Ambient Weather WH31L Lightning Detector Sensor

The WH31L Lightning Detector sensor detects lightning strikes and transmits this information once every 79 seconds to the display console and the cloud service of the Ambient Weather Network.

This ad-on sensor is compatible with the following Ambient Weather Stations:

• WS-1965
  
• WS-2000

Features of the Ambient Weather WH31L

The WH31L sensor also has three settings to adjust the sensitivity for possible interference.

Personal lightning detectors operate by detecting the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) emitted by a lightning strike. By measuring the strength of the detected EMP, the sensor can then estimate the distance from the detected strike. Through the application of electronics and software, personal lightning detectors such as the WH31L identify storm activity within a 40 km range (25 miles) of your location.

The WH31L has a water resistance rating of IPX4 (resistant to water splashes from any direction).

Sensor Dimensions:

• Height: 12.07 cm (4.75")
• Width: 3.81 cm (1.5")
• Depth: 1.52 cm (0.6")

Note:

You might need to update your weather station console firmware to the following versions:

• Console Firmware Version 1.6.2 or greater
• Wi-Fi Firmware Version 4.2.2 or greater

To upgrade the firmware, visit the Firmware Update Help Guide.

CAUTION!

Ambient Weather DOES NOT RECOMMEND THIS DEVICE FOR SAFETY, BOTH PERSONAL AND PUBLIC. DO NOT MAKE IMPORTANT LIFE-THREATENING DECISIONS BASED ON THIS DEVICE.

Personal lightning detectors cannot measure the exact location of a lightning strike. Lightning detectors are also sensitive to false alarms. Although personal lightning detectors function well with respect to their ability to detect nearby lightning, they are quite basic in functionality when compared to professional lightning detectors.

For example, they cannot tell where a lightning strike was located, or from which direction the lightning is approaching, only that lightning is in the area. Also, since a personal lightning detector is triggered by EMPs, interference from other EMP-emitting devices (such as electronic equipment, appliances, fluorescent lights and even car engines) can sometimes result in either false alarms or missed strikes. This interference often has the additional effect of preventing personal lightning detectors from functioning properly while indoors or near outdoor electronic equipment.

Mounting the WH31L out in the open can lead to better readings and less interference, but the IPX4 rating is not sufficient for sustained direct rain contact. If mounting outdoors, the sensor needs to be protected from the elements and it is highly recommended to be mounted in a well-protected enclosure, such as an eve or the Ambient Weather WH31-SRS Temperature and Humidity Solar Radiation Shield.