Boltek NexStorm Lite User Manual
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Lightning Detection Software, Version 1.0
Close storm activity coupling
This function is critical if you want close storms to be ranged accurately and in a more natural way than would
be the case with this feature disabled. The activity coupling tells NexStorm to assume that nearby storms,
positioned within the angle parameter of the closest storm in one direction, are parts of the same storm
system. Thus the range to each target will be adjusted towards the closest TRAC target though only if the
more distant targets are within ± angle.
In some rare instances, the above logic will not apply and this could lead to incorrect ranging in certain
directions. In the majority of cases however, this feature will improve ranging to close storms considerably so
it is a general recommendation that you keep it enabled at all times. If you for some reason need to deactivate
the activity coupling just set the angle parameter to 0 degrees.
Note also that the activity coupling will only affect storms (TRAC targets) that are inside the Outer boundary
distance parameter.
Figure 7. Left image shows how a storm system is ranged with activity coupling disabled. Right image shows the
same storm at the exact same time but with activity coupling enabled (20 degrees angle, 200 km/125 mi)
Note how in figure 7 right image, cluster fragmentation is almost non-existent and the entire thunderstorm
system is ranged closer with the activity coupling enabled. The right side image in fact displays exactly the
storm’s actual position this day while the left image is not as accurate for the clusters to either side of the
nearest storm. Another notable thing is the distance to the activity closest to center. At the exact point in time
when these screenshots were made, the thunderstorm was passing overhead moving towards north-east so
the activity coupling is producing overall better ranging to the storm than in the left image where it was
disabled. With this in mind, you can use the activity coupling when making ranging calibrations.
The angle and outer boundary values are by default set to 20 degrees and 100 km (63 mi) respectively but
feel free to experiment with these values if you feel it is required.
Edition: 5/L1
2007-09-02
© 2007 Astrogenic Systems
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