Płanetnik lab notes
Planetnik is being built as a lab-and-community project. We test electronics, enclosures, firmware, API, panel design and data presentation. Below are short build notes and a practical roadmap.
First StormNode as a lab prototype
We started by combining the FireBeetle ESP32-S3 with camera, the AS3935 lightning sensor and event/photo upload to the panel. This stage helped verify whether a local storm node makes practical sense.
Lightning sensor and noise-filter tests
We are testing AS3935 settings, indoor/outdoor modes, noise thresholds, false detections and correlation with real weather. The goal is not magic, but repeatable interpretation of data.
Enclosure, moisture and outdoor mounting
The project needs an enclosure resistant to outdoor conditions while still making sense for environmental sensors. That is one reason why we are looking for people familiar with enclosures, sealing and practical mounting.
Environmental data, GNSS/GPS and panel
We add temperature, humidity, pressure, GNSS/GPS location, sky photos and device diagnostics to detection data. In parallel, we develop the StormNode panel and API for current and historical data.
Roadmap
StormNode prototype stabilization
Improving firmware, telemetry, photos, sensor handling and core diagnostics.
Enclosure and field mounting
Testing enclosure, cable glands, ventilation, moisture protection and outdoor mounting methods.
Web panel and API
Displaying events, photos, telemetry, device status and historical data through the API.
Pilot StormNode network
Running first nodes in different locations and comparing data in clusters.
Planetnik Cloud — community network map
We are developing the interactive map at planetnik.cloud ↗. It currently presents the first pilot locations; later stages will add StormNode status, local weather data, images and storm activity.
Planetnik Go — mobile app
Under the working name Planetnik Go, we plan a mobile app offering convenient access from a phone to the Planetnik network map, local weather observations, storm activity and sky images. The first stage will focus on browsing data made available through the project's API; we will refine the feature scope based on experience from the pilot network.
Notifications and apps
In the next stage, we plan e-mail notifications and an extension of Planetnik Go with messages about storm activity and changes in local weather conditions for selected areas. This stage will include refining notification settings and how information from the StormNode network is presented.
Project assumptions and boundaries
Informational and R&D character
Planetnik is a community project and an experimental network for observing local weather phenomena. Data presented by the system is informational, educational and research-and-development oriented.
Local observation layer
We do not want to copy existing storm radar systems. Planetnik is intended to add local context: sky photos, sensors, telemetry and node data. Correlation and synchronization details remain part of ongoing development.
Planetnik data does not replace official meteorological messages or alerts issued by authorized institutions. We treat it as an additional local observation layer and a telemetry experiment.
FAQ for pilot participants
Do I need electronics experience?
Not always. Technical people are useful, but so are people with a good mounting location and willingness to test the device.
Does StormNode need to be mounted on a roof?
No. We are also interested in balconies, plots, schools, universities, workplaces and other safe locations with reasonable sky exposure.
Does the device need Wi‑Fi?
The basic variant assumes network access. For places without Wi‑Fi we also plan field communication options, such as an LTE/Solar gateway.
Will I get access to data?
Yes. The pilot assumption is access to presented StormNode data and historical project data through the API.
Will data be public?
During the pilot, we will handle publication carefully. We do not want to expose exact private locations unless necessary.
Is this already a finished product?
No. This is a prototype project built step by step. That is exactly why we need testers, builders and people willing to cooperate.
Open, but careful
We will publish part of the knowledge as notes, descriptions and documentation. At the same time, we do not publish the entire correlation, synchronization and analysis methodology while the project is still in research, prototype and field-testing phase.