BTD 300 User Manual 106543.04D

BTD-300
BTD-350
Biral Thunderstorm Detector
USER MANUAL
[INTENTIONALLY BLANK]
User Manual for BTD
BTD-300 BTD-350
This manual describes the installation and operation of the Biral Thunderstorm Detector
models: BTD-300 and BTD-350.
Where instructions apply to either, the Detector will be referred to as ‘BTD’.

User Manual for BTD
Produced by:
Bristol Industrial and Research Associated Limited (BIRAL),
P. O. Box 2, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7JB, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1275 847787
Fax: +44 (0) 1275 847303
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: http://www.biral.com
This manual should be read fully before the instrument is used.
If there are any questions about the equipment supplied or the instructions contained
within this manual please consult Biral at the above address.
To assist Biral in the event of questions could you please indicate the equipment type
(and serial number if applicable), nature of your question, approximate number of hours
in use and your return contact details.
Copyright Declaration
The information contained within this manual (including all illustrations, drawings,
schematics and parts list) is proprietary to Biral. It is provided for the sole purpose of
aiding the buyer or user in the operation and maintenance of the instrument. This
information is not to be used for the manufacture or sales support of similar items without
the express written permission of Biral, nor is it to be communicated to any third party
without the express written permission of Biral. In the event that written permission is
provided by Biral to disseminate any of the information contained within this document
(in whatever form), this page (including this copyright declaration) must be attached.
© Bristol Industrial and Research Associates Limited (Biral) 2018
This manual does not create nor include any legally binding obligation for Biral or its
customers and end users. This documentation (and any attached appendices) is for
customer information only.
All information contained in this manual is correct (to the best knowledge of Biral) at the
time of publication. Biral reserves the right to revise this manual without notification.
The Equipment is CE marked and as such is deemed safe for use under
normal operating conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions may
result in personal injury not covered by the CE classification.
Manual Number: 106543

Revision: 04D
User Manual for BTD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 SAFETY ............................................................................................................................ 1
2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................... 2
3 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Site Selection .............................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Tools Required for Assembly ................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Package Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Corona Spikes .......................................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Direction Finder angle offset .................................................................................................................. 10
3.6 Power and Data Cables ........................................................................................................................... 11
3.7 RS422 Connection Options..................................................................................................................... 15
3.8 Relay Connections ................................................................................................................................... 16
3.9 Electrical Grounding .............................................................................................................................. 17
3.10 Installation Completion .......................................................................................................................... 18
3.11 Initial System Calibration ...................................................................................................................... 18
3.12 Relay Option ............................................................................................................................................ 18
4 DATA OUTPUT ............................................................................................................. 20
4.1 General ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Data Interpretation ................................................................................................................................. 20
4.3 Data Message ........................................................................................................................................... 20
4.4 Local Calibration Values ........................................................................................................................ 23
4.5 Site Characterisation Message ............................................................................................................... 23
4.6 Self-Test Message .................................................................................................................................... 24
4.7 Sensitivity Level Message ....................................................................................................................... 25
4.8 Distance Limit Message .......................................................................................................................... 26
4.9 Relay Parameters Message ..................................................................................................................... 26
4.10 Real Time Clock Message ....................................................................................................................... 26
4.11 Hysteresis Time Message ........................................................................................................................ 27
4.12 Distant Warning Message....................................................................................................................... 27
5 CALIBRATION ............................................................................................................. 28
5.1 Site Characterisation .............................................................................................................................. 28
5.2 Flash Detection and Ranging ................................................................................................................. 28
5.3 Lightning Range Calibration ................................................................................................................. 29
5.4 Overhead Thunderstorm Development Sensitivity .............................................................................. 29
6 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................... 30
7 COMMAND LINE INTERFACE ................................................................................ 32
7.1 DISTDEF – Set Distance Defaults ......................................................................................................... 32
7.2 DIST? – Get Distance Limits.................................................................................................................. 32
7.3 DISTx,yyyy – Set Distance Limits ......................................................................................................... 32
7.4 DFENABLE? – Get Direction Finder Enable State ............................................................................. 32
7.5 DFSTAT? – Get Direction Finder Status .............................................................................................. 33
7.6 DF-OFFSET? – Get Direction Finder Angle Correction Factor offset .............................................. 33
7.7 DF-OFFSETxxxx – Set Direction Finder Angle Correction Factor offset ......................................... 33
7.8 DF-PV? – Get Direction Finder Program Version ............................................................................... 33
7.9 DOSITE – Start Site Characterisation Process .................................................................................... 33
7.10 HYST? – Get Hysteresis Times .............................................................................................................. 33
7.11 HYSTxxxxx – Set Hysteresis Times ....................................................................................................... 33
7.12 LEVEL? – Get Sensitivity Levels .......................................................................................................... 34
7.13 LEVELAA,BB,CC,DD,EE,FF – Set Sensitivity Levels ........................................................................ 34
7.14 LOCAL? – Get Local Calibration Values ............................................................................................. 34
7.15 PV? – Get Program Version ................................................................................................................... 34
7.16 R? – Self Test Message............................................................................................................................ 34
7.17 RELAY? – Get Relay Information ........................................................................................................ 35
User Manual for BTD
7.18 RHOxxx – Relay On Hysteresis Time ................................................................................................... 35

7.19 RINOxxxx – Relay Inactive Start Time ................................................................................................ 35
7.20 RINXxxx – Relay Inactive Stop Time ................................................................................................... 35
7.21 RST – Reset Command ........................................................................................................................... 35
7.22 RTC? – Get Date and Time .................................................................................................................... 35
7.23 RTCDATEW,DD,MM,YY – Set Real Time Clock Date...................................................................... 35
7.24 RTCTIMEHH,MM,SS – Set Real Time Clock Time ........................................................................... 36
7.25 RUN – Start normal sampling ............................................................................................................... 36
7.26 SCF? – Query Site Correction Factor ................................................................................................... 36
7.27 SCFxx.xxx – Set Site Correction Factor ................................................................................................ 36
7.28 SN? – Query Serial Number ................................................................................................................... 37
7.29 SITE? – Get Site Characteristics ........................................................................................................... 37
7.30 STOP – Stop Sampling ........................................................................................................................... 37
7.31 W? – Get Distant Flash Warning Parameters ...................................................................................... 37
7.32 Wx,yyyy? – Set Distant Flash Warning Params .................................................................................. 37
8 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................ 38
8.1 Specification for the Basic BTD Instrument ......................................................................................... 38
8.2 Dimensions of the BTD-300 and BTD-350 ............................................................................................ 40
8.3 Specification for the Optional Relay Contacts ...................................................................................... 42
9 APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................... 43
9.1 Lightning Flash Detection and Ranging ................................................................................................ 43
9.2 Charged Precipitation and Overhead Thunderstorm Development .................................................. 43
9.3 Use of the Corona Initiator Spikes (BTD-300 only) ............................................................................. 44
9.4 BTD-350 detecting strong electric fields ............................................................................................... 44
9.5 BTD fault detection and appropriate response .................................................................................... 45
9.6 Performance FAQs ................................................................................................................................. 48
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Main components of the BTD ................................................................................ 4
Figure 2: Site suitability considerations ................................................................................. 6
Figure 3: Lowering of electronics enclosure box from its temporary packaging position 7
Figure 4: BTD base plate dimensions..................................................................................... 8
Figure 5: NORTH pointing arrow .......................................................................................... 8
Figure 6: BTD-300 Assembly Instructions ............................................................................ 9
Figure 7: Insertion of a corona spike into one of the rain shields. .................................... 10
Figure 8: BTD-300 and BTD-350 Enclosure box cable gland arrangement .................... 12
Figure 9: Terminal positions for power connection ............................................................ 13
Figure 10: Location and numbering of the RS422 terminals on the main circuit board 14
Figure 11: Location of SW2 switch....................................................................................... 15
Figure 12: Location of RS422 configuration switches ........................................................ 16
Figure 13: Relay Connections ............................................................................................... 17
Figure 14: Antenna insulator unit (BTD-300 shown) ......................................................... 31
Figure 15: BTD Dimensions .................................................................................................. 41
TABLES
Table 1: RS422 Serial communication terminal designations ........................................... 14

Table 2: Standard Data Message .......................................................................................... 21
User Manual for BTD
Table 3: Warning Flag Description ...................................................................................... 22

Table 4: Local Calibration Message ..................................................................................... 23
Table 5: Site Characterisation Message ............................................................................... 24
Table 6: Self-Test Message..................................................................................................... 24
Table 7: Status Flag Description ........................................................................................... 25
Table 8: Second Status Flag Description.............................................................................. 25
Table 9: Sensitivity Level Message ....................................................................................... 26
Table 10: Distance Limit Message ........................................................................................ 26
Table 11: Relay Parameter Message ..................................................................................... 26
Table 12: Real Time Clock Message ..................................................................................... 27
Table 13: Hysteresis Time Message ...................................................................................... 27
Table 14: Distant Warning Message ..................................................................................... 27
Table 15: Site characterisation warnings ............................................................................. 46
User Manual for BTD SAFETY
1 SAFETY
1.1. Lightning Safety
The BTD is a highly sensitive lightning detector, designed to inform the user of any lightning
flash within 45 nautical miles (83 km) of the installation site within 2 seconds of its occurrence.
This, combined with continuous monitoring of the electrical conditions present at the site prior
to any lightning activity, offers a comprehensive local thunderstorm warning solution. It is
however essential that the BTD is installed and powered correctly at a suitable site for timely
warnings of potentially hazardous weather. Failure to correctly follow the site selection,
installation and maintenance instructions provided by this manual, or check for sensor fault
alerts, could result in the sensor failing to warn of local thunderstorm activity.
It must be remembered that the BTD can only warn of potential or current thunderstorm
activity. The unit does not provide any form of direct lightning protection and it is the
responsibility of the user to ensure that all appropriate and timely action to protect personnel
and property is made once a thunderstorm threat is identified. If supplementary information on
potential thunderstorm activity is identified before the BTD issues an alert (human observation,
for example) then we always recommend that action to safeguard personnel and property
commences immediately, such as going inside a substantial building, prior to the BTD issuing
an alert.
This sensor has been proven to produce timely and reliable warnings during extensive field
trials, although even with advance warning of overhead thunderstorm development, the
meteorological situation can quickly become hazardous. It is therefore advisable to always be
aware of possible local thunderstorm activity provided by the local weather service and produce
your lightning safety plan well in advance of hazardous weather. When local thunderstorm
activity is detected, the situation should be carefully monitored and you should be prepared for
a rapid escalation of the threat level. There is still a significant risk from lightning for several
minutes after the thunderstorm has passed overhead, which is reflected in the delay for BTD
warning end times after the last trigger has been received.
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User Manual for BTD PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.2. Electrical Safety
CE Certification - Safety
All Biral’s Sensors comply with the requirements for CE marking. Once installed, it is the
user’s responsibility to ensure that all connections made to the sensor comply with all Local
and National safety requirements.
In order for the Sensor to comply with the requirements of EN 61010-1:2010, ‘Safety
requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use’, the
following should be observed:
A switch or circuit breaker must be included in the installation.

