The former GP-1 Lightning Locator is no longer used by us and has been replaced by the Lightning Cluster Mapper (LCM). Although the former system provided some useful displays of approximate areas of lightning activity, it was limited in its ability to analyze lightning stroke signatures because it only captured the peak values of the magnetic field signals and the polarity of the voltage field. These few signal metrics allowed discovery of bearing and approximate range, but did little to aid in discriminating between various stroke types and the elimination of non-lightning signals.
Construction of the GP-1 is no longer recommended. Although the original antenna array, preamplifiers, and integrators are adequate for signal acquisitions, much smaller crossed loops and voltage field plates function equally well. The new Mapper digitizes the three incoming signal waveforms from a smaller antenna and does all analyses and map display with software. Those wishing to design their own mapper might find the replacement Web page helpful.
No step-by-step construction information is included in the Mapper Web page (http://lcm.met.psu.edu/default.htm). For those desiring the information from the former GP-1 Web page, a CD is available upon request from GP-1@ems.psu.edu. When writing, please provide us with your name, affiliation, and location. We will respond as soon as we can.