Thunderbolt 300 series User manual

INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
model 300 series

CONTROLS &
ENTER
POWER
ON/OFF
LCD TEXT
SCREEN
SPEAKER

FEATURES
WARNING & POWER ON
LEDs
TONE
ON/OFF
SCROLL
UP/DOWN
FIGURE 1

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INTRODUCTION
The ThunderBolt™Storm Detector is designed to detect and
track thunderstorm activity within 75 miles of your location. It
provides detection warning via text messages on the two-line
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), the red and green indicator LEDs
(Light Emitting Diode), and an audible tone. All of the opera-
tions and functions for the ThunderBolt are selected from the
main menu, and basic storm detection is automatic once the
unit is powered on.
IMPORTANT! The ThunderBolt uses the latest electronic and
computer technology to detect and track thunderstorms.
However, thunderstorms can be a rapidly changing weather
phenomenon, and the information provided by the
ThunderBolt should always be used in conjunction with other
sources of information. Remember that the ThunderBolt
detects ACTIVE storms, and cannot predict when or where a
particular storm may form, and/or where the first lightning
stroke occurs.
GENERAL OPERATION
The ThunderBolt detects and tracks the motion of storm cells
by detecting the lightning activity within the cell. The unit is
capable of detecting multiple storm cells within its 75-mile
operating range, and is also capable of identifying squall lines
and severe storms. (Super-cells are severe thunderstorms that
are typically larger and more violent than normal storms.
They comprise approximately 10% of all thunderstorms.)

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Once in basic Storm Scanning mode, the ThunderBolt™warns
of any detected thunderstorm activity using text messages dis-
played on the LCD. Depending on the exact type of weather
situation being detected, the information is displayed using a
repeating series of two-line messages on the screen. These
messages cycle approximately every 10 seconds so that any
particular message will reappear within a short period.
It is important to remember that the ThunderBolt continually
accumulates data from the ongoing storm activity and that
more accurate information can be displayed with more data in
the computer memory. This makes it important to have the
ThunderBolt operating for as long as possible before storm
activity is nearby. Don’t wait until you think storms are
close before turning on the unit! If the ThunderBolt is
turned on with Thunderstorm activity already close by,
it may take several minutes for the most accurate infor-
mation to be calculated and displayed.
IMPORTANT! Anytime the ThunderBolt displays detected
storm activity immediately after power on, you should take
extra precautions until enough data has accumulated to give
an accurate location of the storm. Storm activity should be
assumed to be LOCAL and appropriate precautions taken until
at least fifteen minutes of storm data has been allowed to accu-
mulate. This is especially important if the APPROXIMATE
RANGES displayed are 20 miles or less!
Once a storm approaches within 8 miles of the user location,
the ThunderBolt warns that the storm is now LOCAL. It will

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maintain this warning until the detected storm activity recedes
to a distance of more than 8 miles. While the storm is local,
the ThunderBolt™will calculate and display the estimated time
for the storm to clear. Note this is only an estimate! The storm
motion may change while still in your vicinity, and the time for
it to clear to a safe distance may change quickly!
IMPORTANT! Note that storms may form directly over your
location, and that advance warning of these storms may be
very limited!
The ThunderBolt continually analyzes the intensity of the
storm activity it detects, and attempts to provide additional
warning about the presence and approach of both squall lines
and super-cells. Once detected, warnings for these types of
storms are displayed in the LCD. Both types of storms are
capable of producing high winds, severe rain, and tornadoes.
Extreme caution should be taken if these warnings are dis-
played. Also note that storm cells may evolve quickly from a
normal cell into these more dangerous forms of weather.
Always consult your local weather information sources, if
available, when the threat of these types of storms are present.
IMPORTANT! Keep in mind that all of the approach speeds
and estimated arrival times are based on data that the
ThunderBolt accumulates over periods of time.
Thunderstorms can change both their intensity and
activity on very short notice. The information displayed
by the ThunderBolt must be used as an approximation
that can change quickly as the storm changes.

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INSTALLATION AND SET-UP
The ThunderBolt™is designed to operate either vertically
(hand-held, using the wall-mount, or using the optional desk
stand), or lying flat on a horizontal surface. The unit will NOT
perform properly if oriented on its side.
The ThunderBolt contains special software routines for detect-
ing and minimizing false triggering from non-storm sources. A
special noise-test feature should be selected from the main
menu when first installing the ThunderBolt in a new location.
This routine will take 15 minutes to run, during which it
detects and maps all the regular sources of electromagnetic
noise in the vicinity.
Once returned to normal operation, the ThunderBolt will ignore
these regular noise sources. The ThunderBolt also continuous-
ly monitors the background electromagnetic noise level during
normal operation. If the high local noise level lasts long
enough to interfere with normal storm detection, the
ThunderBolt will display a warning message that indicates the
unit must be relocated for accurate operation. This same mes-
sage will be displayed during the normal Noise Test routine if
background noise level conditions are detected that will not
allow proper operation and storm detection.
IMPORTANT! If the message "WARNING:HIGH BACK-
GROUND NOISE" is displayed, turn the unit off, move it to a
different location, and restart. As soon as any local storm
activity has cleared, the Noise Test routine should be selected
and run from the main menu. Until the Noise Test has
been rerun, the accuracy and detection sensitivity of
the unit may be reduced.