This switch or circuit breaker must be suitably located and easily reached.
It must be marked as the disconnecting device for this equipment.
This product MUST BE EARTHED
Failure to install a suitable earth may result in inaccurate readings

and damage to the product and attached equipment.
Failure to install an earth will make the unit potentially unsafe
2 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Biral Thunderstorm Detectors BTD-300 and BTD-350 are standalone sensors providing
real-time detection and ranging of thunderstorm activity within 45 nautical miles (83 km). The
sensor bases thunderstorm warnings on the detection and range of lightning flashes throughout
the detection area, as well as the presence of strong electric fields and electrically charged
precipitation occurring at the installation site. The strong electric fields and charged
precipitation provide the ability to warn of the potential for nearby lightning activity before the
occurrence of the first flash, with the subsequent flashes used for thunderstorm intensity and
proximity monitoring.
2
User Manual for BTD PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Lightning flashes of all types (cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud and intra-cloud) and polarities
are detected, ranged and logged within 2 seconds of their initiation. The BTD is primarily a
thunderstorm warning system, so the location and frequency of flashes are considered as the
most important parameters for assessing lightning risk. The BTD therefore does not
discriminate between different flash types, polarities or strengths, so these properties of the
detected flashes are not available.
Electric field disturbances associated with potential overhead thunderstorm development

produce an alert after 5 seconds of continuous detection. Such sensitivity and rapid alerts allow
the greatest warning time of local thunderstorm development for the user, with the unique
monitoring techniques providing an extremely low false alarm rate.
The operating principle of the BTD is based upon sensing changes in the atmospheric electric
field in the frequency band of 1-47 Hz. Such low frequency means that the sensor is most
sensitive to slow-varying electrostatic fields associated with charge transfer from lightning
flashes, nearby corona (point) discharge and the turbulent movement of strongly-charged
aerosol associated with thunderstorm activity. In addition, charge transferred to the antennas
by precipitation is analysed and used to determine whether the overhead cloud has the potential
for thunderstorm activity. Radio emissions (both natural and man-made) are associated with
considerably higher frequencies so do not produce interference on the sensor. Noise associated
with mains power distribution (typically 50 or 60 Hz and harmonics) are removed by both
analog and digital filtering.
In addition to electric field variations associated with lightning and local electric field
enhancement, there are unwanted sources such as nearby movement of people, birds and
charged materials. These sources of interference are identified and prevented from triggering a
false alarm by software algorithms exploiting the unique geometry of the BTD antenna array.
For a comprehensive description of the underlying scientific principles used by the BTD the
user is referred to the following peer-reviewed journal publication:
Bennett, A. J. (2013). Identification and ranging of lightning flashes using co-located antennas
of different geometry. Measurement Science and Technology, 24(12), 125801.
doi:10.1088/0957-0233/24/12/125801.
The main components of the BTD are shown in Figure 1. The sensor uses three antennas kept
electrically isolated from the ground by heated weatherproof insulators, allowing induced
currents from distant lightning of less than 1nA to be detected during all weather conditions.
Heaters are present inside all 5 (BTD-300) or 7 (BTD-350) insulators and each antenna has a
gas discharge unit to ground to protect the amplifier from current surges associated with very
close lightning, whilst retaining the sensor’s ability to detect them. An amplifier with an
analogue filter stage is housed in the primary antenna insulator and one of the antenna
insulators for the secondary and tertiary antennas. The amplified signal is then sent along
shielded wires to the main circuit board housed inside the electronics enclosure. There are two
grounding terminals near the join of the vertical support pole to ensure good grounding of both
parts of the support pole and to provide a good earth bonding point (See section 3.9).
3
User Manual for BTD INSTALLATION
The function of the corona initiator spikes (BTD-300 only) are to produce rapid electric field
changes detectable by the antennas in the presence of a strong electrostatic field, which is
associated with overhead thunderstorm development.
Primary antenna
Rain disc to divert drainage from sphere
Secondary antenna
Corona initiator spikes in mounting hole
(BTD-300 only)
Direction Finder mounting location
Tertiary antenna
Rain shield, amplifier and insulator

(Present for all antenna supports)
Upper support
grounding terminal
Lower support
grounding terminal
Electronic enclosure with

status LED on the side
Power and data cable glands
on underside of electronics
enclosure (not shown)
Figure 1: Main components of the BTD
3 INSTALLATION
WARNING!
Before completing the installation the sensor MUST be grounded and a
site characterisation MUST be performed. Please see section 3.9 (page 17)
and section 5.1 (page 28) of this manual for details.
4
3.1 Site Selection

It is very important for the successful operation of the BTD that it is installed at a suitable site.
Please consider the following criteria for the physical site characteristics:
Ideal site (allows optimal performance)
• Flat, level ground with no obstacles higher than approximately 20 cm (including

vegetation) within 2 m of the sensor.
• No obstacles of any kind closer than approximately 3 times their height.
• No overhead obstructions (e.g. cables).
• No frequent movement of people, animals or vehicles within 10 m.
• For sensors incorporating the direction finder, no metallic structure, such as a metal
clad building within 40 m of the sensor
Acceptable site (allows adequate performance but likely to require sensor recalibration from
factory default)
• Sensor can be positioned above ground level (e.g. on a low roof) – but avoid increasing
its exposure to a direct lightning strike, which will damage the unit.
• No obstacles closer than half their height above the base of the sensor.
• No overhead obstructions (e.g. cables).
• No frequent movement of people, animals or vehicles within 5 m.
• For sensors incorporating the direction finder, no metallic structure, such as a metal
clad building within 5 m of the sensor
Unacceptable site (likely to severely reduce sensor performance)
• Overhead obstructions.
• Obstacles closer than half their height above the base of the sensor.
• Frequent movement of people, animals or vehicles within 5 m.
• For sensors incorporating the direction finder, a significant size metallic structure, such
as a metal clad building within 5 m of the sensor
A pictorial summary of these site requirements is shown in Figure 2 below.
5
Figure 2: Site suitability considerations
Once a suitable site is selected, the BTD needs to be firmly mounted using the base plate at the
bottom of the unit. For unstable ground such as soil it is recommended that a concrete plinth is
set into the ground and the unit is bolted to it through the mounting bolt holes in the base plate
corners. Alternative mounting options such as exploiting existing mounting poles are possible.
Please consult Biral prior to installation to discuss alternative mounting options.
6
The base plate dimensions and bolt hole locations are shown in Figure 4. There are no
orientation requirements for mounting of the BTD without the direction finding module, except
that the unit is intended to be mounted on a flat, horizontal surface so that the long support pole
is vertical. Minor inclinations off vertical are however acceptable. If the direction finder
module option is included in the installation, the arrow on the module must be orientated to
point due North by rotation of the upper part of the pole, see Figure 5. Assembly instructions
are provided in Figure 6.
Please note that the electronics enclosure box is temporarily positioned in the middle of the
support structure for packaging purposes but MUST be lowered into its correct position at the
lowest point of the support pole, just above the four diagonal base plate supports, as shown in
Figure 3. The black rubber strips between the enclosure box U-bolts and metalwork are only
for packaging and must also be removed.
Figure 3: Lowering of electronics enclosure box from its temporary packaging position
7
Figure 4: BTD base plate dimensions
Position Arrow
To point NORTH
Figure 5: NORTH pointing arrow
Direction Finder is optional on the BTD-300

but always fitted to the BTD-350
8
REMEMBER TO LOWER THE

ELECTRONICS ENCLOSURE BOX
FROM ITS PACKAGING POSITION!
Figure 6: BTD-300 Assembly Instructions

(BTD-350 is similar, but without the Corona Initiators)
3.2 Tools Required for Assembly

The following tools are required for assembly of the BTD Thunderstorm Detector:
7mm spanner for the antenna dome nuts.

13mm spanner for the electronics enclosure U Bolt and the pole clamp nuts.
6mm Allen key for the pole clamp bolts.
10mm spanner for the earth stud nuts.
3.3 Package Contents

Ensure that any packaging is removed from the unit and the bag of components for assembly
(including corona spikes for BTD-300 only) is identified and not discarded with the packaging.
9
3.4 Corona Spikes
Corona Spikes are not fitted to the BTD-350.
For the BTD-300, it is advised to insert the corona spikes at the end of the assembly process to
reduce the chance of injury to the installers (the spikes are sharp), or damage to the spikes
themselves. The spikes have a small hook at one end, which should be inserted into the small
hole on the outside of the rain shield (see Figure 7). The hook will secure the spike inside the
hole. The spike will still be free to move slightly perpendicular to the hole axis, which does not
reduce the spike’s performance. The BTD-300 requires two corona spikes; one should be
inserted in both of the rain shields supporting the secondary (upper) torus antenna.
Figure 7: Insertion of a corona spike into one of the rain shields.
These spikes should be allowed to point roughly horizontal away from the unit. Care should be
used once the spikes are installed, since they are sharp. Please note that any modification to the
BTD support structure or antennas not provided by Biral, such as the introduction of bird
spikes, should not be undertaken without prior consultation with Biral, since the unit’s
geometry is a key factor in maintaining the detection performance.
3.5 Direction Finder angle offset
If the Direction Finder is not able to be positioned directly north as instructed, or the installation
site produces a systematic bias in magnetic direction finding (a non-ideal site), a fixed offset
can be added or subtracted to the derived flash angles using the option in the BTD control
software service screen or via the command line interface (sections 7.6 and 7.7). Angle offsets
may be large (±20°) for sites where significant metallic structures are present nearby. This is a
characteristic of all lightning magnetic direction finding systems and can be identified by
comparing reported lightning bearing with true bearing to the storm e.g. from human
observation of the flash, coincident data from a reliable lightning location network or
appropriate satellite/radar plots.
10
3.6 Power and Data Cables
3.6.1 Power Connections

In order for the mains version of any sensor to comply with the requirements of EN 61010-
1:2010, ‘Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use’, the following should be observed:
“A switch or circuit breaker must be included in the installation. This switch or circuit breaker
must be suitably located and easily reached. It must be marked as the disconnecting device for
this equipment.”
The BTD accepts an 85 – 264 AC power supply at 47 – 63 Hz. A schematic of the cable gland
and connectors found on the lower face of the electronics enclosure is shown in
Figure 8. A suitable three-core power cable, supplied by the user is passed through the cable
gland as indicated on the base of the electronics enclosure and connected to the terminals of
the lightning surge protector (red unit). Ensure the power supply is disconnected before
attempting to connect to the unit. The lightning surge protector terminals are labelled by the
manufacturer. The live wire is connected to position 1 (marked on the terminal block), the
ground to the ground symbol (middle terminal) and the neutral is connected to position 2. These
positions are shown in Figure 9.
11
Figure 8: BTD-300 and BTD-350 Enclosure box cable gland arrangement
12
Figure 9: Terminal positions for power connection
3.6.2 Ethernet Connections
The Ethernet connector is located in the centre of the base (see Figure 8), so there is no need
to open the enclosure to connect this data cable. The mating IP68 Ethernet connector, provided
with the unit, should be used on the input Ethernet cable to retain the system’s weatherproof
integrity.
3.6.3 Serial Data Connections (RS422)
If an RS422 serial data connection was specified at time of purchase, the following procedure
should be used to connect the appropriate cable. Pass the prepared end of the RS422 cable into
the enclosure through the small cable gland adjacent to the Ethernet connector (see Figure 8).
Connect the wires to the serial terminals as shown in the Figure 10 and Table 1.
The wires must be between 16 and 24 AWG (1mm2 to 0.2mm2), either stranded or solid. They
should be stripped to a length of 8mm. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to depress the orange
13
wire clamp and insert the prepared end of the wire into the adjacent hole. When the clamp is
released, the wire will be held firmly in the terminal.
Use tie wraps or equivalent to attach the cable to suitable internal fixing points to ensure there
is no strain on the connections. Tighten the cable gland.
Figure 10: Location and numbering of the RS422 terminals on the main circuit board
Terminal Block Number Function of Host

(left-right) BTD Connections
1 0V 0V
2 Tx+ Rx+
3 Tx- Rx-
4 Rx- Tx-
5 Rx+ Tx+
Table 1: RS422 Serial communication terminal designations
NOTE: Extreme care must be exercised to ensure that these connections are correct in both
the polarity of the signals and their definitions. The BTD transmitter signals (Tx+ and Tx-,
terminals 2 and 3) MUST be linked to the host receiver (Rx+ and Rx-) signals. If this is not
wired correctly, the system will not work.
14
3.6.4 Switching between Ethernet and RS422 communications

To switch between Ethernet and RS422 communications, power down the sensor and
locate the 4-way DIL switch labelled “SW2” on the processor board as shown in Figure
11.
Figure 11: Location of SW2 switch
For Ethernet communications change switch 3 to the ‘Off’ position.

