SkyScan Xtreme Research EWS-PRO User manual

EWS-PRO
OPERATION MANUAL
Xtreme Research Corporation
SkyScan Division
P. O. Box 336, Port Richey, FL 34673-0336
1-888-732-0665

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! You have purchased the finest personal, portable
lightning/storm detector available today. EWS-PRO gives you advance weather
warning technology you can use at home, indoors or out, and take wherever
you go, for any kind of outdoor sport or recreation.
Your EWS-PRO offers you the ability to detect the presence of Iightning/
thunderstorm activity occurring within 40 miles of your location. EWS-PRO
detects the characteristic electromagnetic emissions from individual lightning
strokes and uses patented technology to determine the distance to the detected
stroke. The distances are indicated in four ranges: 0-3 miles; 3-8 miles; 8-20
miles; and 20-40 miles. This allows you to track the approach of dangerous
storm activity.
IMPORTANT! EWS-PRO uses the latest electronic and computer
technology to provide the most accurate information possible.
However, thunderstorms are a dangerous and rapidly changing
weather phenomenon. The information about storm activity obtained
from your EWS-PRO should always be used in conjunction with
information from your local weather professionals. Common sense
and extreme caution should always be used when confronting
lightning and thunderstorm activity.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Each time EWS-PRO detects a lightning stroke, it emits an audible warning
tone (if this feature has been turned on by the user; see “TONE SWITCH” in
Basic Operation) 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 EWS-PRO to detect a new stroke.
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 EWS-PRO 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 EWS-PRO.
IMPORTANT! Whenever thunderstorms are present, take
immediate shelter and obtain more information from your local or
regional weather professionals.
Your EWS-PRO may also identify certain types of especially strong storms.
These storms can produce dangerous winds, heavy rains or tornadoes. When
EWS-PRO 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 special period, the EWS-PRO checks
again for the 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 tone.
IMPORTANT! There are two types of lightning produced by a thunder-
storm, cloud-to-ground and cloud-to-cloud. For any user on the ground,
the cloud-to-ground is the most dangerous. EWS-PRO is designed to
detect cloud-to-ground lightning strokes. While it may detect cloud-
to-cloud lightning strokes, there may be occasions where storms will
produce cloud-to-cloud lightning strokes that are not detected by the
EWS-PRO. User should therefore still exercise extreme caution when
exposed to lightning storms.
EWS-PRO 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 (see the Accessory Order Form included in your EWS-PRO
box). If the EWS-PRO is used in any other fashion, loss of accuracy and sensitivity
may result.
Your EWS-PRO 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 that can interfere with the normal detection of
lightning/storm activity, and will cause the unit to false trigger. This is particularly true
of some brands of older TVs and computer equipment. EWS-PRO has the ability to
identify this type of problem and alert you by continuously cycling all of the indicators
on the unit, as it does when the unit is first turned on.
IMPORTANT! The false triggering alert process takes approximately
60 seconds to initiate. During this time, the EWS-PRO 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
l ightning, the EWS-PRO will start the continue its cycling of its indicators.
Turn the EWS-PRO OFF, move the unit to a different location, turn it ON.
BASIC OPERATION
CHARGING THE BATTERY
The EWS-PRO will need charging before use. Plug the charger into a 110-volt
wall outlet and then plug the charger connector into the jack, located just beneath
the warning horn. This jack is used for charging the unit only. Make sure the
EWS-PRO is turned off and is not in use while charging. Generally, an overnight
charge of 8-10 hours will restore the battery to full power. The EWS-PRO will
operate for several days on a single charge, depending on the amount of
lightning activity detected during that period. The charger provided with the
EWS-PRO is designed so that it will not over-charge the battery. However, the
unit should not be left charging for more than a 24-hour period. Do not use any
other charger to charge the EWS-PRO battery. Use of another charger may
damage the product and void your warranty.
IMPORTANT! Always recharge the battery as soon as the Low
Battery Indicator comes on. As battery power drops, the EWS-PRO
loses accuracy and sensitivity.

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
Pressing the switch turns the unit on or off. When the EWS-PRO 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. The EWS-PRO is now operating normally.
EWS-PRO is programmed to automatically turn off if left unattended, and
if no storm activity is detected for a period of 5 hours. This automatic turn-off
feature can be deactivated by using the Battery Save Switch described in
“BATTERY SAVE SWITCH.”
RANGE SELECT SWITCH
Range Select allows you to choose the distance at which detected
lightning strokes will trigger the Audible Warning Tone.
I MPORTANT! 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 EWS-PRO 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 off the
Tone has been deactivated.
IMPORTANT! The Tone function must always be turned on by the
user when the EWS-PRO 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
battery by deactivating most of the EWS-PRO 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 EWS-PRO 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 EWS-PRO continues to detect lightning strokes. Now, however, each detected
strike is indicated only by a 1 second warning tone at the range set by the user
(see “RANGE SELECT SWITCH”). To return the EWS-PRO to normal visual
display of detected lightning strokes, simply press the Battery Save Switch once.
IMPORTANT! If the Audible Tone was deactivated before
selecting Battery Save it will be disabled when the EWS-PRO 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.
IMPORTANT! This feature should be used only when EWS-PRO is
connected to an external power source via the optional External
Power Adapter.