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The ThunderBolt™is powered by a single 9-volt battery. It may
also be powered by using the 115V-AC (or 220V-AC) adapter
available from Spectrum Electronics, Inc. NOTE: The use of a
non-specified adapter may cause inaccurate or improper oper-
ation of the unit, and may damage the power supply circuitry.
Should you have any questions about the use or operation of
your ThunderBolt, call Spectrum Electronics, Inc. at the toll-
free customer service number shown in this manual
between 9a.m. and 5p.m. EST. Or you may post a message
for a customer service representative by logging on to the
ThunderBolt website at www.spectrumthunderbolt.com
IMPORTANT! Remember that the ThunderBolt is designed
to detect and track storm cells and squall lines, not individual
strokes of lightning. A single stroke of lightning contains vari-
ations due to amperage of the stroke, polarity, and orientation
to the ground. All of these factors make it more dependable
and accurate to analyze, detect, and track the entire storm cell
as it moves. Thunderstorms are also large (6-10 miles across)
with lightning activity appearing in different places within the
body of the storm, often simultaneously. Once a storm is local,
lightning can appear at ANY TIME at your location! Take
defensive action before this situation develops!
BASIC OPERATION
1. Battery Installation
The ThunderBolt operates on one standard 9V battery. Clip the
connector over the terminals on the battery and securely close
the battery compartment door on the back of the unit. (NOTE:

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The compartment door has been designed to provide a secure
fit to withstand rugged use. As a result, the compartment door
may initially be stiff and difficult to open. By using the bottom
of your palm, place downward pressure on the door at the
point between the EX. SPK. and 9V DC jacks, and then push
the door away from the unit. The compartment door will
become easier to open with each successive opening.)
Remaining battery life is constantly monitored by the computer.
A LOW BATTERY warning message is periodically displayed
once remaining battery life drops below approximately 5-7
hours. The battery should ALWAYS be replaced as soon as
possible once the LOW BATTERY warning message is displayed.
2. External AC Adapter
The ThunderBolt™may be powered by an approved low-noise
external adapter. The adapter jack is labeled “9V DC” and is
located on the back of the unit above the battery compartment
door.
If you occasionally detect incidences of false triggering when
using the system on your AC Adapter, the problem is most
likely voltage spikes on your AC power. Whenever possible, we
suggest you use standard surge protection to filter out the noise.
3. Power ON/OFF
Pressing the ON/OFF button on the front of the unit turns the
power on. The MAIN MENU appears on the display, and the
green LED, located behind the lens at the top of the unit, blinks
to indicate normal operation.
The SCROLL UP/DOWN buttons are used to move up and

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down the items on the MAIN MENU. Selecting an item from
the menu is done by moving the blinking cursor to the num-
bered item desired, and then pressing the ENTER button. After
initial power-up, the ThunderBolt™automatically begins normal
storm detection if no other button is pressed within 10 seconds.
The ThunderBolt is programmed to automatically turn off after
approximately five hours if no buttons are activated. This is
meant to conserve battery life if the unit is accidentally stored
while turned on. This automatic-off feature is disabled if the
unit is being powered by the external 120V-AC adapter. To
manually turn off the unit, press the ON/OFF button and hold
the button until a short alarm sound is emitted from the unit
(approximately one second)—this delayed deactivation pre-
vents the unit from getting turned off inadvertently.
4. Normal Operation
There are five user-selectable choices on the MAIN MENU:
1. STORM DETECT 2. ALARM RANGE
3. ALARM MODE 4. SENSITIVITY 5. NOISE TEST
Remember that you can only view two lines of the menu at
any one time. Use the SCROLL UP or DOWN keys to move
through the menu options. Once in SCANNING mode, pressing
and releasing either of the scroll keys will display the menu.
Once in the menu, the unit will automatically shift to SCAN-
NING mode if no other buttons are pressed within 5-7 seconds.
5. Tone Operation
The tone may be turned on or off any time the normal scan-
ning screen is displayed by pressing the Tone ON/OFF button