For RS422 communications change switch 3 to the ‘On’ position.
Make sure the correct data connections (either serial or Ethernet) are applied to the sensor.
When the sensor power is reapplied the sensor will communicate using the selected
protocol.
3.7 RS422 Connection Options
The RS422 interface only supports 4-wire full-duplex communications. The selection of RS422
communications is described above. Termination of the transmit and receive lines can be
configured using on-board switches, shown in Figure 12.
The circuit board is labelled, defining the action of each switch. The middle two switches are
reserved for two-wire operation in other sensors and must not be changed from the factory
default position. If two-wire operation is selected the sensor will fail to communicate correctly.
The outer two switches, if switched from the default position, place termination resistors
(120R) on the receiver and transmitter lines (as labelled). These are not normally required.
15
However, if a fast baud rate is used over a long transmission line, one or both of these may be
required.
4-Way DIL switch
Figure 12: Location of RS422 configuration switches
3.8 Relay Connections

The gland for the optional relay output cable is found adjacent to the power supply gland,
closest to the support pole side of the box. If this is not used, the gland filler plug must be left
in place to retain the IP66 rating of the equipment.
The cable for the relay outputs must be selected to comply with any local or national regulations
concerning its use for carrying the voltage and current for the specific relay application. This
is of particular importance when mains voltages are being switched by the BTD. The
specification for the relay contacts is given in Section 8.3, Specification for the Optional Relay
Contacts.
Connections for the relay outputs are shown in Figure 13: Relay Connections. These terminals
are only present if the relay option was selected at time of purchase. They are positioned to the
left of the power connections. Looking from left to right there is an earth terminal for earthing
the cable screen, then terminals 1 (for relay 1), 2 (for relay 2) and 3 (for relay 3). Each terminal
block has three connection levels, with the lowest being relay NO, the centre being relay COM
and the top being relay NC.
16
Earth Terminal Block
Upper Relay Terminals (NC)
Middle Relay Terminals (COM)
Lower Relay Terminals (NO)
Relay 1 (Warning) Relay 2 (Alert) Relay 3 (Severe Alert)
Figure 13: Relay Connections
3.9 Electrical Grounding

Possible instrument failure can result from the damaging effects of over-voltage transients
induced on the power line and the signal distribution lines. Destruction of sensitive components
can result from unprotected lines, or instrument failure may occur over a long period of time
due to slow device degradation. Destructive over volt transients can occur in many ways; e.g.,
lightning induced transients, AC power line transients and EMI/RFI electromagnetic noise. The
power/control subsystem of the sensor contains transient surge- arrestors on all power and
signal lines as a standard feature. EMI filters are present on the power and data lines entering
the power/control subsystem.
It is essential to connect the sensor to earth ground for maximum protection of the instrument
during nearby lightning strikes. The following notes are intended to provide some guidance in
the design and construction of an electrical grounding system:
• Ground Rod: An eight-foot ground rod should be used to make contact with moist soil
during even the driest periods.
• Lead Lengths: No. 6 AWG solid copper wire should be used to connect the instrument
(and thus the transient voltage suppressers) to the ground rod. Use the shortest and most
direct paths to the ground. Simply connect the ground lead to the lower of the two
grounding terminals provided (see Figure 1 for grounding terminal location). Ensure
that the grounding terminals on the upper and lower parts of the mounting pole are
joined with the earth link provided with the equipment.
• System Interconnections: Eliminate all isolated ground loops. The shield of the signal
output cable, for example, should be attached only at one end of the cable and left
floating at the other end. Preferably, it should be attached to ground at the sensor end
of the signal cable.
17
• Connections: Use tight, corrosion-proof bare metal connections throughout the

grounding system.
3.10 Installation Completion
• Check that the power switch, near the centre of the DIN rail, is set to ‘ON’
• Fasten the lid of the thunderstorm Detector Electronics enclosure firmly back in place.
• Restore power to the system.
• Ensure that any drivers for any RS422 converters if applicable are installed on the
host PC.
• Re-start the BTD Control Software, or equivalent terminal software.
The Thunderstorm Detector Control Software will search for (virtual) Com Ports and select the
one connected to the BTD automatically. Alternatively, if using a programme such as
HyperTerminal, the correct port should be selected manually.
If an adaptor has been used, such as an RS422 to USB converter, the appropriate software for
that device must be loaded and operational before starting the BTD Control Software. If the
adaptor software has not loaded correctly, the BTD will be unable to find the (virtual) serial
port.
3.11 Initial System Calibration

Once the system is installed at a suitable site, an initial site calibration is required to identify
antenna offsets and background variability. This calibration is quick and straightforward and
must be done at the earliest possible opportunity. The procedure for this is given in Section
5.1.
To achieve the highest reliability for lightning range measurements, it is recommended that the
lightning range calibration is checked and amended as necessary by following the procedure
given in Section 5.3. For ideal sites, lightning range calibration after installation may not be
necessary since it is likely to be the same as the default factory setting, but re-calibration is
strongly recommended if the BTD is installed at a non-ideal site as defined in section 3.1.
3.12 Relay Option

An option, specified at time of purchase, is for the provision of three relays, contained within
the electronics enclosure of the instrument. These relays have change-over volts-free contacts
to provide switching capability for external circuits.
3.12.1 Relay Configuration

The relays are normally in their de-energised state when there is no thunderstorm activity. The
relays are configured to indicate the current thunderstorm status.
1. No Warning – No relays
18
2. Local Thunderstorm Warning – Relay 1 only ON

3. Local Thunderstorm Alert – Relay 2 only ON
4. Local Thunderstorm Severe Alert – Relay 3 only ON
The distance limits for each of these ranges can be set by the user if an external PC is connected
to the instrument. Use the Biral Control Software, or see section 7. The defaults settings are
the FAA settings of:
1. No relays: No thunderstorm activity, or activity > 30 Nautical Miles (NM)

(55.56km)
2. Relay 1: Distant Thunderstorm Warning – > 10NM (18.52km) <= 30 NM
(55.56km)
3. Relay 2: Vicinity Thunderstorm Alert – > 5 NM (9.26km) <= 10 NM (18.52km)
4. Relay 3: Overhead Thunderstorm Severe Alert – <= 5 NM (9.26km)
Relay 1 (Warning) will also activate if the sensor detects charged precipitation.
Relay 2 (Alert) will also activate if the sensor detects the presence of a high electric field.
3.12.2 Relay Operation

The operation of the relays can be modified by the user using an external PC running the Biral
Control Software. See section 7 for commands to use if the Biral software is not available.
The following parameters can be set.
Relay ON hysteresis. This defines the ON time of the relays following the occurrence of an
event. This can be set to any time between 2 and 1200 seconds. The default is 900 seconds
(15 minutes), to retain the alarm for 15 minutes following detection of lightning to allow the
storm to recede or the instrument to detect further lightning events.
Relay Inactive Start Time. It may be a requirement for the site to prevent any thunderstorm
warnings occurring between say midnight and 6.00 am. This parameter is the start time for this
relay inactive period. It can be set in minutes from 0 (Midnight) to 1439 (23.59). If it is
required to prevent an alarm occurring before midnight, this parameter can be set for the
previous day. For example to prevent an alarm after 23.00 hrs, this should be set to 1380
minutes. The default setting is 0.
Relay Inactive Stop Time. This parameter is the stop time for this relay inactive period. It
can be set in minutes from 0 (Midnight) to 1439 (23.59). The relays will not operate between
the start and the stop times. For example to activate the alarm after 6.00 hrs, this should be set
to 360 minutes. The default setting is 0.
NOTE: Relay Inactive Start and Stop Times, as specified above, use the BTD instrument ‘Real
Time Clock’, located on the internal processor circuit board. It is therefore essential to set this
internal clock before making use of this relay Inactive Time Setting facility. This can be done
using the Biral Control Software, or by utilising the Command Line Interface command,
specified in Paragraph 7.24.
19
User Manual for BTD DATA OUTPUT
4 DATA OUTPUT
4.1 General
Once the BTD system is installed and connected to a suitable power source, it starts monitoring
the electrical conditions at the site for thunderstorm activity. It sends a message via the serial
data connection every 2 seconds. This data connection is either an Ethernet link (default) or
an RS422 line, depending on the option selected when purchased. The data message contains
details of any lightning flashes, the warning status and the system status determined over the
previous 2 seconds. Up to four flashes can be detected and reported in any 2 second period.
4.2 Data Interpretation

The data can be fed into a self-contained PC, running the Biral Control software. This software,
provided with each thunderstorm detector, will store the data, and process it to provide a real
time display of any lightning occurrence within 45 Nautical Miles (83 km) of the site, and any
potential local thunderstorm activity. See the User Manual for the BTD Control Software (Part
Number: 106546) for a full description of the capabilities of this software.
Alternatively, the user can utilise the data in their own central processing system to integrate
the thunderstorm warnings and alerts into an existing meteorological reporting system. The
following paragraphs detail the data messages to enable such integration to be carried out by
the user.
NOTE: Lightning detected at distances greater than the furthest warning threshold (45 NM
maximum) are included in the data message for information, but will not activate an alert.
Please be aware that lightning reported at distances exceeding the maximum warning threshold
limit of 45 NM are subject to greater location uncertainty and lower detection efficiency than
stated in the BTD specifications (section 8). It is therefore advised that flashes reported as
exceeding 45 NM (83 km) on a calibrated BTD should not be used for thunderstorm monitoring.
If the “Warn on Second Distant Flash” option is checked in the Service Screen or through the
command prompt (section 7.32), a distant thunderstorm warning will only be activated if two
distant flashes are detected within the warning hysteresis time (default 15 minutes), not just
one. This feature allows distant thunderstorms producing isolated or low lightning activity to
be ignored (although their flashes will still be logged). The BTD will however always warn on
the first flash detected in the vicinity or overhead range sectors, due to the more immediate risk
they present to the site.
4.3 Data Message

