Using your computer, online during a thunderstorm?

ColdFront77 · #1 Postby **ColdFront77** » Tue Jun 24, 2003 11:43 pm

This is a logical question to ask on a weather board.

#2 Postby **vbhoutex** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 12:33 am

Since I use my computer to track the storms and I have a strong surge supressor on the system I usually leave the comp up unless the storm is right overhead and/or the lightning is close and very active. Probably stupid on my part.

ColdFront77 · #3 Postby **ColdFront77** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 1:27 am

I have a power strip that is also a surge protector and the entire house has one, too.

I don't see how I can possible always shutdown and unplug my computer prior to and during every single thunderstorm that I experience here in central Florida. Thunderstorms happen just about every 24 hours from June to mid-October. I would be putting more stain on my computer shutting it on and off so often.

M2 · #4 Postby M2 » Wed Jun 25, 2003 2:09 am

Ditto on that Vbhoutex. How else can we watch the severe weather
when 'that other channel' won't give us radar every 2 minutes anymore?

Arizwx · #5 Postby **Arizwx** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 3:01 am

Speaking from the #4 LTG State...I will say this form experience.It is not only dangerous..its costly...and with the Hard Line in the 110 wiring,its only a matter of time before a Comp meltdown...also those with Dial Up service...MUCHO PELIGROSO!!!Very Dangerous.Cable..less so.
However.I have a Laptop with a PCS DIG Mobile Modem interface.
No prob on batt and dig cell..plus I can GO to the storm..too cool and too safe!
Later.
DJ..

M2 · #6 Postby M2 » Wed Jun 25, 2003 3:06 am

Arizwx wrote:
However.I have a Laptop with a PCS DIG Mobile Modem interface.
No prob on batt and dig cell..plus I can GO to the storm..too cool and too safe!
Later.
DJ..

Are you saying you're running wireless?

weatherlover427 · #7 Postby **weatherlover427** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 3:09 am

I have DSL so I would have to shut down during thunderstorms, especially since my surge protector is weak (in fact virtually nonexistent).

blizzard · #8 Postby **blizzard** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 4:29 am

I run a surge protector and a UPS with built in surge supression. So I don't always shut down, but occasionally do when there is really heavy activity, or if its overnight when I will be offline too.

#9 Postby **wx247** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 7:25 am

I shut down if the storm is severe and/or has very intense and frequent lightning overhead. Otherwise, I generally leave it on.

PTrackerLA · #10 Postby **PTrackerLA** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 8:47 am

I don't normally shut down the computer for thunderstorms, even though I probably should. For Hurricane Lili when we lost power I just HAD to see the radar so I ran an extension cord from our generator to the comp and I was able to get online. I was worried that it would fry my computer, which it didn't, and I was able to watch the radars as she moved inland.

Guest · #11 Postby **Guest** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 9:13 am

I keep mine on - I have old-fashion dialup - I only shutdown when there is lightning outside and its striking really close. Otherwise - I'm tracking and following the storms minute by minute.

Been doing it for 4 years now and no problems with anything on my computer. Its really just common sense. My computer was my saving-grace during TS Allison - it was my friends here that kept me from freaking out with my hubby trapped.

Patricia

Constructionwx · #12 Postby **Constructionwx** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:16 am

Arizwx wrote:Speaking from the #4 LTG State...I will say this form experience.It is not only dangerous..its costly...and with the Hard Line in the 110 wiring,its only a matter of time before a Comp meltdown...also those with Dial Up service...MUCHO PELIGROSO!!!Very Dangerous.Cable..less so.
However.I have a Laptop with a PCS DIG Mobile Modem interface.
No prob on batt and dig cell..plus I can GO to the storm..too cool and too safe!
Later.
DJ..

And a follow up to M2's question. What kind of speed can you get through your cell phone?

PTrackerLA · #13 Postby **PTrackerLA** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:35 am

I have one of the new Sprint pcs vision phones and supposedly you can hook it up to your laptop and browse the internet. I believe the speeds are up to 144kb/s but browsing the internet on my phone seems more like 56k or less. I've heard within the next year the speeds will inscrease up to over 1mb/s.

Colin · #14 Postby **Colin** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 12:16 pm

I also have a "SurgeStrip," and most times, I leave my computer on... but if a very strong storm is moving in, I'll turn it off just to be safe. Usually not... but if it is a very severe storm, I'll turn it off.

breeze · #15 Postby **breeze** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 8:27 pm

I'm on dial-up, with a surge protector, but, it depends on how
close the storm is, and, the severity of it....if it's strong, I
shut down, unplug, and, pull the phone cord.
Adios to good wxbuddies until the storm passes!

Stormsfury · #16 Postby **Stormsfury** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 9:08 pm

It is a judgment call on my part and a it depends vote. I will keep the PC on as long as I can, but if CG (cloud to ground lightning) is too close (within 7 seconds [or 1½ miles] between lightning and thunder) and too intense, the PC gets shut down, despite being on a surge protector ... The powersurge can do just as much damage to the PC or wipe it out altogether just as the lightning itself can ...

SF

JetMaxx · #17 Postby **JetMaxx** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:06 pm

I'm not sure how much different a Webtv dial up 28.8 kb modem is from a PC....but I got one fried last year; even though I have a surge protector and turn off the Webtv if the storm is very close/ overhead (use my scanner to hear what's happening locally, plus my S.A.M.E. equipped Wx Radio).

According to the Webtv service techs, my unit and tv were protected from lightning running the electrical line by the surge protector -- but WHAT FRIED the modem (and ruined my Webtv unit) was electrical buildup that entered through the phone line -- why I not only turn off the tv when a storm is near, but also UNPLUG the telephone cord from the jack in back of my Webtv unit.

In all honesty, it depends on the situation....if it's a run of the mill summer lightning storm, I ALWAYS unplug everything. If it's a tornadic supercell approaching my area in spring, I will risk it...but not for anything less than an emergency weather situation.

hunter84 · #18 Postby **hunter84** » Wed Jun 25, 2003 11:14 pm

Most of the time I'll get off line if I'm on and shut it down.

GAStorm · #19 Postby **GAStorm** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 12:13 pm

I just went wireless with my laptop so I rarely turn it off during a storm. Although last month was the exception with all the lightning we had!

#20 Postby **vbhoutex** » Thu Jun 26, 2003 3:47 pm

Perry there are surge protectors available that will protect the modem too. They are not as cheap as normal ones, but they are supposed to be real good. That is what i gave the daughter when she was at college and not living on campus. YOu may already know this, but thought I'd mention it just in case you or someone else didn't.

Using your computer, online during a thunderstorm?

Do you always log off and turn off your computer when there are thunderstorms in your area?

Using your computer, online during a thunderstorm?

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