Even in Battery Save mode, the Severe Thunderstorm Indicator will
illuminate whenever this type of storm has been identified by the EWS-PRO.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
EWS-PRO has been manufactured of the highest quality materials and
components. It should provide you with years of service with minimum
maintenance. A few important tips will maximize the operational life of your
EWS-PRO.
Remember, EWS-PRO is weather-resistant, but it is NOT waterproof. Your
EWS-PRO should NEVER be immersed in water.
Whenever you have used your EWS-PRO under damp, humid or rainy
conditions, it is recommended you remove the batteries and dry the battery
terminals to prevent corrosion,
If EWS-PRO 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.
IMPORTANT! Your EWS-PRO contains no user serviceable parts
and is not intended to be opened. Opening the case will void the
Product Warranty.
CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUPPORT
As a EWS-PRO customer, we are committed to your satisfaction for the
life of your EWS-PRO product. The EWS-PRO service and customer support
system is designed to ensure fast and friendly solutions to any problems you
may have with this quality EWS-PRO product.
ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Xtreme Research Corporation, SkyScan Division, P.O. Box 336, Port
Richey, FL 34673-0336 agrees to repair or replace this product for one year
from the original date of purchase absolutely free. This warranty does not
include any physical damage to the unit or any of its accessory items and does
not cover damage to the EWS-PRO unit resulting from the use of accessories
not manufactured or authorized for use by EWS-PRO. Any modifications or
repairs by unauthorized service personnel will void this warranty. The warranty
card included in the product package MUST be completed and returned to
Xtreme Research Corp. in Port Richey, Florida within 30 days of purchase to
validate the warranty. If the warranty card included has not been completed and
returned to Xtreme Research when a unit is presented for warranty service, a
copy of the original sales receipt will be required. You are responsible for all
shipping charges to Xtreme Research Corp. Xtreme Research Corp. will pay for
ground UPS back to the customer.
NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY HAS BEEN MADE OR WILL BE MADE
WITH RESPECT TO THE UNIT AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO
PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF
OUR PRODUCTS BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
LIMITED TO ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. XTREME
RESEARCH CORP. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PERFORM MODIFICATIONS
OR IMPROVEMENTS ON ITS PRODUCTS WITHOUT INCURRING THE

OBLIGATION TO INSTALL THE CHANGES ON UNITS PREVIOUSLY SOLD,
DELIVERED OR SERVICED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS
ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
XTREME RESEARCH CORP.'S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE COST
OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE UNIT AND XTREME RESEARCH
CORP. SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR
LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
SERVICE POLICY
This Service Policy is valid in the United States only. This applies to
EWS-PRO units returned to our factory in Port Richey, Florida, and is subject
to change without notice.
EWS-PRO reserves the right to deem any product unserviceable when
replacement parts are no longer reasonable available or impossible to obtain.
After the original warranty period, a standard service charge will be assessed
for each repair (physical damage and missing parts are not included). Please
call our Customer Support Department to verify the service charge for your
unit. The standard service charge includes UPS or Parcel Post freight only. If
charges are not prepaid, the unit will be returned C.O.D. Repairs are
warranted for ninety (90) days.
The EWS-PRO toll-free number and address is listed below.
Xtreme Research Corporation
1-888-732-0665
SkyScan Division
P. O. Box 336, Port Richey, FL 34673-0336
FACTS ABOUT LIGHTNING AND THUNDERSTORMS
Thunderstorms and the associated lightning cause an average of 200
deaths and many times more injuries in the U.S. every year. Most of these
deaths and injuries could be prevented by the warning provided by EWS-PRO.
The average lightning stroke is 5-6 miles long. A lightning stroke is incredibly
powerful; up to 30-million volts at 100,000 amps flow in less than 1/10 of
a second.
The average thunderstorm is 6-10 miles wide and moves at a rate of 25
miles per hour.
Once the leading edge of a thunderstorm approaches to within 10 miles, you
are at immediate risk due to the possibility of lightning strokes coming from
the storm’s overhanging anvil cloud. This is the reason many lightning deaths
and injuries occur with clear skies overhead.
On average, the thunder from a lightning stroke can only be heard over a
distance of 3-4 miles, depending on the terrain, humidity and background
noise around you. By the time you can hear the thunder, the storm has
already approached to within 3-4 miles!
The sudden cold wind that many people use to gauge the approach of a
thunderstorm is the result of down drafts and usually extends less that 3 miles
from the storm's leading edge. By the time you feel the wind, the storm can
be less than 3 miles away!
Approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the U.S. each year.
Approximately 10% of all thunderstorms are severe enough to produce high
winds, flash floods and tornadoes. 12/13

POWER ON/OFF
SWITCH
CONTROLS AND FEATURES
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM
INDICATOR
BATTERY
SAVE
SWITCH
LOW BATTERY
INDICATOR
TONE
SWITCH
STORM DISTANCE
INDICATORS
RANGE SELECT
SWITCH
PLEASE READ
ENTIRE MANUAL
BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR SKYSCAN
EWS-PRO