The message is transmitted automatically every two seconds (default):
20
DATA:,ID,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,A,B,CC,DDDDD,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,CCC,XXXXX,
XXX, DDMMYY,HHMMSS,CCC,XXXXX,XXX,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,
CCC,XXXXX,XXX,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,CCC,XXXXX,XXX
Field Description
DATA:, Message Header
ID, Sensor Identification Number (value between 01-99)
DDMMYY,HHMMSS, Current system date
A, Number of flashes detected in the 2 second interval
B, Warning Indicator – Integer representing warning state (details
below, section 4.3.1)
CC, Warning Flags Integer representing state of each warning
indicator (corona, strongly charged precipitation, lightning etc.
– details below, section 4.3.2)
DDDDD, Self Test Flags (details below, section 4.3.3)
DDMMYY,HHMMSS, Date and Time of flash 1 (first flash of interval)
CCC, Number of 10 millisecond intervals since start of period for
flash 1 (for sub-second flash timing)
XXXXX, Distance of flash 1 in decametres
XXX, Direction of flash 1 in degrees (requires direction finder)*
DDMMYY,HHMMSS, Date and Time of flash 2 (second flash of interval)
DDMMYY,HHMMSS, Date and Time of flash 3 (third flash of interval)
DDMMYY,HHMMSS, Date and Time of flash 4 (forth flash of interval)
XXX, Direction of flash 4 in degrees (requires direction finder)
Table 2: Standard Data Message

*NOTE: If the direction is reported as ‘999’, this indicates that the direction could not be
determined for that flash, or the direction finder option is not connected.
4.3.1 Warning Indicator (B) is defined as follows:

0 No Warning
1 Warning - Charged precipitation or distant flash (default 10-30 Nautical Miles)
detected. No strong electric field detected at the site
2 Alert – Strong electric field detected with or without Charged Precipitation or
Vicinity Flash (default 5-10 Nautical Miles)
21
3 Severe Alert - Overhead flash (default <5 Nautical Miles)
If the “Warn on Second Distant Flash” option is checked in the Service Screen or through the
command prompt (section 7.32), the warning indicator will only change to 1 if two flashes
are detected within the warning hysteresis time (default 15 minutes), not just one.
4.3.2 Warning flags (CC)

The warning flag is a 2 character decimal where individual bits have been set to correspond
to certain warnings. Warnings can be combined e.g. a distant flash and charged precipitation
combination will set the Warning flags to value 10.
Flag Description of Warning
1 Corona
2 Charged Precipitation
4 Corona + Charged precipitation
8 Distant or far distant flash
16 Vicinity flash
32 Overhead flash
Table 3: Warning Flag Description
4.3.3 Self Test Flags (DDDDD) are defined as follows:

D D D D D
O – Other Faults OK
X – Other Fault exists
D – Direction Finder Fault Exists
N- Direction Finder “noisy calibration"
O –Tertiary Antenna OK
L – Tertiary Antenna Leak
S – Tertiary Antenna Saturated
F – Tertiary Antenna Fault
X – Tertiary Antenna Leak and Saturated
O – Secondary Antenna OK
L – Secondary Antenna Leak
S – Secondary Antenna Saturated
F – Secondary Antenna Fault
X – Secondary Antenna Leak and Saturated
O – Primary Antenna OK
L – Primary Antenna Leak
S – Primary Antenna Saturated
F – Primary Antenna Fault
X – Primary Antenna Leak and Saturated
O – Sensor not reset since last R? message

X – Sensor reset since last R? message
C – Missing Site Characterisation
22
4.4 Local Calibration Values

The message is transmitted if the local calibration values have been automatically updated by
the sensor. The message serves as a notice that a recalibration has occurred and provides
details of the calibration values used for future reference.
Note: This message will be automatically transmitted from the sensor.
LOCAL:,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,AAAAA,BBBBB,CCCCC,DDDDD
Field Description
LOCAL:, Message Header
DDMMYY,HHMMSS Date and Time of last calibration
AAAAA, Calibration Value 1
BBBBB, Calibration Value 2
CCCCC, Calibration Value 3
DDDDD Calibration Value 4
Table 4: Local Calibration Message
4.5 Site Characterisation Message

The message is transmitted on completion of the site characterisation process. The message
serves as a notice that a successful characterisation has occurred and provides details of the
site characterisation values for future reference.
SITE:,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,±AAAAA,±BBBBB,±CCCCC,DDDDD,EEEEE,FFFF
F,±GGGGGGGGG,HHHHH,IIIII,JJJJJ,KKKKKKKKKK,LLLLLLLLLL,MMM,OO
OOO
Field Description
LOCAL:, Message Header
DDMMYY,HHMMSS Date and Time of last site characteristic check
±AAAAA, Site Characterisation Value 1
±BBBBB, Site Characterisation Value 2
±CCCCC, Site Characterisation Value 3
DDDDD, Site Characterisation Value 4
EEEEE, Site Characterisation Value 5
FFFFF, Site Characterisation Value 6
±GGGGGGGGG Site Characterisation Value 7
HHHHH Site Characterisation Value 8
IIIII Site Characterisation Value 9
JJJJJ Site Characterisation Value 10
KKKKKKKKKK Site Characterisation Value 11
LLLLLLLLLL Site Characterisation Value 12
MMM Site Characterisation Value 13
OOOOO Site Characterisation Value 14
23
Table 5: Site Characterisation Message
4.6 Self-Test Message

This message is transmitted in response to the R? Command – see section 7.16:
STATUS:,DDMMYY,HHMMSS,CCC,M,AAAA,BBBB,CCCC,±DDDD,
EEEEE,FFFFF,GGGGG,HHHHH,IIIII,JJJJJ,KKK,LLLLL,MMMMM,
NNN,OOOOO,PPPPP,QQQQQ
Field Description Limits

STATUS:, Message Header
DDMMYY,HHMMSS, Current system date and time
CCC, Current centi-second internal data counter
M, Operating Mode (0=idle,1=sampling)
AAAA, 2.5V voltage rail (in millivolts) 2249-2748 mv
BBBB, 1.2V voltage rail (in millivolts) 1079-1318 mv
CCCC, +5V voltage rail (in millivolts) 4498-5497 mv
±DDDD, -5V voltage rail (in millivolts) -4498 - -5498 mv
EEEEE, Primary Leakage Value 0-900
FFFFF, Secondary Leakage Value 0-900
GGGGG, Tertiary Leakage Value 0-900
HHHHH, Primary Saturation Value 0-500
IIIII, Secondary Saturation Value 0-500
JJJJJ, Tertiary Saturation Value 0-500
KKK, FPGA Status 0
LLLLL Integer representing status flag 0
MMMMM Self test flags
NNN Integer representing Second status flag
OOOOO, Primary Failure Count
PPPPP, Secondary Failure Count
QQQQQ, Tertiary Failure Count
Table 6: Self-Test Message
The Status flag (LLLLL) is a 5 character decimal where individual bits have been set to
correspond to certain errors.
Flag Description of error

1 1.2V Error
2 2.5V Error
4 +5V Error
8 -5V Error
16 Primary Antenna Leak
32 Secondary Antenna Leak
64 Tertiary Antenna Leak
128 Primary Antenna Saturation
24
256 Secondary Antenna Saturation

512 Tertiary Antenna Saturation
1024 PIC Health Error
2048 FPGA Health Error
4096 EEPROM Checksum Error
8192 Sensor Reset since last R?
16384 Direction Finder Error
32768 Unused
Table 7: Status Flag Description
The antenna leakage fault is activated if the system suspects a leakage current, which diverts
the signal past the amplification stage. This may be caused by an insulation failure, so in the
event of this fault it is advisable to check the insulators are clean and free of any debris which
may allow the current on the antenna to pass directly to ground. Antenna saturation occurs
when current exceeding approximately 200nA is passed from the antenna to the amplifier for
at least a few seconds. This may occur as a result of an ungrounded charged object in contact
with the antenna.
The Second Status flag (NNN) is a 3 character decimal where individual bits have been set to
correspond to certain errors.
Flag Description of error

1 Primary Antenna Fault
2 Secondary Antenna Fault
4 Tertiary Antenna Fault
8 Missing Site Characterisation
Table 8: Second Status Flag Description
The antenna fault is activated when the unit detects an anomaly with the front end amplifier,
such as continuous saturation, which indicates the amplifier may have developed a fault or been
damaged and needs to be replaced.
The self test flags (MMMMM) are described in section 4.3.3.
4.7 Sensitivity Level Message

This message is transmitted in response to the LEVEL? Command – see section 7.12. The
threshold sensitivity ranges from 0 (most sensitive) to 10 (least sensitive).
LEVELS:,AA,BB,CC,DD,EE,FF
Field Description #Bytes

LEVELS:, Message Header 7
AA, SNR Sensitivity Level (0-10) 3
BB, P:S Ratio Sensitivity Level (0-10) 3
CC, P:T Ratio Sensitivity Level (0-10) 3
DD, Charged Precipitation Sensitivity Level (0-10) 3
25
EE, Electric Field Sensitivity Level (0-10) 3

FF Direction Finder Amplitude sensitivity Level (0-10) 3
Table 9: Sensitivity Level Message
4.8 Distance Limit Message

This message is transmitted in response to the DIST? Command – see section 7.1
DIST:,AAAAA,BBBBB,CCCCC,DDDDD

DIST:, Message Header 6
AAAAA, Overhead Lightning Limit in decametres 6
BBBBB, Vicinity Lightning Limit in decametres 6
CCCCC, Near Distant Lightning Limit in decametres 6
DDDDD, Far Distant Lightning Limit in decametres 6
Table 10: Distance Limit Message
4.9 Relay Parameters Message

This message is transmitted in response to the RELAY? Command – see section 7.17.
The values reported are the values stored in NVRAM.
RELAY:,AAA,BBB,CCCC,DDDD

RELAY:, Message Header 7
AAA, Relay On Hysteresis Time (seconds) 4
BBB, For Future Use 4
CCCC, Relay Inactive Start Time (minutes from midnight) 5
DDDD Relay Inactive Stop Time (minutes from midnight) 4
Table 11: Relay Parameter Message
4.10 Real Time Clock Message

The Real Time Clock message (RTC?) displays the current date and time from the RTC
chip on the sensor.
The format is:
RTC:,AAAAAAAAAAA,DD\MM\YY,HH:MM:SS,ccc

RTC:, Message Header 5
AAAAAAAAAAA, Day of the Week e.g Monday 12
DD\MM\YY, Date – in form Day(1..31)\Month(1..12)\ Year (0..99) 9
HH:MM:SS, Time – in form Hour(0..23):Min(0..59):Second(0..59) 9
ccc Calibration factor (0..255) 3
26
Table 12: Real Time Clock Message
4.11 Hysteresis Time Message

This message is transmitted in response to the HYST? Command – see section 7.10
HYSTERESIS:,AAAAA, BBBBB

HYSTERESIS:, Message Header 12
AAAAA, Relay On Hysteresis Time (Seconds) 6
BBBBB Warning Hysteresis Time (Seconds) 5
Table 13: Hysteresis Time Message
4.12 Distant Warning Message

This message is transmitted in response to the W? Command – see section 7.31
WARNING:,AA,BBBBB

WARNING:, Message Header 9
AA, Number of flashes per Warning 3
BBBBB Warning Hysteresis Time (Seconds) 5
Table 14: Distant Warning Message
27
User Manual for BTD CALIBRATION
5 CALIBRATION
5.1 Site Characterisation

