https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:03:11 +0000 MyBB https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4298 Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:08:25 -0500 AA5H]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4298 Some Questions on Signal Optimization Metrics for the System Experts!

This is going to be a long and verbose post, so apologies in advance.

I realize there are dozens of posts on how to optimize; most take a "do this" and "do that" shotgun approach by eliminating common impairments. As a former military signals analyst, I prefer to take a systems approach based on baseline measurements of the circuit's known voltage and noise levels.
 My challenge is determining the correlation between the system's electrical metrics and the optimized signal received by the servers.
From my perspective, these factors impact system optimization:

Home Receiver Unit baseline metrics:

1. Noise floor: Drives the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
   
2. Pre-amplifier gain: Typically provides a stronger received signal, but can also reduce the SNR depending on the receiver's ability to reject or filter out-of-band signals.
   
3. Filters: Dampen or suppress out-of-band signals.
   
4. OSI Wireline and Network settings: Duplex mode and packet size (to prevent packet fragmentation in routers with DF/DNF settings).
   
5. A/D serialization Settings: Left at Defaults
   
   

Server-side metrics:

1. Timestamp quality: The accuracy of timestamps on server-received packets compared to the server's PPS Stratum 1 source.
   
2. Packet latency: Measured in jitter.
   
3. Packet distortion: Noise resulting in random or out-of-sequence characters and CRC errors.
   
4. Surplus packets: Packets received by the server error-free, but rejected as surplus in areas with high receiver counts.
   
5. Factor "X": (More on that below).
   
   

Now, to the meat and potatoes: When it comes to system optimization, what server-reported metrics actually determine success?

1. Packet Count: Not accurate; it can include routed packets with broken UDP or higher-layer structures.
   
2. Packets Valid/Involved: Partially accurate, but valid/involved counts may only reflect the integrity of the UDP structure, not the quality of the payload.
   
3. Packets Used: What I consider true success—packets received at the server with an intact payload, timestamps within the system threshold, and a payload needed by the server to complete a calculation.
   
4. Packet "Efficiency": The ratio of "Valid" to "Used" packets (just my guess).
   

And now for "Factor X"...
I've systematically eliminated as many variables as possible from my setup. I use a field strength meter to identify RFI hotspots and mitigate them either by shutting off the source or using ferrite rings and clamps optimized to the source frequency. I've built three separate antenna types, tried various grounding scenarios, and added external RFI suppression to the antenna leads (1mF–2mF poly caps).

After a week of trial and error, my "Packets Used" count rose steadily into the 2,000–4,000 range—placing it in the top tier compared to similar receivers. 

Success! Or so I thought; read on

Unfortunately, my high "Packets Used" count isn't sustainable over time. It regularly declines to the 400–500 range for hours; it sometimes recovers to 1,000–1,500, and occasionally spikes back up to 2,000–4,000. My "Packets Used" count fluctuates wildly without any configuration changes, antenna changes,  environmental changes (including local weather), or additional RFI sources. I live 1 km from any neighbor, switching station, or other external RFI source. These fluctuations occur without any GPS errors, identified interference events, or filtering changes.

My only explanation is "Factor X" on the server side. Is it normal for "Packets Used" to vary wildly throughout the day as atmospheric or server conditions change, or is this shift caused by something on "my end"?

Again, apologies for such a detailed and long-winded post.

Current Setup:

• System Blue-Mini
  
• Three Coils of Times Microwave LMR-600 (2x each, with a 90-degree polarization shift)
  

Thanks

Brian (AA5H)


  Screenshot 2026-09-06 115010.png (Size: 59.89 KB / Downloads: 11)

  Screenshot 2026-09-06 115221.png (Size: 73.75 KB / Downloads: 12) ]]> Some Questions on Signal Optimization Metrics for the System Experts!

This is going to be a long and verbose post, so apologies in advance.

I realize there are dozens of posts on how to optimize; most take a "do this" and "do that" shotgun approach by eliminating common impairments. As a former military signals analyst, I prefer to take a systems approach based on baseline measurements of the circuit's known voltage and noise levels.
 My challenge is determining the correlation between the system's electrical metrics and the optimized signal received by the servers.
From my perspective, these factors impact system optimization:

Home Receiver Unit baseline metrics:

1. Noise floor: Drives the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
   
2. Pre-amplifier gain: Typically provides a stronger received signal, but can also reduce the SNR depending on the receiver's ability to reject or filter out-of-band signals.
   
