⚡ DIY Lightning Detector with ESP8266 (Up to 40 km!)

Build your own smart lightning detector and monitor storms in real time right from your desk!

This project combines electronics, experimentation, and design into a compact and fascinating device perfect for makers who want to explore how technology can interact with nature.

👉 IMPORTANT: this is NOT a professional instrument. In this build, a non original (clone) AS3935 sensor was used just like most of the modules available online. These low-cost versions can be less accurate and more sensitive to environmental noise, which may result in false positives.

👉 But that’s exactly what makes this project so valuable: it’s a real hands-on learning experience.

Why build this?

Because it’s one of those projects that combines technology + nature + wow effect.

Imagine seeing a LED light up and hearing a buzzer sound when a lightning strike happens kilometers away… and you built it yourself.

What makes this project special

⚡ Detects lightning up to ~40 km
📺 OLED display with real-time data
🔊 Buzzer for instant alerts
🌈 RGB LED status indicator
📡 ESP8266 with Wi-Fi capability
🧠 Smart automatic calibration

The system dynamically adjusts its sensitivity to find the best balance between detection and noise filtering.

How it works (quick overview)

The AS3935 sensor “listens” for electromagnetic signals generated by lightning. When an event is detected:

• the display shows the estimated distance
• the LED changes color
• the buzzer alerts you

👉 Due to the use of clone sensors, nearby electronic devices may sometimes be detected as lightning (false positives).

Perfect for

🔧 Makers and electronics enthusiasts
🎓 Educational and STEM projects
🧪 Experiments with sensors and EM interference
⚡ Anyone who wants to build something unique

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