Frequently Asked Questions

Short Range Lightning Detection

The EFM-100 Electric Field Mill constantly measures the atmospheric electric field within a 24 mile or 38 kilometer radius. Through constant sampling 20 times per second, the EFM-100 reports sub-mile lightning resolution data, via RS-485 or over Fiber.

Long Range Lightning Detection

The LD-250, LD-350, and LRX-1 sense the low-frequency radio signals produced by a lightning strike’s electrical discharge. These signals travel hundreds of miles and are picked up by the detector’s antenna. The system uses direction-finding technology to determine the direction the signal came from and analyzes signal strength to calculate the approximate distance, then plots the strike location on a map in real time.

The EFM-100 Electric Field Monitor detects the electrostatic field changes that precede lightning within a shorter range of 24 miles (38 kilometers), providing advance warning that a strike is imminent in your immediate area.

The LD-250 and LD-350 Long Range Lightning Detectors can detect from 0 to 300 miles (0 to 480 km).

Both the LD-250 and LD-350 are magnetic direction-finding lightning detectors that detect lightning from up to 300 miles (480 km) away. The LD-250 connects via RS232 or using an included USB Adapter, with optional direction and GPS corrective sensors, it is suitable for mobile and stationary use. The LD-350 is our newer model with USB connectivity and can also classify strikes by type, into Cloud to Ground and Cloud to Cloud. Both are compatible with NexStorm and NexStorm Lite display software.

Any computer that runs Windows comfortably will run Boltek detection software without difficulty. The LD-350 connects via USB, while the LD-250 can connect via RS232 serial port or USB (with the RS232 to USB Adapter). For dedicated, always-on monitoring, the Status Monitor Industrial PC runs Windows 10 IoT to prevent automatic updates or unexpected reboots.

The antenna works indoors in wood-framed buildings. If your building has a metal roof or metal siding, the antenna should be mounted outdoors or in an attic space above the metal structure. For outdoor installations, a protective PVC or ABS enclosure is recommended.

You can have up to 200 feet of antenna cable between the antenna and the detector. The LD-250 and LD-350 detection kits include 50 feet of cable. Additional cable is available by the foot. Use the Antenna Cable Coupler to join cable sections.

Antenna height is not critical — the system works with the antenna as low as 5 feet off the ground. However, higher placement generally improves reception and reduces interference from local electrical sources. The antenna is a small unit (approximately 3″ x 2″ x 1.5″) with mounting flanges for easy installation.

Yes, the antenna needs to be oriented so that it points in the same direction as the top of your display map, which is typically true north. Proper orientation ensures accurate directional plotting of detected lightning strikes.

Boltek offers the TRI-2 (2-foot) and TRI-3 (3-foot) antenna mount tripods for portable and temporary installations. For permanent installations, the Pole Mount for ANT-2 provides a secure mounting solution. A Mobile Magnetic Mount is also available for vehicle-based storm chasing applications.

Boltek detectors are compatible with several software packages:

• NexStorm Lite — Free basic lightning display software included with detection kits
• NexStorm by Astrogenic — Professional-grade display and analysis software with storm cell tracking, data logging, and network capabilities ($209)
• StormVue V3 by Astrogenic — Lightning display software with customizable maps and alert zones ($94)

Yes. NexStorm and StormVue support custom background maps centered on your location. You can create your own maps (640×480 pixels, BMP format) or order a NexStorm Custom Background Map from Boltek. The system also works without custom maps, displaying a center cross and range rings.

The ERL-10 relay modules connect to Boltek lightning detectors and automatically trigger alerting devices when lightning is detected within configurable distance thresholds. The system can control stacklights, horn speakers, LED signs, and other warning devices. Multiple alert stages can be configured based on storm proximity.

The ERL-10S uses a standard serial/USB connection from the detector, while the ERL-10-F accepts fiber optic input for remote installations where the detector and relay module are separated by a longer distance. Both provide the same programmable relay output functionality.

Yes. The Status Monitor Industrial PC supports email and SMS alerting when lightning is detected. For basic installations, the ERL-10 relay modules can trigger any device that accepts a relay contact closure, which can include third-party notification systems.

Yes. The LD-250 Mobile Detection Kit is designed for vehicle-based use. Add the LDGPS-1 GPS Receiver for position data and the LDCMP-1 Fluxgate Compass for heading information to get geo-referenced lightning data while on the move.

Yes. The BGW312 Ethernet Serial Server allows you to connect an LD-250 to your network and access it remotely. The Status Monitor Industrial PC also supports remote desktop access for monitoring from any location.