3. Filters: Dampen or suppress out-of-band signals.
   
4. OSI Wireline and Network settings: Duplex mode and packet size (to prevent packet fragmentation in routers with DF/DNF settings).
   
5. A/D serialization Settings: Left at Defaults
   
   

Server-side metrics:

1. Timestamp quality: The accuracy of timestamps on server-received packets compared to the server's PPS Stratum 1 source.
   
2. Packet latency: Measured in jitter.
   
3. Packet distortion: Noise resulting in random or out-of-sequence characters and CRC errors.
   
4. Surplus packets: Packets received by the server error-free, but rejected as surplus in areas with high receiver counts.
   
5. Factor "X": (More on that below).
   
   

Now, to the meat and potatoes: When it comes to system optimization, what server-reported metrics actually determine success?

1. Packet Count: Not accurate; it can include routed packets with broken UDP or higher-layer structures.
   
2. Packets Valid/Involved: Partially accurate, but valid/involved counts may only reflect the integrity of the UDP structure, not the quality of the payload.
   
3. Packets Used: What I consider true success—packets received at the server with an intact payload, timestamps within the system threshold, and a payload needed by the server to complete a calculation.
   
4. Packet "Efficiency": The ratio of "Valid" to "Used" packets (just my guess).
   

And now for "Factor X"...
I've systematically eliminated as many variables as possible from my setup. I use a field strength meter to identify RFI hotspots and mitigate them either by shutting off the source or using ferrite rings and clamps optimized to the source frequency. I've built three separate antenna types, tried various grounding scenarios, and added external RFI suppression to the antenna leads (1mF–2mF poly caps).

After a week of trial and error, my "Packets Used" count rose steadily into the 2,000–4,000 range—placing it in the top tier compared to similar receivers. 

Success! Or so I thought; read on

Unfortunately, my high "Packets Used" count isn't sustainable over time. It regularly declines to the 400–500 range for hours; it sometimes recovers to 1,000–1,500, and occasionally spikes back up to 2,000–4,000. My "Packets Used" count fluctuates wildly without any configuration changes, antenna changes,  environmental changes (including local weather), or additional RFI sources. I live 1 km from any neighbor, switching station, or other external RFI source. These fluctuations occur without any GPS errors, identified interference events, or filtering changes.

My only explanation is "Factor X" on the server side. Is it normal for "Packets Used" to vary wildly throughout the day as atmospheric or server conditions change, or is this shift caused by something on "my end"?

Again, apologies for such a detailed and long-winded post.

Current Setup:

• System Blue-Mini
  
• Three Coils of Times Microwave LMR-600 (2x each, with a 90-degree polarization shift)
  

Thanks

Brian (AA5H)


  Screenshot 2026-09-06 115010.png (Size: 59.89 KB / Downloads: 11)

  Screenshot 2026-09-06 115221.png (Size: 73.75 KB / Downloads: 12) ]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4276 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:34:03 -0500 Henrik.Jessen]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4276
I have moved to a new adress and setup my System RED. Unfortunately the ground wire lost its connection to the board and I dont know where to connect it. It looks like it was soldered to the backside of the bord, but I might be wrong.

I have attached photos of my board.

Right now I have connected it to the bolt/nut on the backside.

Hope someone can guide me in the right direction.

Kind regards,
Henrik from Denmark

  System RED back.png (Size: 3.85 MB / Downloads: 9)

  System RED front.png (Size: 4.34 MB / Downloads: 9) ]]>
I have moved to a new adress and setup my System RED. Unfortunately the ground wire lost its connection to the board and I dont know where to connect it. It looks like it was soldered to the backside of the bord, but I might be wrong.

I have attached photos of my board.

Right now I have connected it to the bolt/nut on the backside.

Hope someone can guide me in the right direction.

Kind regards,
Henrik from Denmark

  System RED back.png (Size: 3.85 MB / Downloads: 9)

  System RED front.png (Size: 4.34 MB / Downloads: 9) ]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4273 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:19:27 -0500 jjjman321]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4273 https://www.ferrite-rod-antennas.de/ (the ferrite rod purchase site) still active/monitored? The documentation updates suggest it's still active, but I send a message about buying a week or two ago and haven't heard back.

