Introduction
The SkyScan Lightning Storm Detector
is the newest and most exciting weather product available anywhere in the
world today. It is a hand-held instrument with the electronic sophistication
to detect lightning as far as 40 miles away and accurately ranges its approach,
by both an audible tone and by four LED's which are ranged in miles (20-40,
8-20, 3-8, 0-3). This feature tells the user if the storm is moving towards,
away or parallel to their position.
Product Overview
and Description
The basis of SkyScan's new and patented technology is that the unit samples
and analyzes selected pairs of frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum
of a lightning stroke. It then applies this information to determine the
distance of that lightning stroke. The strength and uniqueness of the SkyScan
approach is that it allows a tremendous amount of information to be extracted
and analyzed by a relatively simple hardware system. The simplicity of the
hardware is made possible by the proprietary software, which performs the
analysis of the incoming information. The reliance on software, rather than
on hardware, also allows the SkyScan system to be extremely intelligent
with regard to eliminating false triggering while displaying several different
types of important information to the user.
One of the most important advantages of using this unit is that the user
can detect a thunderstorm as far away as 40 miles. This gives the user approximately
1-1/2 hours warning on average. The SkyScan is accurate to within 1 to 2
miles 97% of the time.
Another very important feature is that SkyScan starts detecting a thunderstorm
up to 70 miles away, even though it does not visually register until 40
miles. This feature helps SkyScan determine if the inclement weather could
possibly be a line of thunderstorms (squall line), or if the storm is within
those 10% of the most severe thunderstorms that might create severe winds,
torrential rains, hail or even possibly a tornado. If these conditions are
present, then the unit will activate the severe storm warning light, along
with a different type of audible tone, alerting the user to these conditions.
The user can then readily tell the location of the storm relative to their
position. SkyScan will continually update this information each 15 minutes
until the conditions no longer exist.
Because of terrain and obstacles, the human eye will only see lightning
approximately 3 miles away and the human ear will only hear thunder 3-4
miles in most parts of this country. It can readily be noted that human
guesswork grossly lacks in its ability to see a storm coming in time.
Keep in mind that the SkyScan Detector is only detecting lightning and not
trying to predict where lightning might strike. Even with the use of Skyscan,
the first stroke of lightning put down by the storm might in fact be the
one to hit at your location. Therefore, anyone out-of-doors during thunderstorm
season should constantly remain aware of the build-up of inclement weather.
But until now, there has never been a hand-held unit capable of doing what
the SkyScan Lightning Storm Detector can do. The unit has the capability
of indoor use -- the unit will obviously detect lightning and track the
storm whether it is being used inside or out.
Product
Use and Procedure
Each time SkyScan detects a lightning stroke, it emits an audible warning
tone (if this feature has been turned on by the user) and lights the Range
Indicator column. The full column stays lit for approximately 3 seconds.
The single indicator corresponding to the range of detected stroke will
then blink for approximately 25 seconds. This feature allows you to quickly
see the distance to the last, closest detected stroke without waiting for
SkyScan to detect a new stroke.
VERY IMPORTANT! Because the average stroke of lightning is 6 miles
long, and because thunderstorms can move at speeds of up to 25 mph or more,
you are in immediate danger any time there is detected lightning activity
within 8-10 miles of your location. You must also remember that SkyScan
does not predict where the next lightning stroke might occur. Thunderstorms
are unpredictable and should be considered extremely dangerous. BE AWARE
THAT STORMS CAN FORM DIRECTLY OVER YOUR LOCATION, OFFERING LITTLE OR NO
ADVANCE WARNING, EVEN WHEN USING A SKYSCAN. Whenever thunderstorms are present,
take immediate shelter and obtain more information from your local or regional
weather professionals.
SkyScan may also identify certain types of especially strong storms. These
storms can produce dangerous winds, heavy rains or tornadoes. When SkyScan
detects lightning patterns indicating the presence of these storms, it activates
the Severe Thunderstorm Alarm and emits a distinctive 15-second continuous
audible tone, different from the detection of normal lightning activity.
