When are kits back in stock?

[KK4EVR]

I was wondering if the team was interested in getting a kit setup in central North Carolina, USA. I am very interested in this system and I am already reporting weather data on a daily basis to various entities and am interested in the lightning detection aspect as well. Thank you for your time in reading this post and any response is appreciated.

[W7DRM]

I was wondering if the team was interested in getting a kit setup in central North Carolina, USA. I am very interested in this system and I am already reporting weather data on a daily basis to various entities and am interested in the lightning detection aspect as well. Thank you for your time in reading this post and any response is appreciated.

Hi William,

Kit ordering and shipping has been suspended until sometime next year. You can go to the "Cover your Area" tab on the Blitzortung.org website and fill-in the form to be notified when the hardware will be available again. The exact wording of the notice follows:

"We do not accept new orders this year, because the system needs some major upgrade to improve the location quality. Additionally, we want to offer some improved hardware next year in larger quantities. As soon as we have any detailed information about the further enhancements, we will post it on our website. If you have questions, then please use our forum instead of contacting us directly. If you want to get informed when new hardware is available please insert your email address."

Sorry for the answer but, that is how it is, for the time-being. We'll all need to show a little patience while the systems and servers are being improved. No one knows, at this point in time, when the announcement will come that they are accepting new orders.

73's - Don - W3DRM

[Toxic]

"We do not accept new orders this year, because the system needs some major upgrade to improve the location quality. Additionally, we want to offer some improved hardware next year in larger quantities. "

The last batch of reds seemed to go purely to new customers in the USA. I am in the UK but would like to upgrade my system to a RED system, but the way purchases have been handled recently it looks like if you have a system (any system) your not getting one again. so since we are on the subject, how many users are going to be allowed to upgrade their old systems for new ones in the future?

[cutty]

"We do not accept new orders this year, because the system needs some major upgrade to improve the location quality. Additionally, we want to offer some improved hardware next year in larger quantities. "

The last batch of reds seemed to go purely to new customers in the USA. I am in the UK but would like to upgrade my system to a RED system, but the way purchases have been handled recently it looks like if you have a system (any system) your not getting one again. so since we are on the subject, how many users are going to be allowed to upgrade their old systems for new ones in the future?

First of all, the limited number of kits on the final shipments of RED were cutoff on August 29 and went to the first responders in low coverage areas, which included Region 2 and Region 3 with none earmarked for the already dense Region 1. No, they did not all go to a privileged USA as you imply. Region 1 requests would have been filled after Aug 29 cutoff, had there been kits available. Once those initial orders were filled, that was it. The cupboard was bare. It was that simple.
Some changes will be made in order handling with any new revisions, from experience learned this year with the deluge of requests that simply could not be fulfilled, for several reasons... parts, logistics, etc.
Any revisions or new production is still months away. And you can expect anyone who orders will have the appropriate place in line, regardless of Region.

[Toxic]

First of all, the limited number of kits on the final shipments of RED were cutoff on August 29 and went to the first responders in low coverage areas, which included Region 2 and Region 3 with none earmarked for the already dense Region 1. No, they did not all go to a privileged USA as you imply. Region 1 requests would have been filled after Aug 29 cutoff, had there been kits available. Once those initial orders were filled, that was it. The cupboard was bare. It was that simple.
Some changes will be made in order handling with any new revisions, from experience learned this year with the deluge of requests that simply could not be fulfilled, for several reasons... parts, logistics, etc.
Any revisions or new production is still months away. And you can expect anyone who orders will have the appropriate place in line, regardless of Region.

Thanks for the reply.

[orion_jb2001]

Hmmm I have been offered a kit now, I must be in an area they are trying to build up. Should I get the current kit now or hold out and wait for the new updated kit next year????

Jeff

[cutty]

Hmmm I have been offered a kit now, I must be in an area they are trying to build up. Should I get the current kit now or hold out and wait for the new updated kit next year????

Jeff

Up to you... no date set for a newer release....but I'd suggest early summer, perhaps. Surprises are nothing abnormal in this world of the Blitzortung Hobbyist... How're your technical skills? Many of us love the RED platform, and it's outstanding, and works well, especially with both E and H field, but there will be enhancements expected with any new release... and RED is NOT a "plug'n'play" device.

Where are you located?

Cheers!
Mike

[BobW]

How're your technical skills? Many of us love the RED platform, and it's outstanding, and works well, especially with both E and H field, but there will be enhancements expected with any new release... and RED is NOT a "plug'n'play" device.

The requirement to build it is something that I think is part of the popularity of the project, in addition to the result. While a plug and play device might be a nice option to have to get locations up that don't really have a technical person available, I think that for many, the construction of it is important. The current participants (including the developers, both hardware and software) should all be proud of their accomplishment. Otherwise, it's just "I bought this box that I plug in to power and Internet, and it somehow makes lightning locations show up on the computer".

[Benedict.Smith]

How're your technical skills? Many of us love the RED platform, and it's outstanding, and works well, especially with both E and H field, but there will be enhancements expected with any new release... and RED is NOT a "plug'n'play" device.

The requirement to build it is something that I think is part of the popularity of the project, in addition to the result. While a plug and play device might be a nice option to have to get locations up that don't really have a technical person available, I think that for many, the construction of it is important. The current participants (including the developers, both hardware and software) should all be proud of their accomplishment. Otherwise, it's just "I bought this box that I plug in to power and Internet, and it somehow makes lightning locations show up on the computer".

I absolutely agree, there is a sense of accomplishment and pride in something you have built yourself that you don't get with an off the shelf solution, however not everyone has the skills or desire to build one, perhaps both a kit and a pre built solution should be offered?
Ben.

[orion_jb2001]

Hmmm I have been offered a kit now, I must be in an area they are trying to build up. Should I get the current kit now or hold out and wait for the new updated kit next year????

Jeff

Up to you... no date set for a newer release....but I'd suggest early summer, perhaps. Surprises are nothing abnormal in this world of the Blitzortung Hobbyist... How're your technical skills? Many of us love the RED platform, and it's outstanding, and works well, especially with both E and H field, but there will be enhancements expected with any new release... and RED is NOT a "plug'n'play" device.

Where are you located?

Cheers!
Mike

I think my technical skills would be up to it. I am in Tamworth, northern New South Wales Australia