When the BTD is installed at a site it is necessary for it to determine the background variability
of electric field changes present at the site in order to identify anomalies associated with
thunderstorm activity. Additionally, antenna offsets are measured during the site calibration so
they can be removed by the detector in data processing. Site characterisation is performed
automatically by the BTD once the user presses the “perform site characteristics” button in the
configuration screen of the control software. If the control software is not being used, the site
characterisation is initiated using the command line interface (see section 7.9). This can only
be performed when the detector is not sampling.
Ensure that there is no precipitation, local thunderstorm activity or movement of people or

animals within ~10m during the site characterisation procedure. Once the characterisation
process is activated there is a 60 second delay before the calibration is performed to allow all
persons to retreat away from the detector by least 10 m to avoid incorrect characterisation
caused by nearby movement. The characterisation takes approximately 32 seconds, where
antenna offsets and ambient variability are measured. The sensor will begin sampling again
automatically 10 seconds after characterisation is complete.
5.2 Flash Detection and Ranging

The BTD is shipped with a flash detection and ranging calibration assuming installation at an
ideal site (subsection 3.1). The detector monitors all signals with similar characteristics to
lightning and decides whether the current flash detection calibration constants are still
appropriate. The detector will automatically re-calibrate if the constants do not appear
appropriate for the site, and inform the user it has performed a successful calibration.
Lightning proximity alert distances can be customised using the service tab of the BTD control
software or via the command line interface (section 7.3). These distances can be stated in either
kilometres or nautical miles using the control software, or decametres (1 km = 100 decametres)
using the command line interface. The default lightning proximity levels are those required by
the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). The range thresholds can be stated to the nearest
decametre (10 metres, i.e. two decimal places) and must be within 2-45 nautical miles (3.70-
83.34 km).
The flash detection sensitivity can be adjusted through the command line or the control
software using two characteristics - lightning strength (effectively the signal-to-noise ratio) and
lightning ratio. In the control software this is achieved by altering the relevant thresholds in the
service tab (default setting is midway – level 5). If the control software is not used, sensitivities
are altered using the command line interface (see section 7.13). The threshold sensitivity ranges
from 0 (most sensitive) to 10 (least sensitive). Alteration of the sensitivities should only be
attempted by users competent in the operation of the detector since some combinations may
significantly reduce overall performance. Increasing the lightning strength sensitivity will
increase the probability that distant and/or weak flashes are detected, at the increased risk of
producing false alarms from non-lightning signals. The lightning ratio represents the balance
between ensuring all lightning flashes are detected whilst retaining a very low false alarm rate.
Increasing the sensitivity of this parameter will widen the signal acceptance band and reduce
the probability of missing a flash, although increasing the chance of a false alert. The default
28
User Manual for BTD CALIBRATION
(midway) position is considered optimal for most purposes, so should not normally be changed.
More information on the flash detection and ranging process can be found in section 9.1 of the
appendix.
5.3 Lightning Range Calibration

The range calibration cannot be automatically configured so needs to be checked by the user.
The default calibration should be correct for installation at an ideal site, but is likely to require
modification if installed where tall objects are nearby. Once the BTD first reports the range of
lightning after installation, the user should compare this range with that determined from other
means (e.g. accurate lightning location network data, thunderstorm location on rainfall radar
or satellite imagery). The last 128 flash times and distances detected by the BTD can be
downloaded in CSV format by pressing the “download flash data” button in the configuration
screen of the control software. The format of the output message is described in the BTD
control software manual and is particularly useful when calibrating a BTD that is not routinely
connected to a PC (e.g. using relays to activate warning lights/sirens directly) or if the data
message is not being logged. If a systematic bias is evident, the user should press the “Calculate
Site Correction Factor” button and input the range estimated by the BTD (“Reported Distance”)
and that from other means (“Actual Distance”) into the pop-up box. This information will be
used by the software to set the range calibration factor for the installation site. The range
calibration cannot be set using the command line interface, so the control software will be
required to perform this procedure.
5.4 Overhead Thunderstorm Development Sensitivity

It is possible to alter the sensitivity of the BTD for the presence of overhead thunderstorm
potential (charged precipitation and strong electric field) in the same way as for flash detection,
through the control software or command line interface. For the control software, this is
achieved by altering the thresholds in the service tab of the control software (default setting is
midway – level 5). If the control software is not used, sensitivities are altered using the
command line interface (see section 7.13). The threshold sensitivity ranges from 0 (most
sensitive) to 10 (least sensitive). Increasing the sensitivity to precipitation charge means that
less electrical charge is required on each hydrometeor to activate an alert, although the
requirement for relatively high precipitation intensity remains the same (see appendix section
9.2). Increasing the sensitivity to strong electric field will lower the field strength required to
activate an alert, detected by the antennas through the use of the installed corona initiator spikes
(see appendix section 9.3), as well as other sources of electric field variability near to the
detector present during stormy conditions.
Increasing either of these sensitivities will also increase the probability that charged particles
present in nearby turbulent eddies will activate an overhead thunderstorm development alert.
Charged particles present in the air (referred to as “space charge”) is also an indicator of the
electrical state of the atmosphere, with the formation of ions near the surface resulting from
charged precipitation and corona (point) discharge during strong atmospheric electric fields.
These ions become attached to aerosol particles and are blown past the detector where they can
be analysed by the antennas. Space charge can also be generated by man-made activities such
as nearby air-conditioning units, water jet washing or exhaust gasses from nearby combustion
engines. The BTD control algorithms are designed to reject such artificial sources, although a
substantial increase of the sensitivity thresholds will increase the probability of non-
thunderstorm space charge sources generating a false alarm.
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User Manual for BTD MAINTENANCE
Alteration of any sensitivity threshold should only be attempted by users competent in the
operation of the detector, since inappropriate levels will degrade performance. If in doubt
please contact Biral for advice on the most appropriate sensitivity levels for your requirements.
6 MAINTENANCE
The BTD is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and requires very little
maintenance. The antennas are constructed from stainless steel and will not corrode under
normal operation. The framework is painted aluminium with good resistance to corrosion. The
PTFE insulators are resistant to adhesion of impurities, chemically inert and offer high
resistance to extreme atmospheric temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.
As a precaution, monitoring the automatic system fault status should be conducted as often as
possible (ideally every day). The BTD system fault status is identified in the data output
message and in the configuration screen of the supplied software. For BTD units not connected
to a computer interface, the fault status can be identified by the green LED on the side of the
instrument enclosure box. A static green light signifies no fault is detected, with a flashing light
identifying a fault has been detected and the unit is not operating correctly, requiring prompt
investigation. No light means that the unit is not supplied with power and is therefore not
operating.
The following checks are advised upon installation and at least once per year thereafter, ideally
before the start of the season where most thunderstorms occur:
• Visual check on cables and cable glands, ensuring no degradation of electrical

insulation.
• Visual check on all metalwork, corona initiators (BTD-300 only) and electronics
enclosure box, to identify any degradation or physical defects which may compromise
the correct operation of the unit.
• Cleaning of the antennas and their insulators to remove any accumulated dirt,
vegetation, spider’s webs or other material which may provide a leakage current
between the antennas and ground. Ensure that any cleaning agents used will not leave
a residue on the surface of the antennas and especially the insulators.
• Identification and removal of vegetation or other objects which exceed the

recommended height for their distance to the unit (see section 3.1).
• Check that all the site requirements stated in section 3.1 are still upheld at the
installation site.
• If possible, check the insulator heaters are still operating by identifying that the
temperature near the middle of the grooved insulator cylinder behind the rain shield is
at least 1°C (typically 5°C) warmer than the surrounding air temperature. A picture
showing the location of the inner grooved insulator block is provided in Figure 14.
• Check the detector’s date and time setting using the “get BTD date/time” button found
in the configuration screen in the BTD control software, or using the command line
interface (see section 7.22). Set to correct time if necessary by pressing the “set BTD
30
User Manual for BTD MAINTENANCE
date/time button, which will sync the internal time to the time on the connected
computer, or using the command line interface (see sections 7.23 and 7.24). This is
important since the flash and warning status times are logged using the BTD internal
time, not the server time.
• Once the sensor is cleaned and any modifications to the site have been made, a site
characterisation should be performed (see section 5.1).
• Check that the site correction factor has not changed significantly by comparing the
thunderstorm range given by the BTD to the range estimated from other means e.g.
radar, high resolution satellite imagery or accurate lightning location network output. If
a significant and systematic difference is identified the site correction factor can be
changed by following the process described in section 5.3.
Figure 14: Antenna insulator unit (BTD-300 shown)
Showing the location of the unheated outer rain shield

and inner heated grooved insulator block.
31
User Manual for BTD COMMAND LINE INTERFACE
7 COMMAND LINE INTERFACE

These commands are used to change parameters of a more technical nature or in the absence
of the BTD control software. If an invalid command is detected it will be rejected and the
sensor will respond with "BAD CMD".
7.1 DISTDEF – Set Distance Defaults

This command is for service personnel only.
The command will reset the flash distance limits to the default FAA values of:
• Overhead lightning - 5 Nautical miles or 9.26 Km.
• Vicinity Lightning – 10 Nautical miles or 18.52 Km.
• Near Distant lightning – 20 Nautical miles or 37.04 Km.
• Far Distant Lightning – 30 Nautical miles or 55.56 Km.
This command is only allowed when the sensor is idle, if the sensor is in sampling mode
the sensor will respond with “COMMAND NOT ALLOWED”.
If the command is allowed, the Sensor will respond with “OK”.
7.2 DIST? – Get Distance Limits

Return the distance limits in decametres for the different areas.
If the command is allowed, the Sensor will respond with the distance limit message.
Details of the message are in section 4.8.
7.3 DISTx,yyyy – Set Distance Limits

Set the distance limit in decametres for the different areas:
Setting x indicates which area to set the limit for:
• 0 – Overhead lightning.
• 1 – Vicinity Lightning.
• 2 – Near Distant lightning.
• 3 – Far Distant Lightning.
Parameter y is the value in decametres.
7.4 DFENABLE? – Get Direction Finder Enable State

Return the state of the Direction Finder enable EEPROM location.
Returned value will be either 0 or 1 (0 indicates not fitted, 1= fitted).
32
7.5 DFSTAT? – Get Direction Finder Status

Return the Direction Finder Status.
7.6 DF-OFFSET? – Get Direction Finder Angle Correction Factor offset

the sensor will respond with “COMMAND NOT ALLOWED”
The DF-OFFSET? command causes the Angle correction factor offset (in degrees,
positive clockwise, negative anticlockwise) to be displayed as follows:
OFFSET: <value>
e.g. OFFSET: -5
7.7 DF-OFFSETxxxx – Set Direction Finder Angle Correction Factor offset

This command will set the correction factor offset
xxxx can be in the range ±180 degrees (positive clockwise, negative anticlockwise). Any
values outside this range will cause the sensor to respond BAD-VALUE.
If the value is acceptable, the Sensor will change the value and respond with “OK”
7.8 DF-PV? – Get Direction Finder Program Version

When a "DF-PV?" command is received the sensor calls the routine to build and transmit
the Program Version and date in the form
SI100xxx.01A, 09/01/2012
7.9 DOSITE – Start Site Characterisation Process

This command will start the site characterisation process.
If the command is acceptable, the sensor will respond with “OK”.
7.10 HYST? – Get Hysteresis Times

This command will return the relay and warning hysteresis times in seconds. . Details of
the message are in section 4.11
7.11 HYSTxxxxx – Set Hysteresis Times

This command will set the relay and warning hysteresis times in seconds.
xxxx –hysteresis time
33
The time can be set to a value between 2 and 1800 seconds. Attempting to set the time
outside these limits will result in a "BAD CMD" and the entry will be discarded.
If the command is acceptable, the sensor will respond with “OK”
NOTE: This will set both times to the same value.
7.12 LEVEL? – Get Sensitivity Levels