Barring this, I can't seem to find documentation on making my own. Can someone kindly point to instructions or have some tips?

Thanks!]]> https://www.ferrite-rod-antennas.de/ (the ferrite rod purchase site) still active/monitored? The documentation updates suggest it's still active, but I send a message about buying a week or two ago and haven't heard back.

Barring this, I can't seem to find documentation on making my own. Can someone kindly point to instructions or have some tips?

Thanks!]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4272 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:12:04 -0500 MarceloV]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4272 I am an Electronics Engineer interested in joining the community from the Greater Buenos Aires area of Argentina.
Guidance on procedures, costs, and estimated times would be very helpful for a novice like myself.
Thank you in advance,
Marcelo]]> I am an Electronics Engineer interested in joining the community from the Greater Buenos Aires area of Argentina.
Guidance on procedures, costs, and estimated times would be very helpful for a novice like myself.
Thank you in advance,
Marcelo]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4264 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:30:15 -0500 Iceash]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4264
I’ve just bought a Ecowitt weather station, it was an active lightning detector built in.

Can I upload my data to the network?]]>
I’ve just bought a Ecowitt weather station, it was an active lightning detector built in.

Can I upload my data to the network?]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4263 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:40:31 -0500 ArneHude]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4263
I wanted to briefly introduce you to my new DIY project: an outdoor enclosure for ferrite antennas, specifically designed for lightning detection stations.
The model is now available for free:

https://makerworld.com/de/models/3113734...utdoor-box


  20260730_175408.jpg (Size: 4.14 MB / Downloads: 25)

  20260730_181136.jpg (Size: 4.11 MB / Downloads: 22)

The enclosure is designed so that ferrite rods can be mounted securely, weatherproof*, and with minimal vibration.
Key features of my design:
Modular design – ferrite rods can be quickly swapped out or reoriented
Weatherproof* outer housing with optional sealing lips
Internal structure to isolate against minor vibrations
Easy to assemble – all parts are printable with minimal support structures
Cable grommets for clean, protected cable routing

I’m now using the enclosure myself at my station and am very satisfied with its stability. The * refers to the fact that the station is built with overlapping sections but does not include sealing rings, etc. More on this in the description.


Question for the community:
Is there interest in additional variants or alternative enclosure designs?
Examples I’m already considering:

• A pipe clamp version to attach ferrite antennas directly to masts or pipes
  
• A compact indoor version for ferrite rods in small rooms
  
• A version with an integrated mount for loop antennas (in case anyone uses hybrid setups)
  

If you have any requests, ideas, or requirements—please let me know.
I’d design new variants directly in CAD and then make them available as printable models.
I look forward to your feedback and suggestions for improvement!
Best regards,
Arne]]>
I wanted to briefly introduce you to my new DIY project: an outdoor enclosure for ferrite antennas, specifically designed for lightning detection stations.
The model is now available for free:

https://makerworld.com/de/models/3113734...utdoor-box


  20260730_175408.jpg (Size: 4.14 MB / Downloads: 25)

  20260730_181136.jpg (Size: 4.11 MB / Downloads: 22)

The enclosure is designed so that ferrite rods can be mounted securely, weatherproof*, and with minimal vibration.
Key features of my design:
Modular design – ferrite rods can be quickly swapped out or reoriented
Weatherproof* outer housing with optional sealing lips
Internal structure to isolate against minor vibrations
Easy to assemble – all parts are printable with minimal support structures
Cable grommets for clean, protected cable routing

I’m now using the enclosure myself at my station and am very satisfied with its stability. The * refers to the fact that the station is built with overlapping sections but does not include sealing rings, etc. More on this in the description.


Question for the community:
Is there interest in additional variants or alternative enclosure designs?
Examples I’m already considering:

• A pipe clamp version to attach ferrite antennas directly to masts or pipes
  
• A compact indoor version for ferrite rods in small rooms
  
• A version with an integrated mount for loop antennas (in case anyone uses hybrid setups)
  

If you have any requests, ideas, or requirements—please let me know.
I’d design new variants directly in CAD and then make them available as printable models.
I look forward to your feedback and suggestions for improvement!
Best regards,
Arne]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4249 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:57:04 -0500 BenCos18]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4249
I'm not 100% sure on what parts/ what model is best for my area really so I'm wondering if I can get some advice in that regard, I'm used to soldering and that sort of stuff so that's not a problem just what hardware I need is what I'm not sure on/ or if it's best to just order the bare pcbs myself and that sort of stuff?