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on the front of the unit. To turn the tone off once storm
activity has been detected, first power off the unit using
the ON/OFF button. Then restart the unit and wait for
the scanning screen to reappear before pressing the
Tone ON/OFF button. A “TONE IS OFF” message will
briefly be displayed and the unit will automatically
return to normal scanning operation. The unit will
quickly resume the current storm display.
STORM DETECTION
Selecting STORM DETECT puts the unit into normal storm
detection. Once the unit is powered on, it automatically goes
into STORM DETECT unless another key is pressed within 5
seconds. Once SCANNING, the cursor will move back and forth
and the selected SENSITIVITY (normal or high) will be displayed.
To change any of the user settings, press and release either of the
scroll keys to call up the main menu. (Remember that you may
have to scroll down to find the desired menu item for selection.
Only two lines of the menu will be visible at any one time.)
Once initial storm activity is detected, the screen will display a
warning that strikes have been detected, and then the range in
miles to the last CLOSEST strike detected. This information will
be displayed and updated until enough data has been accumu-
lated to display the range to the leading edge of the storm,
along with indication of storm motion. The time required for
accumulation of this data may vary depending on the actual
levels of activity within the storm. If no movement toward you
has been detected, a NO APPROACH DETECTED message will

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be displayed along with storm distance. If the storm is
approaching, the storm speed, along with Estimated Time of
Arrival (ETA) in you area will be displayed.
IMPORTANT! The ETA displayed is the estimation of when
the leading edge of the storm activity will reach within 8 miles
of your location. This may happen without any obvious
signs of storms being directly overhead.
Once any part of storm cell activity has been detected within 8
miles of your location, the screen display will indicate STORM
IS LOCAL. This means that lightning activity directly overhead
is now possible at any moment, and extreme precautions
should be taken! Once a storm has become LOCAL, an esti-
mated TIME TO CLEAR will be displayed. This time estimate is
broken into 15-minute segments, and is updated as storm data
continues to be collected. The estimate displayed may change
or run longer based on the actual storm activity. This will often
happen with storms that develop directly overhead with very
little associated movement.
IMPORTANT! Remember that most storms detected at ranges
greater than 20 miles will appear to be approaching, and will
be given an ETA, until enough data is accumulated to be cer-
tain of passing safely out of local danger range. In actual
operation, this will mean that storms detected at long range will
appear to gradually veer off from your location. In actuality, the
ThunderBolt™may warn of a potential storm strike until enough
data indicates there is little or no possibility of a direct hit. For
most storm situations, the ThunderBolt will be able to determine
the likelihood of a direct hit or near pass from the storm by the

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time it has closed to within 15-20 miles. Storms displaying
ranges of less than 20 miles and ETAs of less than 30
minutes are HIGH LEVEL threats and should trigger
maximum safety responses.
The ThunderBolt™constantly analyzes the incoming data for
signatures of squall lines and super-cells. If either of these con-
ditions is detected, a text message appears on the screen. Both
of these weather patterns are HIGH LEVEL threats for high
winds and possible tornado activity. Extreme caution should be
exercised when these conditions are approaching your location.
Once storm activity approaches within 8 miles of the user’s
location, the screen displays a STORM IS LOCAL warning.
The ThunderBolt then calculates the expected time for storm
activity to clear the user’s location. (Clearing a location
means NO detected storm activity within eight miles for
15 minutes. If any activity at all occurs while the storm
is local, the Time to Clear will reset itself.)
IMPORTANT! The Time to Clear is updated continuously using
actual storm speed, as well as the approach of storms outside
the 8-mile local zone. Keep in mind that these factors may
cause the Time to Clear estimate to change and lengthen once
it begins. Also note that this is ONLY intended as an estimate
of the time necessary to completely clear dangerous activity from
your location. Storm motion and activity can occur faster than the
ThunderBolt can accumulate enough data for accurate estimates.

ALARM RANGE
Selecting this option allows the user to choose the warning range
for activation of the red LED and the audible tone. Warning
ranges are selected by using the SCROLL UP/DOWN buttons to
toggle the displayed range in miles to the value desired. Pressing
the ENTER button stores the value in memory. Once stored,
these values will be used every time the unit is operated until
changed. NOTE: The audible tone may be turned on or off at
any time by using the front panel button. This will not change
the alarm range stored in memory. Please note: each time the
unit turned on, the audible tone will be on, and must be turned
off manually.
ALARM MODE
Selecting this option allows the setting of an additional trigger
distance for an audible alarm with a faster tone rate. This feature
allows the ThunderBolt™to automatically increase its alarm
level as a storm approaches to a closer distance than the range
selected for normal storm detection.
SENSITIVITY
Selecting this option allows the user to select either a HIGH or
NORMAL storm detection sensitivity. HIGH sensitivity will
maximize the distance at which storms are detected and track-
ing begins. It will tend to plot storms as closer and approaching
faster than they might actually be, and should be used in situa-
tions where maximum caution and time are required to prepare
for storm arrival. The HIGH sensitivity setting may also be used
in certain indoor applications where the surrounding building
may be reducing the received signal strength.
11