This command will cause the sensor to transmit the sensitivity Level message to the host.
If the command is allowed, the Sensor will respond with the sensitivity level message.
The threshold sensitivity ranges from 0 (most sensitive) to 10 (least sensitive).
7.13 LEVELAA,BB,CC,DD,EE,FF – Set Sensitivity Levels

This command receives the new sensitivity levels from the host.
The threshold sensitivity ranges from 0 (most sensitive) to 10 (least sensitive).
Parameters:
• AA – Lightning “strength” (SNR) sensitivity Level (range 0-10).
• BB – PS Ratio sensitivity Level (range 0-10).
• CC – PT Ratio sensitivity Level (range 0-10).
• DD – Charged Precipitation sensitivity Level (range 0-10).
• EE – Electric Field sensitivity Level (range 0-10).
• FF – Direction Finder sensitivity Level (range 0-10)
7.14 LOCAL? – Get Local Calibration Values

This command will cause the sensor to transmit the local calibration values to the host.
7.15 PV? – Get Program Version

When a "PV?" command is received the sensor transmits the Program Version and date
in the form:
SI100xxx.01A, 09/01/2012.
7.16 R? – Self Test Message

When an "R?" command is received the sensor transmits the Self-Test Message. Details
of the message are in section 4.6.
34
7.17 RELAY? – Get Relay Information

When a “RELAY?” command is received the sensors transmits the Relay Parameters
Message. Details of the message are in section 4.9.
7.18 RHOxxx – Relay On Hysteresis Time

This command is used to set the Relay On Hysteresis time in seconds. The current setting
can be determined by reading the first field of the Relay Parameters Message. The time
can be set to a value between 2 and 1800 seconds. Attempting to set the time outside
these limits will result in a "BAD CMD" and the entry will be discarded.
7.19 RINOxxxx – Relay Inactive Start Time

This command is used to set the Relay Inactive Start time in minutes from midnight. The
current setting can be determined by reading the third field of the Relay Parameters
Message. The time can be set to a value between 0 and 1439 minutes. Attempting to set
the time outside these limits will result in a "BAD CMD" and the entry will be discarded.
7.20 RINXxxx – Relay Inactive Stop Time

This command is used to set the Relay Inactive Stop time in in minutes from midnigh.
The current setting can be determined by reading the fourth field of the Relay Parameters
Message. The time can be set to a value between 1 and 1440 minutes. Attempting to set
the time outside these limits will result in a "BAD CMD" and the entry will be discarded.
7.21 RST – Reset Command

When an "RST" command is received the sensor is reset.
7.22 RTC? – Get Date and Time

When a "RTC?" command is received the sensor transmits the Real Time Clock Message.
7.23 RTCDATEW,DD,MM,YY – Set Real Time Clock Date

This command allows the user to change the date on the Real Time Clock chip.
The format of the command is :
RTCDATEW,DD,MM,YY
35
where:
W - is the day of the week (1..7) with Sunday being 7.
DD - is the date (01..31).
MM - is the month (01..12).
YY - is the year (00..99).
The sensor will respond with 'OK'.
7.24 RTCTIMEHH,MM,SS – Set Real Time Clock Time

This command allows the user to change the time on the Real Time clock chip.
The format of the command is:
RTCTIMEHH,MM,SS
where:
HH - is the hours in 24 hour clock (00..23).
MM - is the minutes (00..59).
SS - is the seconds (00..59).
The sensor will respond with 'OK'.
7.25 RUN – Start normal sampling

This command begins the normal sampling mode.
7.26 SCF? – Query Site Correction Factor

When an "SCF?" command is received the sensor transmits the current site Correction
Factor in the form:
SCF,xx.xxx
7.27 SCFxx.xxx – Set Site Correction Factor

When this command is received the sensor updates the current site Correction Factor in
the sensor.
The number xx.xxx will be a floating point number.
If the value is acceptable, the Sensor will respond with “OK”.
Changing this value will change the value in the EEPROM and all associated internal
variables in the sensor.
36
7.28 SN? – Query Serial Number

When an "SN?" command is received the sensor transmits the sensor serial number– this
is a 12 character string.
7.29 SITE? – Get Site Characteristics

When a "SITE?" command is received the sensor transmits the Site Characteristics
Message. Details of the message are in section 4.5.
7.30 STOP – Stop Sampling

This command will stop the sampling process and put the sensor into Idle Mode.
This command is only allowed when the sensor is sampling, if the sensor is in idle mode
7.31 W? – Get Distant Flash Warning Parameters

This command gets the number of warning flashes and the hysteresis time. Details of the
message are in section .4.12
7.32 Wx,yyyy? – Set Distant Flash Warning Params

This command sets the number of warning flashes and the hysteresis time from the PC.
x Number of flashes – can be 1 or 2
yyyy Hysteresis time in seconds – value between 2 and 1800 seconds
37
User Manual for BTD SPECIFICATIONS
8 SPECIFICATIONS
8.1 Specification for the Basic BTD Instrument
Biral BTD Specification

Maximum reporting range 83 km (45 nautical miles), reported to nearest 0.01 km
Customisable lightning Yes, four proximity alert ranges can be chosen between 2-45
proximity alerts? nautical miles (3.70-83.3 km) (FAA regulations as default)
>95% for single lightning flash (any type)
99% for storm with 2 flashes
Flash detection efficiency
99.9% for storm with 3 flashes
For flashes within 56 km (30 nautical miles)
False alarm rate <2%
Flash range measurement ±3 NM between a range of 0-10 NM and ±5.5 NM between 10-45
uncertainty NM
Flash range measurement ±300 m between a range of 0-10 NM and ±1000 m between 10-45
repeatability NM
Flash types detected and All types – cloud-to-ground (CG), intra-cloud (IC), cloud-to-cloud
ranged (CC)
Flash polarity, multiplicity
No
and type reporting?
Direction finding Yes, reported to nearest degree (requires optional module)
Update period 2s
Report time of each flash Yes, to nearest 10 ms
Maximum detectable flash
120 flashes per minute
rate
Automatic self-checking Yes
Detection method Passive, quasi-electrostatic (RF for optional direction finder)
Operating (listening) 1-47 Hz for the main unit. The optional direction finder receiving
frequency band is ~30 kHz to 2 MHz
Filter for RF interference Analog front end with additional digital filtering
Additional environmental Overhead Cumulonimbus warning via detection of strong electric
monitoring field and charged precipitation
Designed to meet US FAA harsh weather conditions (FAA class 2)
Temperature: -55°C to +60°C (below -40°C requires optional
Operating environment enclosure heater)
Relative humidity: 5% to 100% condensing
Wind: Up to 85 kt (44m/s)
Power supply 85-264V AC supply 47 – 63 Hz
Power consumption <10W (excluding optional 30W enclosure heater)
IP rating IP66
Connections Ethernet (default) or RS422
External indicators Status LED
38
Interface Computer, with option for additional relay outputs (x3)

Visualisation software Included for use on PC computer systems
Approx. Weight 25 Kg
Installation site Outdoors only, no overhead obstructions
39
8.2 Dimensions of the BTD-300 and BTD-350
BTD-300 BTD-350
(all dimensions are approximate)
40
Figure 15: BTD Dimensions
41
8.3 Specification for the Optional Relay Contacts
Biral BTD Relay Specification

Maximum Switching Voltage 250 Vac, 220Vdc
Maximum Switching Current 2A
Maximum Carrying Current 2A
Maximum Switching Power 60W, 125VA
42
User Manual for BTD APPENDIX
9 APPENDIX
9.1 Lightning Flash Detection and Ranging
The BTD is capable of detecting a wide range of electric field changes between 1-47 Hz. The
low frequency means that the electrostatic component of lightning signals dominates the
electromagnetic (“radio wave”) component within the operational distance. The strength of the
electric field change will be related to the inverse of the distance cubed, as the vertical extent
of the lightning channel is typically small compared to the distance to the detector, so a small
dipole field can be assumed. The change in electrostatic field (ΔES) produced by a lightning
channel of mean height H over a flat conducting surface and charge neutralisation Q at a
distance D from the receiver can be calculated as follows:
2QH
E S  (1),
 
3
4 0 D  H
2 2 2
where ε0 is the permittivity of free space (which is a constant). This equation can be re-arranged
to provide an estimate of lightning range based upon the measured change of electric field,
when values of Q and H are assumed. Due to the sensitive inverse cube relationship between
the electrostatic field change and distance D compared to that for the lightning charge moment
(2QH), range uncertainty due to the natural variation of lightning strength is relatively low and
sufficiently accurate to identify the range of thunderstorms, given their length scales of
kilometres or more.
Lightning flashes are not the only source of transient changes in the atmospheric electric field.
For examples, fast moving charged objects near to the detector such as birds will produce large
and rapid changes to the electric field. A method of lightning discrimination is therefore
required to achieve an acceptably low false alarm rate. The BTD separates lightning flash
signals from non-lightning sources by a unique method developed by Biral which compares
the signal characteristics on the three antennas. Due to the special geometry of the detector and
antennas, only lightning produces the correct combination of relative signal amplitudes
compared with local, non-lightning sources of electric field change. This is termed the
“lightning ratio” and the sensitivity of this filter can be adjusted by the user using the BTD
control software, although the default is designed to provide optimal performance for most
users.
9.2 Charged Precipitation and Overhead Thunderstorm Development

The BTD offers the unique ability to warn of potential overhead thunderstorm development
before lightning is produced through the measurement of electrical charge on individual
hydrometeors (e.g. raindrops, hailstones or snowflakes) making contact with the antennas.
Results from scientific research conducted by both Biral and the wider academic community
indicate that convective clouds with strong updrafts produce significantly greater charged
hydrometeors than more stratified non-thunderstorm rain clouds. The magnitude of
hydrometeor charge is generally proportional to the electric field near the ground, a
phenomenon called the “mirror image effect”. Such deep convective clouds are indicative of
the atmospheric conditions favourable for thunderstorm development. Hydrometeor charge is
not necessarily a function of rainfall intensity, although given that developing thunderstorms
are commonly associated with heavy showers, the BTD algorithm also takes the precipitation
intensity into account when issuing an overhead thunderstorm development alert. Precipitation
charge complements thunderstorm alerts produced by detection of a strong electric field as the
43
hydrometeor charge is more sensitive to lower electric fields compared with corona initiation.
This feature allows a lower threshold for storm development warning and is why the charged
precipitation warning only produces a level 1 (yellow) warning compared with the level 2
(orange) alert for detection of a strong electric field produced by corona or strong space charge,
which is present either with or without precipitation.
9.3 Use of the Corona Initiator Spikes (BTD-300 only)