I'm based in Co Galway on the Ardrahan side.

I don't mind spending more on the more expensive model if it's worth it though.

thanks]]>
I'm not 100% sure on what parts/ what model is best for my area really so I'm wondering if I can get some advice in that regard, I'm used to soldering and that sort of stuff so that's not a problem just what hardware I need is what I'm not sure on/ or if it's best to just order the bare pcbs myself and that sort of stuff?

I'm based in Co Galway on the Ardrahan side.

I don't mind spending more on the more expensive model if it's worth it though.

thanks]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4250 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:46:53 -0500 Mazufa]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4250

My name is Matias and I live in Evijärvi, South Ostrobothnia, Finland.

I have been interested in the Blitzortung project for a long time and I would really like to become part of this amazing community by installing a lightning detection station at my home.

The station would be located in Evijärvi, South Ostrobothnia, Finland, and I hope it could help improve the lightning detection coverage in this part of the country.

I already operate an Ambient Weather WS-2000 weather station and I would like to complement it by contributing real lightning detection data to the Blitzortung network.

However, I have a few questions.

When I visit the "Cover Your Area" page, I cannot find the application or registration button that is mentioned in older documentation and forum posts. Has the application process changed, or is there another way to join the project?

I would also like to know how new participants currently obtain the hardware.

My first choice would be to purchase a complete, fully assembled and tested Blitzortung lightning detector that is compatible with the project. If this is possible, I would be very interested in buying one.

If complete stations are no longer available, I would gladly build one myself.

In that case, I would appreciate advice on the following:

• Where can I order all the required electronic components?
• Where can I obtain the official PCB files?
• Which PCB manufacturer would you recommend? I live in Finland, so recommendations for reliable European suppliers would be appreciated.
• Has anyone had good experiences with manufacturers such as PCBWay, JLCPCB or Aisler?

I am willing to invest both time and money into building a reliable station because I would like to contribute to the Blitzortung network for many years.

Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to becoming a member of the Blitzortung community.

Best regards,

Matias
Evijärvi, South Ostrobothnia
Finland]]>

My name is Matias and I live in Evijärvi, South Ostrobothnia, Finland.

I have been interested in the Blitzortung project for a long time and I would really like to become part of this amazing community by installing a lightning detection station at my home.

The station would be located in Evijärvi, South Ostrobothnia, Finland, and I hope it could help improve the lightning detection coverage in this part of the country.

I already operate an Ambient Weather WS-2000 weather station and I would like to complement it by contributing real lightning detection data to the Blitzortung network.

However, I have a few questions.

When I visit the "Cover Your Area" page, I cannot find the application or registration button that is mentioned in older documentation and forum posts. Has the application process changed, or is there another way to join the project?

I would also like to know how new participants currently obtain the hardware.

My first choice would be to purchase a complete, fully assembled and tested Blitzortung lightning detector that is compatible with the project. If this is possible, I would be very interested in buying one.

If complete stations are no longer available, I would gladly build one myself.

In that case, I would appreciate advice on the following:

• Where can I order all the required electronic components?
• Where can I obtain the official PCB files?
• Which PCB manufacturer would you recommend? I live in Finland, so recommendations for reliable European suppliers would be appreciated.
• Has anyone had good experiences with manufacturers such as PCBWay, JLCPCB or Aisler?

I am willing to invest both time and money into building a reliable station because I would like to contribute to the Blitzortung network for many years.

Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to becoming a member of the Blitzortung community.

Best regards,

Matias
Evijärvi, South Ostrobothnia
Finland]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4243 Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:35:42 -0500 dd1sb]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4243
with my last PCB order i decided to add the System Blue Basic 22.2b with Piggyback 22.2c and Preamp 23.1.
Adding the official partlist from the directory to my last Digikey order worked like a charm.

Except one thing: the throughole components are not in there  All of them are more or less easy to identify on the pictures, but i got one simple problem.

Which quarz oscillators 8 / 25MHz do i have to use - the CL (or Belastungskapazität) on the board is 10pF, everything else results in a slightly lower or higher frequency. What about the capacity of the tracks etc., do i have to pay attention at them?
That would lead to a quarz with a CL > 10pF

As the system should be used for participation later on, i'd like to have all values as close as possible to the "detector kit".

