Introduction
This Gravity AS3935 lightning sensor adds local thunderstorm activity to a consumer weather station, wearable prototype or photography experiment. The AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor IC and Coilcraft MA5532-AE antenna detect lightning activity within a maximum 40km range, providing estimated storm distance and relative intensity data. Built-in rejection of man-made disturbances helps reduce false indications from electrical interference. A compact 30.0mm*22.0mm board, Gravity I2C interface and IRQ output support integration with Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects. This module supplies sensing data for a controller-based project, with distance reported as an estimate rather than a precise strike location.
Storm Distance Estimates Across a 40km Range
This lightning sensor provides an estimated distance to the leading edge of a thunderstorm, helping a weather project track nearby storm activity. Distance is reported in 15 steps across the maximum 40km range, with 1~4km resolution rather than a continuous fine-grained measurement. Relative intensity data adds another parameter for comparing detected events. The intensity value has no physical unit and should not be interpreted as a direct measurement of lightning current or energy in joules.
Disturber Rejection for Indoor and Outdoor Detection
This AS3935 module includes an embedded man-made disturber rejection algorithm to distinguish lightning-like signals from electrical disturbances. The algorithm helps reduce false indications associated with nearby appliances and other interference sources. Indoor and outdoor operating modes support different installation environments, making the module useful in a home weather station or an outdoor sensing prototype. Detection performance still depends on placement and noise conditions; indoor/outdoor mode selection does not establish a waterproof rating for the board.
Compact I2C Module with Event Interrupt Output
This Gravity lightning sensor combines a small board footprint with I2C communication and three selectable addresses: 0x03, 0x02 and 0x01. The 3.3V~5.5V supply range supports controller-based builds, while the IRQ output alerts the host when an event needs attention. Controller software can identify the interrupt source and respond to confirmed lightning events, supporting event logging or experimental camera triggering with a suitable interface. The supplied Gravity cable provides the I2C connection; the module's communication interface is I2C.
Connection Diagram of Gravity: Lightning Sensor (Arduino UNO)
Connection Diagram of Gravity: Lightning Sensor (Raspberry Pi 3B)
Features
- AS3935 Franklin lightning sensor IC with Coilcraft MA5532-AE antenna
- Lightning activity detection within a maximum 40km range
- Estimated storm-front distance in 15 steps with 1~4km resolution
- Relative lightning intensity data
- Indoor and outdoor operating modes
- Embedded man-made disturber rejection algorithm
- Gravity I2C interface with three selectable addresses and IRQ output
Applications
- Consumer weather stations and thunderstorm monitoring
- Wearable thunderstorm-awareness prototypes
- Lightning photography experiments with a suitable camera-trigger interface
Specification
- Input Voltage : 3.3V~5.5V
- Maximum Detection Range: 40 km
- Distance Detection Resolution: 1~4 km
- Intensity Detection Resolution: 21 bits, i.e. 0 ~16777201
- I2C Address: Three options 0x03, 0x02, 0x01
- Interface: Gravity I2C (logic level: 0-VCC)
- Dimension: 30.0mm*22.0mm/1.18*0.87 in
Shipping List
- Gravity: Lightning Sensor x1
- XH2.54-2P Black Header x1
- Gravity-4P I2C/ UART Sensor Wire x1