The BTD-300 is shipped with short 0.5 mm diameter stainless-steel wires which are to be
installed on the upper torus antenna rain shields. The purpose of these spikes is to generate a
distinct signal on the antennas in the presence of strong and rapidly changing overhead electric
fields. When the electric field strength rapidly builds to a magnitude indicative of overhead
thunderstorm development (few thousand volts per metre) corona discharge will be initiated at
the tip of the wire. The exchange of charge between the wires and the atmosphere will result in
a rapid variation of electric field surrounding the wires, which is readily identifiable by the
antennas. Signals from other nearby objects less than a few metres around the detector will also
contribute to the signals. Such signals are clear evidence of the increased threat of overhead
thunderstorm development and consequently activate a mid-level (orange) alert status. The
signal emitted by the spikes will not affect the ability of the sensor to detect lightning occurring
at a moderate to close range, where the resultant warning level would equal or exceed orange
alert status generated by the spikes.
The ability to warn of strong overhead electric fields is a key feature of the BTD-300 compared
with conventional lightning detectors. Whilst the corona spikes are designed to provide a source
of local corona, in practise nearly all sites will have sufficient objects in the vicinity to produce
sufficient amounts of corona ions and high frequency variability of the electric field. It is
therefore acceptable for the user not to install (or remove) these corona spikes if the strong
electric field alert feature is not required (for example, if only lightning data is required for
research purposes), or the site is over land, with sharp grounded objects (vegetation, buildings
etc.) in the area. The spikes can simply be removed from their holes with a pair of pliers, as
they are not directly connected to any electronics. If you do not want to install the corona spikes
but you are unsure whether your site requires them, please contact Biral for advice.
Corona initiation during strong electric fields is prevented at locations on the BTD-300 other
than the initiator spikes by the smooth, rounded surface of the antennas. Prevention of corona
on any lightning detector antennas is important since it would otherwise create an unacceptable
high noise level (including at radio frequencies). The BTD-300 antennas have been designed
using electrostatic modelling software to withstand corona initiation in electric fields exceeding
100 KV/m, which is considerably below that measured near the surface during the most severe
thunderstorms.
9.4 BTD-350 detecting strong electric fields

The BTD-350 detects the presence of a strong electric field using the same technique as the
BTD-300. Since the BTD-350 is designed for use on or nearby to conductive structures such
as metallic buildings or ships, there will be sufficient ion production during a strong electric
field due to corona from these structures, therefore additional corona spikes are not required.
In reality, whilst the BTD-300 still incorporates its own corona initiating spikes, it is also
envisaged that for most sites there would be sufficient corona production from external sources.
44
9.5 BTD fault detection and appropriate response

9.5.1 Fault flags during normal operation
If the BTD detects a fault, the fault status in the DATA message is changed to indicate the type
of fault(s) it has detected (see section 4.3.3). If a fault is reported, the following actions are
recommended:
Antenna Leak
The antenna(s) on the BTD are registering extremely low variability but are unsaturated, so a
leakage of their signal to ground is suspected. Check that there is no object in contact with the
antenna, including vegetation or spider’s webs, which can divert current from the antenna to
ground. Check that the antenna insulators are clean and free of extensive surface contamination.
Depending on the severity of the anomalous signal, the unit may still be able to function,
although the performance may be adversely affected. During periods of highly stable
atmospheric conditions with very little air turbulence at the site (usually during the night under
calm, anticyclonic conditions), it is possible that the antennas will detect sufficiently low
natural variability to activate a suspected leakage warning. Such specific atmospheric
conditions are uncommon and do not usually persist for more than a few hours, so the fault
indicator will stop once usual atmospheric conditions return. If this is the cause then no further
action is required since these conditions will not affect the performance of the BTD. If the
problem persists in more disturbed weather and after the antenna has been cleaned and checked
for debris, then the antenna amplifier may be faulty and requires replacement. Please contact
your BTD supplier for a replacement part.
Antenna Saturated
The antenna(s) on the BTD are registering a signal which contains a significant proportion of
current which has saturated the amplifier, indicating that the antenna is either receiving an
external DC current source of >300nA magnitude or suffering from persistent and strong
interference in the 1-45 Hz range. The interference could occur at 50 Hz mains power frequency
under exceptional circumstances sufficient to exceed the powerful digital filters of the BTD,
but this is only usually a possibility under high voltage power distribution lines (which would
also violate the site requirements). Check that the BTD is properly grounded and there is no
object in contact with the antenna, including vegetation or spider’s webs, which can transmit a
current between the antenna and ground. Check that the antenna insulators are clean and free
from extensive surface contamination. If the problem persists after the antenna has been
cleaned, checked for debris and strong 1-47 Hz noise sources discarded, then the antenna
amplifier may be faulty and requires replacement. Please contact your BTD supplier for a
replacement part.
Antenna Leak and Saturated

This is a combination of both of the previously described faults, whereby the signal is near-
continuously saturated and with little variability. Mitigation procedure same as previously
described for leakage and saturation faults.
Antenna Fault
The antenna fault is activated when the unit detects an anomaly with the front end amplifier(s)
embedded inside the insulators, such as continuous saturation, which indicates the amplifier
may have developed a fault or been damaged and needs to be replaced. Please contact your
BTD supplier for a replacement part.
45
Other fault
If this fault occurs, pressing the “Update Status” button in the BTD control software will
request the status and a more specific fault message will then be displayed. Please contact your
BTD supplier or Biral with the fault description for advice on how to proceed.
Sensor not reset since last R? message

Please update the display by pressing the “Update Status” button.
Direction Finder Module Fault Exists

A fault has occurred with the Direction Finder Module (optional on BTD-300), such as a failure
to communicate with it. Check that the Direction Finder Module is installed and connected to
its communication and power cable, which is in turn connected to the appropriate terminals in
the main electronic enclosure box. Please contact your supplier if the problem persists.
Direction Finder Module “noisy calibration"

The Direction Finder Module automatically calibrates and has determined that the background
radio noise at the site is very strong. If this happens there will be no direction data reported by
the BTD (will report 999). The source of radio interference should be identified and
removed/shielded, or the BTD relocated to a less noisy site. Note that the Direction Finder
Module itself cannot be shielded from radio interference, since it needs to be free to receive
signals from the lightning flashes.
9.5.2 Warning flags during site characterisation

During the site characterisation process (section 5.1) the BTD performs a series of checks on
the antenna outputs, including the Direction Finder Module (if installed). If any antenna system
is recording unexpected offsets, leakage or variability, a warning code is included in the site
characterisation message. Further details on the display of this warning are available in the
BTD Control Software user manual.
The BTD and Direction Finder Module site characterisation warning flag values will be
calculated from Table 15. The warnings could be added together, e.g. if all three BTD antenna
offsets were out of range the BTD warning would be 0x07. If the Direction Finder Module
background noise was too high on both antennae then the Direction Finder Module Warning
would be 0x18.
Value BTD Warning Direction Finder Warning

0x00 Site Characterisation passed Site Characterisation passed
0x01 Primary Offset out of range NS Offset out of range
0x02 Secondary Offset out of range EW Offset out of range
0x04 Tertiary Offset out of range E-field Offset out of range
0x08 Primary Leakage threshold out of range NS Background noise too high
0x10 Secondary Leakage threshold out of range EW Background noise too high
0x20 Tertiary Leakage threshold out of range Flash occurred during calibration
0x30 Corona threshold out of range Not used
Table 15: Site characterisation warnings
Recommended action in response to these warnings is as follows:
46
0x00: Site characterisation successful. No action required.
BTD antenna offset warnings

An unexpectedly high DC current is being registered from the antenna(s). Check that the BTD
is properly grounded and there is no precipitation or object in contact with the antenna,
including vegetation or spider’s webs, which can transmit a current to the antenna. Check that
the antenna insulators are clean and free of extensive surface contamination. When the antenna
is clean and clear of all foreign objects repeat the site characterisation. Depending on the
severity of the anomalous signal, the unit may still be able to function, although the
performance may be adversely affected. If the problem persists then the antenna amplifier may
be faulty and requires replacement. Please contact your BTD supplier for a replacement part.
BTD antenna leakage threshold warnings

An unexpectedly low or high variability in current is being registered from the antenna(s).
Check that the BTD is properly grounded and there is no object in contact with the antenna,
the PTFE antenna insulators are clean and free of extensive surface contamination. Check for
possible sources of interference in the 1-47 Hz range, such as local thunderstorm activity or
overhead precipitation. If present, repeat the site characterisation during fair weather when no
precipitation or local thunderstorms are present. Check for nearby movement of objects,
animals or people, slow electrostatic charging/discharging of nearby objects or nearby AC
power supplies which may be operating below 50 Hz (e.g. faulty generators) or are of
significant power (such as overhead high voltage cables). If such sources are suspected, it is
recommended that they are removed if practical or the BTD is relocated further from these
objects. When the antenna is clean, unobstructed and clear of potential sources of electrostatic
variability, repeat the site characterisation. Depending on the severity of the anomalous signal,
the unit may still be able to function, although the performance may be adversely affected. If
the problem persists then the antenna amplifier may be faulty and requires replacement. Please
contact your BTD supplier for a replacement part.
BTD corona threshold out of range

An unexpectedly high variability in current is being registered from the antenna(s). Check that
the BTD is properly grounded and there is no foreign object in contact with the antenna,
the PTFE antenna insulators are clean and free of extensive surface contamination. Check for
possible sources of interference in the 1-47 Hz range, such as local thunderstorm activity or
overhead precipitation. If present, repeat the site characterisation during fair weather when no
precipitation or local thunderstorms are present. Check for possible sources of interference in
the 1-47 Hz range, such as nearby movement of objects, animals or people, slow electrostatic
charging/discharging of nearby objects or nearby AC power supplies which may be operating
below 50 Hz (e.g. faulty generators) or are of significant power (such as overhead high voltage
cables). If such sources are suspected, it is recommended that they are removed if practical or
the BTD is located further from these objects. When the antenna is clean, unobstructed and
clear of potential sources of electrostatic variability, repeat the site characterisation. Depending
on the severity of the anomalous signal, the unit may still be able to function, although the
performance may be adversely affected. If the problem persists then the antenna amplifier may
be faulty and requires replacement. Please contact your BTD supplier for a replacement part.
47
Direction Finder Module offset out of range

An unexpectedly high near DC current is being registered from the direction finder radio
antenna(s). Check there are no suspected sources of VLF/LF radio interference at the site (e.g.
local thunderstorms, nearby sparking/faulty electrical equipment, fluorescent/dimmed lights,
powerful switch-mode power supplies, VLF transmitters etc.) and wait for thunderstorms to
clear and re-locate the BTD/interfering equipment if nearby strong artificial sources are
suspected. If this happens there will be no direction data reported by the BTD (will report 999).
Retry the site characterisation. If the problem persists then the antenna amplifier may be faulty
and the direction finder circuit board requires replacement. Please contact your BTD supplier
for a replacement part.
Direction Finder Module background noise too high

A continuous, unexpectedly strong low frequency radio signal is being registered from the
direction finder radio antenna(s). Check there are no suspected sources of VLF/LF radio
interference at the site (e.g. local thunderstorms, nearby sparking/faulty electrical equipment,
fluorescent/dimmed lights, powerful switch-mode power supplies, VLF transmitters etc.) and
wait for thunderstorms to clear or re-locate the BTD/interfering equipment if nearby strong
artificial sources are suspected. If this happens there will be no direction data reported by the
BTD (will report 999) Retry the site characterisation. If the problem persists then it is possible
that the site has too much VLF/LF radio interference. If this is considered unlikely (e.g.
following the results of a professional broadband radio sweep covering the VLF/LF/MF bands),
then the antenna amplifier may be faulty and the direction finder circuit board requires
replacement. Please contact your BTD supplier for a replacement part.
Direction Finder Module flash occurred during calibration