I'd also buy a "throughole component kit" (as seen on the picture on limaps org hardware ) if that is the easier way

Cheers, 73 & 77 de Stefan, DD1SB]]>
with my last PCB order i decided to add the System Blue Basic 22.2b with Piggyback 22.2c and Preamp 23.1.
Adding the official partlist from the directory to my last Digikey order worked like a charm.

Except one thing: the throughole components are not in there  All of them are more or less easy to identify on the pictures, but i got one simple problem.

Which quarz oscillators 8 / 25MHz do i have to use - the CL (or Belastungskapazität) on the board is 10pF, everything else results in a slightly lower or higher frequency. What about the capacity of the tracks etc., do i have to pay attention at them?
That would lead to a quarz with a CL > 10pF

As the system should be used for participation later on, i'd like to have all values as close as possible to the "detector kit".

I'd also buy a "throughole component kit" (as seen on the picture on limaps org hardware ) if that is the easier way

Cheers, 73 & 77 de Stefan, DD1SB]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4225 Mon, 11 May 2026 07:43:03 -0500 NWStwisterman]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4225 https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4209 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:40:07 -0500 gmiller43]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4209
Can someone point me in the direction of:

• Where (geographically) would you expect the greatest improvement of accuracy (closer to the new detector)?
  
• Is there an explicit measure of error that would be expected to improve and where in the dataset would I find that?
  

Thanks.]]>
Can someone point me in the direction of:

• Where (geographically) would you expect the greatest improvement of accuracy (closer to the new detector)?
  
• Is there an explicit measure of error that would be expected to improve and where in the dataset would I find that?
  

Thanks.]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4203 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:43:53 -0500 PetrosKa]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4203
I do have some interference from a solar inverter during the day, but the station was working ok.

Station 18, green pcb 6.8
Thank you.

  tr.jpg (Size: 37.98 KB / Downloads: 6) ]]>
I do have some interference from a solar inverter during the day, but the station was working ok.

Station 18, green pcb 6.8
Thank you.

  tr.jpg (Size: 37.98 KB / Downloads: 6) ]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4201 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:36:51 -0600 Gorzzz]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4201
Looks like my p/s for my system blue is starting to die as it's only putting out 4v. I was going to get another powerstream one (https://www.powerstream.com/AC-1898.htm), but I'm not going to pay $70US (!) for postage to Australia.
So, can any Aussies on here point me to some alternatives??

Thanks,

John (Gorzzz)]]>
Looks like my p/s for my system blue is starting to die as it's only putting out 4v. I was going to get another powerstream one (https://www.powerstream.com/AC-1898.htm), but I'm not going to pay $70US (!) for postage to Australia.
So, can any Aussies on here point me to some alternatives??

Thanks,

John (Gorzzz)]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4172 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:28:44 -0600 meteolab]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4172 I will buy a functional GPS device for the Green system or exchange the Red system 3233 for a functional Green system. Thank you in advance for the offer. 
Regards

  20251113_120439.jpg (Size: 2.06 MB / Downloads: 15) ]]> I will buy a functional GPS device for the Green system or exchange the Red system 3233 for a functional Green system. Thank you in advance for the offer. 
Regards

  20251113_120439.jpg (Size: 2.06 MB / Downloads: 15) ]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4157 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:57:36 -0600 meteolab]]> https://forum.blitzortung.org/mybb/showthread.php?tid=4157 I managed to get the Green PCB 4 Version 3. 2008 system. Does anyone still have software that supports this PCB??? There are newer versions on the compendium page and it doesn't work for this PCB.......I am very grateful for any valuable advice.......regards Erik
  20251118_193945.jpg (Size: 2.01 MB / Downloads: 10)
  20251118_193958.jpg (Size: 3.03 MB / Downloads: 11)
  20251118_193931.jpg (Size: 3.18 MB / Downloads: 14) ]]> I managed to get the Green PCB 4 Version 3. 2008 system. Does anyone still have software that supports this PCB??? There are newer versions on the compendium page and it doesn't work for this PCB.......I am very grateful for any valuable advice.......regards Erik
  20251118_193945.jpg (Size: 2.01 MB / Downloads: 10)
  20251118_193958.jpg (Size: 3.03 MB / Downloads: 11)
  20251118_193931.jpg (Size: 3.18 MB / Downloads: 14) ]]>