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The NORMAL setting produces greater accuracy in storm
tracking and speed calculation, but increases the time between
a storm first being detected, and a calculated speed and ETA
being displayed on the screen.
BACKGROUND NOISE TEST
This option runs up to a 15-minute sampling routine which
detects and maps the periodic noise sources in the planned
operating location for the ThunderBolt™. Once completed, this
allows the unit to ignore regular, non-storm electromagnetic
interference (EMI) in the environment. If the background EMI
at the selected location is too high to allow normal storm detec-
tion, a warning message will be displayed, indicating that the
unit must be moved to a different location for proper operation.
Otherwise, the unit will automatically return to the main
menu. NOTE: Pressing ENTER, or any other button, will
stop the noise test routine before completion. No data
will have been stored and the test will need to be run
from the beginning at a later time. The Noise Test should
be rerun periodically to ensure accurate operation.
IMPORTANT! The noise test MUST be run when no real
storm activity is occurring within 50 miles of your
location. Running the noise test with actual storm activity
within range will introduce errors and inaccuracy to the normal
operation of the ThunderBolt, and may decrease the operating
sensitivity of the unit.

Anatomy of a Thunderstorm
A clear sky can be a dangerous sky!
Typical storm cell is 6-10
Storm Motion 10-30 MPH
Areas of maximum convection in front
and rear of storm cell produce
highest rates of lightning
and rain.
60% of lightning injuries occur from strokes
thrown from the storm’s trailing edge.
Convection Convection

miles wide
8 Miles
Typical lightning strike
may be 6-10 miles long
Strikes may land 6-10 miles ahead of
leading edge—under clear skies.
Thunder is only audible 2-4 miles
ahead of the storm cell!
Anvil cloud marks
leading edge of storm

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THUNDERBOLT™LCD TEXT MESSAGES
What do they mean?
ThunderBolt™has been programmed to communicate certain
messages during specific weather conditions. In normal opera-
tion, the user will see a repeating series of messages specific to
that situation. The following list describes the most common
text messages the user will encounter using the ThunderBolt,
along with a brief explanation. These explanations may
answer questions the user may have during certain weather
conditions. It is important to note that due to space limitations,
as well as memory limitations, ThunderBolt provides messages
programmed into the software and cannot necessarily elaborate
due to such limitations.
SCANNING
SENSITIVITY HIGH
ThunderBolt is scanning and has not detected any storm activity.
This option provides the fastest possible information, sacrificing
accuracy for speed. The information will gradually become more
accurate as the unit gathers more data. Use this option in situa-
tions where maximum warning time is required to prepare for
storm arrival, or in certain indoor applications where the sur-
rounding building may be reducing the signal strength.
SCANNING
SENSITIVITY NORMAL
ThunderBolt is scanning and has not detected any storm activity.
When using this option, a longer period of time is necessary for
specifics of any storm activity to be indicated.

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NOTE: Both HIGH and NORMAL modes are effective and
selection by the user should be made based on preference
and/or application needs.
WARNING!
STRIKES DETECTED
ThunderBolt™has detected initial lightning activity. The next
screen will follow:
CLOSEST ACTIVITY
______ MILES
The ThunderBolt has detected storm and is in the process of
initial ranging. The display represents the closest detected
stroke during the period of initial data collection.
STORM ACTIVITY
______ MILES
ThunderBolt has plotted the storm location. Storm approach
speed and ETA (estimated time of arrival) will follow if the
storm is approaching.
SEVERE STORM
ThunderBolt has detected a severe storm. Please take proper
precautions, including checking other weather sources for
additional information and advisories.
SQUALL-LINE OR MULTIPLE STORM CELLS
ThunderBolt has detected the presence of squall lines or multi-
ple storm cells. ThunderBolt provides storm information closest
to the user.

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APPROACH SPEED ____ MPH
ThunderBolt™has determined that the storm is approaching
the user at the indicated speed. This information does not
always mean the storm will reach the user, as storms can
sometimes change direction or dissipate.
STORM ETA _______ MINUTES
ThunderBolt has calculated the storm distance and approach
speed and determined, based on current conditions, that the
storm will reach striking distance of the user in the time
estimated on the screen.
WARNING
STORM IS LOCAL
When this message appears, seek safe shelter. The storm has
moved within eight (8) miles and is now within striking distance
of the user. NOTE: the user may not yet hear or see lightning
(perhaps looking at blue sky/non-threatning conditions) as
the storm may be on the edge of the eight mile range (well
beyond the range of seeing or hearing storm activity). This
represents one of the most dangerous situations (commonly
referred as the Bolt out of the Blue), as the user’s common
sense may disregard the ThunderBolt warning due to perceived
conditions. WARNING: 30% of all lightning victims are
struck on the front edge of the storm. Rely on
ThunderBolt and other weather sources and seek safe shelter
during this warning.