Boltek StormTracker-PCI - Manual (Page 15)

TROUBLESHOOTING 11
If the noise continues despite the shielding, unplug the antenna cable from the receiver board. If
the noise continues the receiver board is picking up noise from other boards in your computer.
You will have to change the position of the board in your computer. Increase the separation
between the StormTracker board and any other board. Or try placing different boards next to the
StormTracker board. Do not place the computer's video board next to the StormTracker board.
Noise can come from:

televisions

computer monitors

lights or appliances turning on or off

light dimmers

electric motors
Each of these can radiate radio signals in the same frequency range that StormTracker uses to
detect lightning.
If you are experiencing noise problems you must take steps to prevent the antenna from receiving
these interfering signals. This usually requires relocating either the antenna or the source of
interference.
Televisions, monitors and light dimmers will produce a continuous stream of strikes and noise.
Lights and appliances turning on and off will produce a single strike or noise as the device turns
on or off.
The best way to prevent interference is to separate the antenna from the source if interference.
The best way to separate the antenna is vertically. It is usually best to mount the antenna as high
as possible. A small amount of vertical separation is equivalent to a larger amount of horizontal
separation.
A portable AM radio tuned between stations can be a useful tool in locating a noise source.
Listen for buzzing and clicking sounds that correspond with a StormTracker noise or strike. An
electrical appliance turning on or off can produce a click or popping sound. Televisions, light
dimmers, arc welders, motors, and computers will make a buzzing sound. If you find something
which you suspect is producing interference to StormTracker, turn off the device to see if the
noise problem is reduced.