Launch of System Blue delayed

[W7DRM]

As far as replacement parts....
You might have trouble getting the original GPS module, from what I understand, and have to do with a different version.... perhaps with a feature missing.
The PDF document contains lists of virtually all of the parts required... however some are quite specific... for example the specially chosen LED on the E field preamplifier.
Yes,... the boards themselves were last produced a year ago.

Before I get started with the "real" part of my post, let me apologize in advance if I come off sounding like a jerk. Especially in a first post    I have nothing but respect for the developers of the project, and am truly amazed that they have put together a system of this magnitude as a purely volunteer effort without corporate or institutional funding. I also don't blame them for not open sourcing their software and algorithms. That's the product of their blood, sweat, and tears. And if anyone is ever going to get filthy rich off of that work, it should be them and not some corporate entity that found it on the internet and ran with it with no real work involved.

While sitting here tonight waiting for a large upload to happen, I went through the Red system PDF and checked the parts lists one component at t time. I can source every part needed, including the specified GPS module and LEDs, except for one part...the PC boards. (Note: I'm in the US. Outside of North America it may be harder to source everything, I honestly don't know.)

I agree totally that the developers should be focused on the development of Blue, and going back and recreating kits for Red is a massive step backwards and a major waste of their probably very limited time and money. But Gerber files for the Red boards sure would be nice.

David

David, the same questions/suggestions have been asked in many different ways on this forum. And, without being rude, suffice it to say that those suggestions have been rejected in the past and I suspect they will be rejected in the future.

Just think what it would mean for the developers to provide the Gerber files to the general public? It would/could result is total bedlam with everyone scrambling to build their own systems. Even with the Gerber files, who is going to be able to do any quality control on them to ensure they were made correctly. I've seen the results of poorly built circuit boards that caused more problems than they solved. The other side of that equation is the impact it could have on the servers and the developers who are currently preparing for the new BLUE system. They don't need to be further distracted with having to accommodate the unknown quality of any new systems coming on-line and the inherent issues that would follow in an attempt to do so.

Your interest and that of many others who are patiently waiting for the release of System Blue is well understood and appreciated. However, please try to understand why these suggestions can't be honored. You have really explained the reason for not doing what you are suggesting quite well in the first paragraph of your own post so we don't need to reiterate the same verbiage over and over again.

[davmoo]

Just think what it would mean for the developers to provide the Gerber files to the general public? It would/could result is total bedlam with everyone scrambling to build their own systems. Even with the Gerber files, who is going to be able to do any quality control on them to ensure they were made correctly. I've seen the results of poorly built circuit boards that caused more problems than they solved. The other side of that equation is the impact it could have on the servers and the developers who are currently preparing for the new BLUE system. They don't need to be further distracted with having to accommodate the unknown quality of any new systems coming on-line and the inherent issues that would follow in an attempt to do so.

True. But. At one time, at least according to the email I received when I inquired the first time about a kit, bare PC boards were offered for individual sale for those who could source their own parts (and I should have pulled the trigger right then and there, but had too many other irons in the fire at the time). No quality control was done on purchased parts then. How would releasing the Gerber files now be any different? Also, even if a full kit was bought, one could still muck it up in the soldering and produce volumes of unreliable data. If they had been offering full ready to go plug and play devices I would agree with you about quality control. But that's not what was offered. If The Powers That Be do not want to offer the PC board details because they just don't want to, that's fine, its their project, and they can do with it as they wish. But there is no technical reason for not releasing them.

David

[W7DRM]

Just think what it would mean for the developers to provide the Gerber files to the general public? It would/could result is total bedlam with everyone scrambling to build their own systems. Even with the Gerber files, who is going to be able to do any quality control on them to ensure they were made correctly. I've seen the results of poorly built circuit boards that caused more problems than they solved. The other side of that equation is the impact it could have on the servers and the developers who are currently preparing for the new BLUE system. They don't need to be further distracted with having to accommodate the unknown quality of any new systems coming on-line and the inherent issues that would follow in an attempt to do so.

True. But. At one time, at least according to the email I received when I inquired the first time about a kit, bare PC boards were offered for individual sale for those who could source their own parts (and I should have pulled the trigger right then and there, but had too many other irons in the fire at the time). No quality control was done on purchased parts then. How would releasing the Gerber files now be any different? Also, even if a full kit was bought, one could still muck it up in the soldering and produce volumes of unreliable data. If they had been offering full ready to go plug and play devices I would agree with you about quality control. But that's not what was offered. If The Powers That Be do not want to offer the PC board details because they just don't want to, that's fine, its their project, and they can do with it as they wish. But there is no technical reason for not releasing them.

David

David,

Your point is well taken, however, policies and methods do change in any project or hobby. Just like on the original GREEN systems and now the RED systems, all development and distribution efforts have ceased on those versions of the Blitzortung system. The developers are simply concentrating on the next generation of detectors to be released. To start releasing any portion of the RED system now would impact their ability to continue with new development activities. Remember, this is NOT a commercial endeavor where you can simply throw more resources (manpower) into a project to increase your work efforts. It is a hobby with the same number of primary developers as there were when the first GREEN system was released years ago. The second part of the equation, which is highlighted above in red, still applies. They simply don't have the time to respond to the increase in requests for support it would take should they do what you are asking them to do.

[waylonlambert]

As a new member of the forum: I thank all the developers for giving of their time and sharing the fruits of their passion with us. Release Blue when you deem it ready.

Patience is a virtue often ignored and disdained.


n8xbv

[kevinmcc]

Like the updated webpage. Like the addition of system blue pictures.

Looks like minor soldiering and assembly required?

Will there be options to have display and buttons like System Red?

What about adding MOD-1016v8 lightning detector?

Just asking, not concerned as I am an electronics tech.

[Tobi]

I've just recognized by myself that there's a new Blitzortung website with information about the BLUE system.

We made a lot of progress during the last weeks. From what I can say is that we will start with just a few very basic PCBs. This is not the final solution. We will extend it further during the next months. Please stay tuned until an official announcement of the new PCBs.

[cutty]

...

What about adding MOD-1016v8 lightning detector?
---

Experimental add in of the AS3935  you are referring to was done by several members with System RED. Results are / were mixed. Most of us didn't bother fooling with it. Search this forum for "AS3935", most postings are likely in the 'internal' boards for operators only.
You can also find discussions at http://www.wxforum.net/index.php?board=115.0
Search for 'AS3935'
The firmware for RED controller does include support for AS3935, but whether that will be carried over into BLUE, or retained in RED updates is possibly still a matter under consideration.
Note that one issue with the network is quality of data and standardization of systems, so early experimentation or add ons to BLUE are likely to be discouraged to some extent.

Also note that the AS3935 contributes NO data or info to the Blitzortung network...
Cheers!
Mike

[mvdswaluw]

I've just recognized by myself that there's a new Blitzortung website with information about the BLUE system.

Either you both are seeing things, or I am blind... I Can't seem so find that webpage... ;-)

[cutty]

I've just recognized by myself that there's a new Blitzortung website with information about the BLUE system.

Either you both are seeing things, or I am blind... I Can't seem so find that webpage... ;-)

Blitzortung.org / further info / cover your area.

[W7DRM]

I've just recognized by myself that there's a new Blitzortung website with information about the BLUE system.

Either you both are seeing things, or I am blind... I Can't seem so find that webpage... ;-)

Have you tried "refreshing" your browser? It sounds like you may be viewing a cached copy of the old webpages. The new ones have a very distinct black navigation bar across the top along with a completely different navigation scheme.