processor housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure, the entire lightning detection
package mounts simply to a 2.5" pipe (2.875" O.D.) using two U-bolts.
High Sensitivity Lightning Detection Antenna
The Model 6500's lightning detection antenna is a combined crossed-loop and
sense antenna, which can correlate the electric and magnetic signatures of
lightning strikes better than other systems due to its patented sense channel
technology. The antenna has been designed to help filter out pulsed noise
from sources other than lightning discharges.
On-Board Lightning Detection Data Processor
The Model 6500's lightning detection processor houses the data acquisition circuitry, along with
circuitry to process lightning strike data and communicate with the AWOS
Data Collection Platform (DCP). Communication with the DCP is via an RS-485
link.
Dependable Lightning Detection Data
The Model 6500's lightning detection antenna detects the electrical and magnetic fields generated
by cloud-to-ground lightning that occurs within a 200 nautical mile radius
of the antenna, and sends the resulting 'discharge signals' to the processor.
The lightning detection processor digitizes, analyzes, and converts the discharge signals into
range and bearing data, then stores the data in memory.
The DCP polls the lightning detection sensor every two seconds via a 2-wire RS-485 link. When
polled, the sensor transmits a data package consisting of strike data and
status information. When errors are detected, a command can be sent from the
DCP requesting a complete error log from the sensor. This error log provides
greater detail on the nature and severity of the error.
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