Flash Bee is a simple-to-assemble DIY handheld lightning detector made using off-the-shelf components like the XIAO ESP32C3 board and the Round Display for XIAO, alongside a 3D-printed case.
The project utilizes the AMS AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor, a well-established technology, included in kits like Sparkfun’s Arduino IoT weather station, which can detect lightning strikes up to 40 km away with a precision of 1 km. The Flash Bee design is charming and practical, and apparently easy to replicate.
Flash Bee primary components:
– Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 with Wi-Fi 4 & Bluetooth LE 5.0 ($4.90)
– Round Display for XIAO – 1.28-inch touchscreen display (240×240), 65K colors, 100 Hz refresh rate ($18)
– Grove Lightning Sensor AS3935 ($26.90)
– 3.7V 400mAh LiPo battery
– Slide switch
– 2x M2 5mm and 2x M3 10mm screws
– Connecting wires
– B7000 glue
– 3D printed antenna cover, back body, front cover, and add-on
Minimal soldering is needed, mainly to connect the AS3935 module to the ESP32-C3 board and for the battery with its switch. A 3D printer is required for the plastic components. The estimated hardware cost is about $60. Step-by-step instructions and 3D files are available on Instructables.
Some soldering required
The project includes an Arduino sketch available online. It uses the Seeed_Arduino_RoundDisplay and Seeed_GFX libraries. The interface shows the distance of strikes, an energy indicator, the count of strikes, and strike energy history. It also features an overhead strike alert, with a battery life lasting about 6 to 7 hours.
Watch the video below for a project overview, assembly instructions, and demos.
Via XDA Developers
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time project, before leaving his role as a software engineering manager, and began writing daily news and reviews full time in 2011.
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