Once activated, the severe thunderstorm alarm remains on for approximately
15 minutes. At the end of this period, the SkyScan checks again for indications
of severe storm activity. If none is detected, the Severe Thunderstorm Alarm
is turned off. If severe thunderstorm conditions are still detected, the
indicator remains on for another 15 minutes, accompanied by another 15 second
warning tone.
There are two types
of lightning produced by a thunderstorm, cloud-to-ground and cloud-to-cloud.
For any user on the ground, the cloud-to-ground is the most dangerous. SkyScan
is designed to detect cloud-to-ground lightning strokes. While it may detect
cloud-to-cloud strokes, there may be occasions where storms will produce
cloud-to-cloud lightning strokes that are not detected by the SkyScan. User
should therefore still exercise extreme caution when exposed to lightning
storms.
SkyScan is designed to operate in a vertical position. The case is designed
for proper orientation when placed on a flat, stable surface. An alternative
is to use the optional Wall Mount, sold separately. If the SkyScan is used
in any other fashion, loss of accuracy and sensitivity may result.
The SkyScan contains hardware and software protection against false triggering.
False triggering is defined as displaying strikes that are not real. Certain
electronic products and other devices (TVs, computer displays, motors, gasoline
engines, radio transmitters, or other high power communications equipment)
emit high levels of electromagnetic noise, which interfere with the normal
detection of lightning/storm activity, and will cause the unit to false
trigger. SkyScan has the ability to identify this type of problem and alert
you by continuously cycling all indicators on the unit, as it does when
the unit is first turned on.
The false triggering alert process takes approximately 60 seconds to initiate.
During this time, the SkyScan may continue to display false triggers as
if they were lightning strokes. When the noise source has been identified
as coming from something other than lightning, the SkyScan will start the
continuous cycling of its indicators. Turn the SkyScan off, move the unit
to a different location, and turn it on.
Basic Operation
 |
Battery
installation- The SkyScan operates on two standard 9-volt
batteries. These are installed by first removing the battery compartment
door on the lower back portion of the SkyScan. Proper installation
position of the batteries is shown on the diagram inside the battery
compartment. Under typical conditions, your SkyScan will operate for
approximately 40 to 70 hours on fresh 9-volt batteries. To extend
battery life, use the Battery Save function whenever possible. This
feature is described in Section 6. Whenever the reserve battery power
falls to approximately 5 hours of operation, the Low Battery Indicator
will activate. Always replace the batteries as soon as the Low Battery
Indicator comes on. As battery power drops, the SkyScan loses accuracy
and sensitivity. SkyScan is programmed to automatically turn off if
left unattended, and if no storm activity is detected for a period
of 5 hours. Using the Battery Save switch described in Section 6 can
deactivate this automatic turn-off feature.
|
Optional
External AC Power Adapter-
The SkyScan can also be powered by attaching the Optional External
AC Power Adapter. Insert the plug into the Jack located on the right
side of the SkyScan. The External Power Adapter can also be used with
batteries installed in the unit. When using the Adapter, press the
Battery Save switch twice to deactivate the automatic turn-off feature.
Turning off the Power On/Off switch reactivates the automatic turn-off
function. Use of an adapter other than that specifically made for
the SkyScan will damage the unit or result in a loss of sensitivity
and performance. Many adapters available through normal retail outlets
produce high levels of noise, which can produce false triggering of
your SkyScan.
|
Power
On/Off Switch-
Pressing the switch turns the unit on or off. When the SkyScan is
turned on, the indicators cycle once, beginning with the severe thunderstorm
indicator and ending with the On/Off Indicator. This allows the user
to be certain that all indicators are functioning. After several seconds,
the On/Off Indicator will begin to blink and the SkyScan will be operating
normally.
|
Range
Select Switch-
Range Select allows you to choose the distance at which detected lightning
strokes will trigger the Audible Warning Tone. It is recommended you
use the Audible Warning Tone at maximum range whenever possible. To
activate the Range Select function, press the switch repeatedly until
the desired range category indicator is on. Do not touch the switch
for a period of 3 seconds, and this range will be entered in the computer.
