Lightning Detector

With the readily available Lightning Detection Modules with multiple built in functions, I decided to build a simple circuit attributed to Charles Wenzel. The basic working principle is a 300kHz tank circuit with antenna. Lightning strikes induce a oscillation which is detected and amplified into a pulse. The arduino then measures the analog voltage of the generated pulse and increments a counter. The device uses a loop of Neopixel LEDs to display the count. Added to the circuit is a RTC which also displays the time on the loop.

Bill of Materials

Schematic

Fritzing

Builds