What is the difference between lightning detection and lightning prediction?

Our approach to lightning warning is completely different than any other company that produces lightning warning products. All other companies rely on detection and /or time of arrival (TOA) technology to determine when it is dangerous, and when it is safe, in respect to lightning in the area.

Detection technology is based on electromagnetic (EMF) disruptions in our atmosphere, or what we would recognize as "static" on our AM radio dial. This technology, as advanced as it is, can only determine the distance between your location and the location of a lightning strike THAT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED! In addition, because of the numerous sources of EMF in our everyday world, filters are typically required for detection technology that filters out the smaller amperage lightning strikes. This leads to missed strikes and late notifications because detection technology must wait for something to occur before issuing a warning.

Finally, detection technology must wait up to 30 minutes after a strike has been detected within the warning area (typically set at a 10-mile radius) to sound the all-clear resulting in a significant loss in production whether for a local athletics complex or for a large mining operation.

Simply ask yourself, how many times have I been outdoors when a sudden flash and loud rumble unexpectedly interrupted my activities? Unknown to many of us who may not be trained weather spotters or meteorologists, or simply do not have a good view of the sky because of obstructions or haze, electrostatic forces are hard at work developing a field between a building thunderhead and the earth. It is the field that determines when and where a lightning strike is likely to occur. Our systems are designed to constantly monitor the ongoing increase or decrease in intensity of this field to generate a prediction of lightning occurring in your immediate area (typically within a 2-2.5 mile radius).

At any given outdoor activity, whether a ball game at a neighborhood park, a college football game, or explosive experts working at a mine or construction sites, ThorGuard systems take the guess work out of lightning-related decisions not only when it is time to stop, but just as important, when its time to RESUME an outdoor activity.

 

How do I determine the right system for my outdoor spaces?

To determine the right size system for your out door space, the local sales representative will need to either come out to the location and determine the best location for the base driver and how many remotes you may or may not need. Or your local sales representative can take an image by using Google earth to see just how far one horn blast will reach. Typically a horn blast can reach 700 yards. Depending on how much acreage the unit is responsible for covering will ultimately determine what size system one will need.

How long does it take to install the system?

The average delivery and installation time has been running anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks. The factory has requested that the customers allow a 14-day delivery period. Installation is based on a site survey; it's normally a 1 to 2 day job to install a base driver and two remotes.

 

Is it easy to use the software or hardware?

 The system is very easy to use. Once installed the owner can basically forget about it, unless it goes into red alert. The computer runs a total system check everyday at 10 am. This means the computer will check to see that every device or your ThorGuard system is working properly including the sensor, the horn cluster, transmitters, receivers, as well as, the computer. If something is not working, the owner will see a message on the display saying RF test. If this occurs, the owner will need to call ThorGuard technical support. If the problem persists, then a technician will then need to schedule a time to come out and inspect your system.

How long does the system last?

Some customers have reported having systems 10 or more years old. It is not uncommon for a ThorGuard system to consistently work for an upwards of 15 years. In order to insure optimum performance it is recommended that the ThorGuard system be inspected twice annually. The ThorGuard system is the most rugged and durable system available.

Do you offer maintenance and repairs if the system stops working?

Yes, Relyon offers a maintenance program for every ThorGuard customer. The following service procedures will be performed as part of this maintenance program:
  • Thorough cleaning of hyperstatic sensor
  • Diagnostic test of base system to ensure proper working order
  • Diagnostic test of remote horn locations
  • Battery load test at base and all remote locations
  • Compression check and horn test at all locations
  • Transmitter and receiver check
  • Up-grade system to new circuit board chip if necessary to improve performance
  • Provide additional training if needed

How will I know if the system is working?

You will know your system is working every time it runs its diagnostic test. If something is wrong, the display will tell the user. The problem will need to be fixed by you local ThorGuard professional.

How will I know when it is safe to go back outdoors?

ThorGuard has a feature called an activity detector (AD). Depending on the storm this value will indicate the amount of minutes before "ThorGuard" has determined the area is safe. While you may not see lightning discharge, the area might still maintain the energy that would allow a lightning discharge to occur. ThorGuard will determine when the energy has dissipated and then allows the DA discharge to occur. ThorGuard will determine when the energy has dissipated and then allows the DA to decrease. When the AD has reached zero, the all-clear signal will be sent. If your facility is equipped with the horns and strobe lights the alarm horns will sound with three 5 second blasts and all the strobe lights will be deactivated indicating facility is all clear for normal outdoor activity.

Does the system ever miss lightning or give a false warning?

Assuming the system is working properly, no it will not miss any lightning strikes or give false warnings.

Using ThorGuard, how much advanced warning do you get?

ThorGuard provides real-time data, which is then used to evaluate the electrostatic field. The information received from the sensor is updated 50 times per second. The ThorGuard system has been designed to allow various sensitivity levels. This will allow the user, based on the need and geophysical location, to select the time before a lightning hazard warning will be given. Typical times will be between 8 to 20 minutes.

What is ThorGuard?

ThorGuard is a scientific instrument, which utilizes a computer and sensor to monitor the atmosphere and provide the advance warning of lightning. A sensor, which is located on the roof, collects the energy from the atmosphere. The computer will calculate "real time" data that will allow the user to determine their current lightning hazard level.

What is a Bolt Out of the Blue (BOB) and does ThorGuard Detect this situation?

BOB: the condition in which very powerful lightning discharges may occur even with no clouds at all in the immediate area. A "BOB" may eminate from a weather front 10 to 15 miles away. Only ThorGuard can provide a warning of a BOB. Detection systems cannot guard against a first strike.