This message is reported when an isolated strong signal is received during the direction finder
calibration routine, which may have been the result of a local lightning stroke. Repeat the
characterisation procedure, ensuring that no thunderstorms are active in the area.
9.6 Performance FAQs
9.6.1 The manual states that no movement of animals should occur near the detector. My BTD
is often overflown by birds. Will this produce false alarms?
- Generally no. However, in rare instances some fast-flying birds can produce false alarms of
distant lightning if they fly directly overhead within approximately 2m of the antennas. Birds
landing on the antennas should not produce false alarms, although it is advised that an
appropriate installation site is selected which avoids regular bird activity within a few metres
of the antennas. If nearby birds become a concern then increasing the lightning strength
threshold from its default setting (level 5) will effectively remove any bird signals without
compromising on performance, for correctly sighted units.
9.6.2 Why does my BTD report occasional flashes greater than 45 NM (83 km) away when no
storms are in the region?
- Depending on your selected sensitivity settings, the BTD may occasionally pick up very weak
signals from natural or man-made sources within the 1-47 Hz listening frequency which are
not related to thunderstorm activity in the region. Like we advise in this manual, although
48
strong lightning flashes can sometimes be detected at ranges exceeding the maximum warning
range (45 NM / 83 km), these events will not activate any warning and should not be used for
the purpose of thunderstorm monitoring due to their increased ambiguity compared to events
detected within the maximum operating range.
For some non-ideal sites there may be rare occasions where nearby electrostatic discharges
occur of sufficient strength to register as distant flashes. Such discharges could be the result of
nearby faulty electrical equipment, for example. Such occurrences are usually isolated or
infrequent, so can be prevented from activating a warning if the “Warn on Second Distant
Flash” option is checked in the Service Screen or through the command prompt (section 7.32).
The distant thunderstorm warning will then only activate if two distant flashes are detected
within the warning hysteresis time (default 15 minutes), not just one. This feature allows distant
thunderstorms producing isolated or low lightning activity to be ignored (although their flashes
will still be logged), and can also be used to ignore infrequent, large electrostatic discharges at
a non-ideal site. The BTD will however always warn on the first flash detected in the vicinity
or overhead range sectors, due to the more immediate risk they present to the site.
9.6.3 Data from a lightning location network shows more lightning strikes in the area than my
BTD. Is my unit working correctly?
- Providing the BTD is installed and operated in accordance with the instructions provided by
the manual, the unit will detect nearly all of the lightning within range. Due to its high
sensitivity to weak intra-cloud activity, the BTD usually reports significantly more flashes than
other detectors and networks. When comparing the BTD output with that of a radio-detection
based system such as a lightning location network it is important to remember that the BTD
reports lightning flashes, unlike nearly all networks which report lightning strokes (the
supplier will be able to confirm whether their data are strokes or flashes).
These lightning strokes usually reported by networks represent the individual pulses of strong
current which occur during a complete lightning discharge. The complete discharge is referred
to as a lightning flash. Strokes from the same flash occur within half a second of each other
(usually considerably shorter). This is why a lightning flash appears to flicker to an observer.
Many strokes of the same flash follow the same path, but some form a new one within a few
kilometres. Whilst some flashes only contain a single stroke, most comprise of two or three,
although occasionally flashes may contain more than ten! This, combined with the location
uncertainty of the network can show multiple nearby points on their lightning map at the same
time for what was actually produced by the same lightning flash.
Since the BTD reports the location of the flash, i.e. the complete discharge and not the
individual components, it may appear to count less lightning than a network reporting lightning
strokes, which have not been grouped into flashes by the supplier. From a thunderstorm
warning perspective, there is no advantage to reporting strokes compared to flashes (networks
usually only do so since it is the fundamental unit derived from the radio pulses they detect). It
is lightning flash rates (not strokes) that normally define a storm’s overall electrical activity
and these will be the same as that identified by a human observer.
If you are concerned that a correctly sited and calibrated BTD is not detecting sufficient nearby
(within 30 NM/56 km) flashes in your area, you could try decreasing the lightning ratio
49
threshold from the default (level 5). If you are concerned more with improving detection of the
most distant (30-45 NM / 56-83 km) flashes detectable by the BTD, you could try lowering the
lightning strength threshold from the default (level 5). It is important to be aware however that
lowering any threshold from the default (level 5) setting has the potential to increase false
alarms. If in doubt, please contact Biral for advice on the most suitable sensitivity levels for
your requirements.
9.6.4 Why does my BTD sometimes produce a different distance/bearing to the same lightning
flash compared to that derived from a lightning location network?
- If the BTD is installed at a non-ideal site (as defined by the manual), it may need a site
correction factor due to the distortion of the ambient electric field by nearby obstructions. This
is achieved by identifying the correct distance to a storm and entering it into the system as
described by the manual (section 5.3). Sites with nearby metallic structures may also require
an offset correction to the (optional) direction finder module (section 3.5). These procedures
only need to be completed once for each non-ideal site. Once your BTD is correctly configured
there may still be occasional instances where the distance is noticeably different from that
derived from a good quality lightning location network. Interestingly, both can be correct! This
is because the network will locate the part of the flash producing the strongest radio signal
(which depends on the radio frequency used and orientation of the channel). The BTD will
weight its distance estimation to the nearest location of the storm where significant charge
neutralisation occurred. For most flashes these are approximately the same, although since
lightning can have a significant horizontal extent (sometimes tens of kilometres), the portion
of the lightning flash located by the radio detector network may be several kilometres from the
closest approach of the flash to the BTD. The BTD will therefore tend to report the flash as
being closer. Weighting the thunderstorm distance to the closest region of significant electrical
activity for horizontally extensive flashes has clear advantages from an early warning and
safety perspective.
The BTD is programmed with knowledge of the typical lightning strengths found throughout
the world. However, there will be cases where a thunderstorm produces some extremely weak
or strong lightning flashes which may be incorrectly ranged as being too far (weak flashes) or
close (strong flashes). Even for these uncommon events the deviation from the actual distance
is usually small compared to other standalone lightning detectors, due to the unique operating
principle of the BTD.
Strong background VLF/LF radio frequency noise present at the installation site can also
generate deviations in the flash bearing, especially for distant flashes where the signal
amplitude is small. The BTD will issue a fault if the background noise is determined to be
excessively strong during calibration, although even relatively moderate interference has the
capacity to affect the bearing of distant flashes with weak RF signals. Consequently, a BTD
with the optional Direction Finder Module should be sited away from sources of significant
VLF/LF interference.
9.6.5 Why are some flashes given a range but no direction (bearing 999) when the Direction
Finder Module is installed and operating correctly?
50
- There will sometimes be lightning flashes which do not generate sufficient low frequency
radio signals for the direction finder module to be confident of their bearing, despite producing
sufficient quasi-electrostatic field change for the main unit to provide a range. Typically these
flashes are weak intra-cloud and distant from the detector. This situation highlights the
advantage provided by the BTD of being able to detect and range these weak flashes which
would otherwise not have been detected (and certainly not ranged) by a conventional system
using low frequency radio detection.
It is worth noting that the diversity of radio signal amplitudes produced by different lightning
strokes means that a signal from lightning 1000 km away can have the same strength as a stroke
only 30 km away! The same does not apply to its quasi-electrostatic signal used by the BTD,
which therefore provides a substantially more reliable measure of lightning range than by using
radio signal amplitude alone. Nonetheless, radio signals are the only practical method of
lightning direction finding available for single site systems, so the direction finder module used
by the BTD must rely upon these signals.
9.6.6 My BTD is covered in snow and ice. Will this affect its performance?
- The BTD is designed to operate in harsh weather conditions and the antenna insulators are
shielded and heated, so providing there is no contact between the snow and ice on the antennas
with the metal support pole or other antennas, the unit should perform as expected.
Since the top of the snow represents the ground plane, the effective height of the antennas will
be reduced according to the snow depth around the base of the unit. This is not expected to
significantly affect performance (principally detection of distant flashes) until the snow depth
exceeds approximately 60 cm (2 ft). For persistent snow depths in excess of 60 cm the BTD
will tend to overestimate lightning distance, so will require re-calibration, and have a lower
detection efficiency for far away (>20 NM / 37 km) flashes. Snow depths exceeding 140 cm
(~4.5 ft) will likely make contact with the tertiary antenna and prevent the system from
detecting lightning (although it will still detect charged precipitation and strong electric field
variability), so the area immediately surrounding the BTD will need clearing of snow. The
optional electronics enclosure heater available for the BTD upon initial order is recommended
for installation in cold environments where the minimum ambient temperature is lower than -
20°C (-4°F).
Although lightning is relatively uncommon during snowstorms, it does occur during certain
meteorological conditions so there is still a risk to be considered. For example, winter rain/hail
showers in mid-latitudes can produce extremely powerful cloud-to-ground lightning, although
the storm’s lightning flash rate is usually low compared to summer thunderstorms. Such winter
storms tend to produce highly charged precipitation and strong electric fields, allowing the
BTD to warn of their potential overhead development.
51

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BTD-300

Where instructions apply to either, the Detector will be referred to as ‘BTD’.

This manual should be read fully before the instrument is used.

© Bristol Industrial and Research Associates Limited (Biral) 2018

Manual Number: 106543

7.18 RHOxxx – Relay On Hysteresis Time ................................................................................................... 35

Table 1: RS422 Serial communication terminal designations ........................................... 14

Table 3: Warning Flag Description ...................................................................................... 22

1.2. Electrical Safety

A switch or circuit breaker must be included in the installation.

This product MUST BE EARTHED

Failure to install a suitable earth may result in inaccurate readings

Failure to install an earth will make the unit potentially unsafe

Electric field disturbances associated with potential overhead thunderstorm development

Rain disc to divert drainage from sphere

Rain shield, amplifier and insulator

Electronic enclosure with

Figure 1: Main components of the BTD

3.1 Site Selection

Ideal site (allows optimal performance)

• Flat, level ground with no obstacles higher than approximately 20 cm (including

Unacceptable site (likely to severely reduce sensor performance)

A pictorial summary of these site requirements is shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Site suitability considerations

Figure 4: BTD base plate dimensions

Figure 5: NORTH pointing arrow

Direction Finder is optional on the BTD-300

REMEMBER TO LOWER THE

Figure 6: BTD-300 Assembly Instructions

3.2 Tools Required for Assembly

7mm spanner for the antenna dome nuts.

3.3 Package Contents

3.4 Corona Spikes

Corona Spikes are not fitted to the BTD-350.

Figure 7: Insertion of a corona spike into one of the rain shields.

3.5 Direction Finder angle offset

3.6 Power and Data Cables

3.6.1 Power Connections

Figure 8: BTD-300 and BTD-350 Enclosure box cable gland arrangement

Figure 9: Terminal positions for power connection

3.6.2 Ethernet Connections

3.6.3 Serial Data Connections (RS422)

Terminal Block Number Function of Host

Table 1: RS422 Serial communication terminal designations

3.6.4 Switching between Ethernet and RS422 communications

Figure 11: Location of SW2 switch

For Ethernet communications change switch 3 to the ‘Off’ position.

3.7 RS422 Connection Options

4-Way DIL switch

Figure 12: Location of RS422 configuration switches

3.8 Relay Connections

Earth Terminal Block

Upper Relay Terminals (NC)

Middle Relay Terminals (COM)

Lower Relay Terminals (NO)

Relay 1 (Warning) Relay 2 (Alert) Relay 3 (Severe Alert)

Figure 13: Relay Connections

3.9 Electrical Grounding

• Connections: Use tight, corrosion-proof bare metal connections throughout the