To change the selected range, simply repeat the process.
|
Tone
Switch-
The Audible Warning Tone sounds for approximately 1 second each time
the SkyScan detects a lightning stroke. The Audible Warning Tone can
be turned on or off by pressing the Tone Switch. When the Tone Indicator
is blinking, the Tone is operational. When the indicator is turned
off, the Tone has been deactivated. The user must always turn on the
Tone function (when SkyScan is turned on). Always check to see that
the Tone Indicator is blinking to be sure it is active.
|
| Battery
Save Switch-
The Battery Save feature allows you to extend the operational life
of the 9-volt batteries by deactivating most of the SkyScan visual
indicators. To activate the Battery Save feature, simply press the
Battery Save switch once. The Battery Save indicator will blink, and
all other indicators on the SkyScan will turn off. Activating the
Battery Save feature automatically turns on the Audible Tone, even
if this function has been previously turned off. Once in Battery Save
mode, the SkyScan continues to detect lightning strokes. Each detected
stroke is indicated only by a 1 second warning tone at the range set
by the user (see Section 4). To return the SkyScan to normal visual
display of detected lightning strokes, simply press the Battery Save
switch once. If the Audible Tone was deactivated before selecting
Battery Save it will be disabled when the SkyScan is returned to normal
display mode. Pressing the Battery Save switch twice-in quick succession
turns off the automatic 5-hour turn-off feature. To indicate activation
of this feature, the On/Off Indicator stays on continuously, without
blinking. This feature should only be used when SkyScan is connected
to an external power source via the Optional External AC Power Adapter.
Even in Battery Save mode, the Severe Thunderstorm Indicator will
illuminate whenever the SkyScan has identified this type of storm.
|
Care
and Maintenance
SkyScan has been manufactured of the highest quality materials and components
to provide the user with years of service with minimum maintenance. A few
important tips will maximize the operational life of your SkyScan.
Remember, SkyScan is weather-resistant, but it is NOT waterproof. Your SkyScan
should NEVER be immersed in water.
Whenever you have used your SkyScan under damp, humid or rainy conditions,
it is recommended the user remove the batteries and dry the battery terminals
to prevent corrosion.
If SkyScan is to be stored for an extended period of time, the batteries
should be removed and the unit should be stored away from high temperature,
high humidity, or corrosive substances.
Features
and Benefits
 |
Full
digital microprocessor ensures accuracy and reliability. |
|
Powered
by two 9V batteries- Approximately 40-70 hours usage (batteries not
included), 120 V AC Adapter. Automatic Shut-Off after five hours of
continuous operation. |
|
Low
Battery Warning Light. |
|
Severe
Thunderstorm Warning. |
|
Rugged
ABS plastic, weather resistant case. |
|
No
external antenna to install. |
|
Weight
is only 12.5 ounces. |
Frequently
Asked Questions
| Q: |
Is
the SkyScan waterproof? |
| A: |
The SkyScan is weather-resistant.
Not waterproof. Do not immerse the unit in water.
|
| Q: |
At
what distance does the SkyScan start detecting a thunderstorm? |
| A: |
The unit starts
detecting a thunderstorm up to 70 miles away but will not visually
register until it is 40 miles away.
|
| Q: |
How
long will the SkyScan operate on a set of batteries? |
| A: |
Under typical conditions
the SkyScan will operate for 40-70 hours on fresh 9-volt batteries.
|
Warranty
1 year
limited warranty
Product
Ordering Information
| SH
Catalog # |
Product
Name |
| 90229 |
SkyScan
Lightning Storm Detector |
|
