Lightning Rod Strike Counter
Lightning Rod Strike Counter Kit: Arduino-Powered AS3935 Data Logger with Timestamp SD Logging
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
With this kit, you'll construct a real-world lightning monitoring system that detects direct strikes to a lightning rod, counts cumulative strikes, and records each event with a precise timestamp to an SD card. Ideal for meteorology enthusiasts, environmental researchers, and engineering students building autonomous weather stations. The system runs continuously, logging data for long-term analysis of thunderstorm patterns.
What You'll Build
You'll assemble a fully functional lightning strike logger housed in a waterproof enclosure, ready for field deployment. The OLED displays live strike count and system status, while the SD card stores a CSV log with date and time of every strike. After final soldering and sealing, you’ll have a professional-grade instrument to study lightning strike frequency, duration, and seasonal trends right in your locality.
What You'll Learn
- Integrate the AS3935 lightning sensor to detect electromagnetic disturbances and filter false alarms from man-made noise.
- Interface a DS3231 real-time clock for accurate event timestamping even when the main power is interrupted.
- Log sensor data to a microSD card in structured CSV format using Arduino IDE and standard libraries.
- Design and assemble a field-ready device: soldering, enclosure fitting, power management, and waterproof sealing.
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| AS3935 Lightning Sensor | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Capacitors | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 1 |
| 9V Battery Snap | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
B.Tech ECE/EEE students working on sensor-based final year or semester projects will find this kit a complete, ready-to-deploy solution. Participants of Smart India Hackathon building weather or disaster monitoring prototypes can save weeks of sourcing. Researchers at IIT, NIT, BITS Pilani, or similar institutes studying environmental data analytics gain a reliable logging platform for field studies.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We’ve spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
The AI companion guides you step by step, and you can send photos or questions on WhatsApp — our team responds within hours.
Can this detect cloud-to-ground lightning or only direct rod strikes?
The AS3935 sensor captures electromagnetic signals from nearby discharges; with its advanced algorithms and our firmware, it reliably counts direct strikes to the rod while ignoring distant cloud lightning and man-made interference.
What battery life can I expect for continuous field deployment?
On a standard 9V alkaline battery, you’ll get roughly 30–40 hours of logging. For longer runs, you can easily connect a 12V solar panel or a USB power bank to the Arduino’s DC jack.
Is the supplied enclosure truly weatherproof for monsoon conditions?
The IP65-rated waterproof enclosure protects against heavy rain and dust. You must seal all cable entry glands with silicone sealant (not included) to maintain full protection in continuous downpours.
AS3935 lightning sensor counts direct rod strike current pulses. Logs cumulative count with timestamps to SD.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- AS3935 Lightning Sensor
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- 0.96in OLED
- 4.7kΩ Resistors x5
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- Waterproof Enclosure
- 9V Battery Snap
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items