HOW
ELSE DOES LIGHTNING "PREDICTION" DIFFER FROM LIGHTNING
"DETECTION?
Lightning
"detection" systems detect the electromagnetic signatures that
are the by-product of actual lightning strikes. Lightning
"prediction" senses and evaluates the shifts and changes in
the electrostatic field that precede the occurrence of an actual
lightning strike. This is the reason why our unique lightning prediction
technology has always been able to provide warning before the first
strike. According to a leading lightning detection manufacture's
specification sheet, they need three strikes within 10 miles before they
achieve peak operation. What if the first strike is right on top of you? |
HOW
MUCH ADVANCE WARNING CAN I EXPECT FROM A THOR GUARD LIGHTNING PREDICTION
TO FIND APPROPRIATE SHELTER?
The
THOR GUARD system has been designed to offer various sensitivity levels
in order to satisfy a diverse range of client needs and geophysical
locations. In a typical user-selected range (12 mile/2 miles) the system
would provide 8 to 20 minutes advance warning. It is important to note
that lightning does not need to be visible before a warning is given.
Our unique "Field Collapse Counter" is the most accurate
lightning detection method in existence today and will respond to subtle
migrations of potentially dangerous energy. |
IS
THERE A MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE RANGE FOR HOW CLOSE A LIGHTNING STRIKE HAS
OCCURRED BEFORE SHUTTING DOWN OPERATIONS?
This is not an issue when using a THOR GUARD system
because we are predicting strike probabilities for your immediate area
of concern and updating the data 500 times a second.
For lightning detection systems, however, the
choice of the correct range is critical. The most recent data from a
1998 study by Messrs. Holle & Lopez (Severe Storm Center) would
indicate that the minimum acceptable range from the last strike should
be no less than 6-8 miles. This obviously would indicate that waiting
for lightning to reach the previous standard of a 0-5 mile range, is
dangerous. The new data also challenges the popular "Flash to
Bang" theory because lightning can rarely be seen and/or thunder
heard, as far away as 6-8 miles. |
INTERNET
SEARCHES HAVE REVEALED A FEW ORGANIZATIONS THAT GIVE THE
APPEARANCE OF BEING AUTHORITIES ON LIGHTNING. WHY DO THESE
ORGANIZATIONS PROMOTE ONLY LIGHTNING DETECTION AND NOT LIGHTNING
PREDICTION?
While appearing
to be independent and objective, many of these associations have in fact
been created to further the best interests of one company. If you look
closely at the makeup of these groups, you will notice many of the same
names listed as Board Members, employees and advisors. Further scrutiny
will reveal an association with a dominant lightning detection
manufacturer. While offering some pertinent advice on lightning, most of
these organizations are critical of our products because it is in their
financial best interest to do so. |
EXACTLY
WHAT IS THOR GUARD'S ROLE WITH PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR GOLF AS WELL AS
THE 1996 ATLANTA OLYMPICS?
THOR
GUARD is the only stand-alone lightning warning system used by the USGA,
Canadian and European Tours, Golden Bear Tour, Lone Star Tour, and all
PGA major championships. THOR GUARD can be found at 75 USGA sections, 9
PGA sections, at all USGA National Championships, and was at every
Atlanta Olympic venue except Sailing. Our system has been
"tournament tested" through thousands of hours of operation -
NO False alerts - NO late notices. Don't take our word for it, check it
out! |
IS
IT TRUE THAT THERE IS NO STATISTICAL OR DATA BASED EVIDENCE THAT THOR
GUARD PREDICTS LIGHTNING?
No
it is not true! Actually there are several patents on the system dating
back to the 1970's proving its unique abilities and adherence to a
strict database system. The, further enhancement of this science is
proprietary and therefore not available for publication. |
WHAT
IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIGHTNING "PROTECTION" AND LIGHTNING
"WARNING" DEVICES?
If
you should hear that the THOR GUARD product is not a
"protection" device or system, that would be correct. We offer
lightning "warning" systems, not "protection"
systems. According to the "Lightning Protection Institute" a
lightning "protection" device provides actual protection
against a strike. In this category are surge suppressors, lightning
rods, grounding systems, large buildings, etc. THOR GUARD WARNS PEOPLE
BEFORE A STRIKE WILL HIT TO GO AND SEEK "PROTECTION"! Any
company that represents that a lightning detector or horn warning system
is lightning "protection" does not understand the facts. |
WHAT
IS THE AUDIBILITY RANGE OF ONE VOICE OF THOR HORN WARNING REMOTE?
The
normal range of one "horn cluster" (six air-horns) is 700-800
yards, in a 360° pattern. Typography, tree density, air moisture
content and ambient noise are all factors that will affect
performance! For example: A normal 18-hole golf layout will need (1) Base
Transmitter/Horn Cluster and (2) Remote Receiver/Horn Cluster locations. |
DOES
YOUR SYSTEM SHUT DOWN DUE TO CLOUD TO CLOUD DISCHARGES LIKE DETECTION
SYSTEMS OR IS PRONE TO GIVING FALSE ALERTS ("FALSE
POSITIVES")?
No, our
system does not shut down due to cloud to cloud discharges. Because we
monitor the electrostatic atmosphere and compare all readings to a
finite database, we seldom issue false warnings that result in our horns
being activated. Do you think that all the professional golf tours and
other clients would continue to utilize our products after-years of
experience if we gave false-readings? |
IS
THE VOICE OF THOR HORN WARNING REMOTE CAPABLE OF OPERATING SOLELY ON
SOLAR POWER (NO WIRES)?
More
than 95% of all new installations now utilize solar power as the primary
power source (not just as a backup like competitive systems). We
actually prefer the solar option because access to external power is
expensive and unreliable. We have also discovered that battery life (12
volt) may also be extended. |
