Flash Thunder Box

An easy way to determine the distance of a storm is the "flash-to-bang" method. It calculates the distance of a storm using the seconds passing between flash and thunder.

The Flash Thunder Box calculates that distance for you. It consists of a button which can be pressed twice (first time when the flash is spotted, second time when the thunder is being heard) and displays the approximate distance to the storm.

Building and Testing

To run the test program (testing the LED and the 7-segment display), press the button connected to D9 during uploading/starting.

Components

4-Digit 7-Segment Display

Part number: kyx-5461as

Pin layout: bottom left to right: 1-6, top right to left: 7-12

KYX-5461AS Description Arduino 
1 Segment E 7 
2 Segment D 8 
3 Decimal point 9 
4 Segment C 10 
5 Segment G 11 
6 Digit 4 12 
7 Segment B 13 
8 Digit 3 2 
9 Digit 2 3 
10 Segment F 4 
11 Segment A 5 
12 Digit 1 6

For more information and Arduino Uno pin layout: http://www.ithepro.com/2015/11/kyx-5461as-4-digit-7-segment-led.html

Button with LED

https://www.adafruit.com/products/1443

Power Switch

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11138 https://www.adafruit.com/products/805