lightning protection systems

[Higgler]

Is anyone familiar with lightning warning protection systems.
My brother is a golf pro in Florida and they just added a Thorguard systems that went off at 7 am and didn't give the all clear until 2 pm and no lightning strikes occurred.

Just curious if there is someone with expertise out there that could answer some questions related to reliability of these detection systems and false alarm rates.


kch

 

[dpc]

No real experience with this device, but just wanted to offer that in my experience, the entire field of lightning protecting, prevention and warning systems has been prowled by snake oil salesmen, crackpot inventors, and con artists of the worst sort, many of them staying in business for many years selling products that apparently did no good and often made things worse.

I would be very skeptical about any claims that anyone makes about anything in this field.

 

[MotorVib]

No real experience with this device, but what is used on the Wind Farms always seem to work with out any problems.

Chris

"In this house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics." Homer Simpson

 

[jghrist]

See

http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lhm/detectors.html

for an overview of of lightning detection equipment.

 

[Higgler]

Thanks,
I understand the snake oil comment, lots of oil sellers ripping us off in the world today.

Seems like a scary business selling this equipment. If you don't sound a warning alarm and someone gets hit by lightning, goodbye company. Maybe the golf carts need to be changed to form a protective metal cage similar to automobiles.

the equipment my brother purchased was called Thorguard. It's the same one the PGA tour brings to all their pro golf tournaments to protect it's players.

One thing I do know about lightning (from reading the lightning manual) is to "not have your feet wide apart when lightning strikes close to you". Lets say you get 1000 volts per foot of spacing (just my words to add some number food for thought). Better to run or hop (just never letting both feet be on the ground at the same time).

kch

 

[dpc]

Maybe it works great, but these devices always seem to be overhyped beyond belief.

After looking at their website, I'm even more skeptical.

If the concern is protecting the public, I suppose this might make a good CYA system to fall back on. But I'd be more inclined to sign up for one of the on-line weather service that will provide warnings.

You definitely want to get low to the ground and keep your feet together.

Or move here to the Willamette Valley where we get very little lightning.

 

[Higgler]

The last time I was in West Palm Beach (few months ago), the dark clouds carrying potential lightning were visible from the golf course (where I played terribly).
The day I was golfing, we could see dark clouds, but kept playing and they passed south of us. It's like a small collection of storms passing bye, all thru the state of Florida.

I think that's why they want something quicker than just predictions. Typically they get a rain storm every day in the afternoon which can have potential lightning.

I know aircraft have "Storm Scopes" which detect lightning inside clouds up to 100+ miles away (further than radar actually). Lightning emits RF in the UHF/VHF region I believe. Maybe these coursed need rotating storm scope antennas.

kch

 

[dpc]

In Florida, it comes almost every day at almost the same time. I'd just plan my tee times accordingly.

There's a big difference between detection and prediction.

 

[DRWeig]

Try getting in touch with Vaisala -- they provide the gear to the US NOAA.

http://www.vaisala.com

Let us know what you find out!!

Good on ya,

Goober Dave