06. Lightning Forecast and Detection

Another solution (wired connection to the base station):

or

Check out the AS3935 Workbook by Michael Gasperi!

Magazine articles regarding the AS3935

No lightning when you need it? Then a lightning tester comes into play.

Demo Kit for AS3935

The documentation is really good, but many discontinued components are used and the price (for a hobbyist) is a little too much. Most of the components can easily be substituted, but I could not find a matching replacement for the AMS AS1101 LED driver.
Playing With Fusion Digital Lightning Sensor Tester Arduino Shield for AS3935

The hardware is affordable, but shipping from the US to Europe costs a small fortune. No schematic is provided, so there is no chance for DIY. There seem to be many similarities to the AMS Demo Kit, but I could not find a matching IC for the LED driver.
Finally see section AS3935 Lightning Generator in Michael Gasperi's AS3935 Workbook

This circuit uses standard components and is simple enough for DIY. The downside is that it is not exactly calibrated to trigger the sensor's lightning distance detection levels.

1) and 2) use a LED driver for the oscillator circuit. The rough requirements for a substitute are:

Supply voltage: 5 V (or better 3.3 V)
Current control via control voltage or via PWM with a frequency significantly higher than the oscillator frequency (500 kHz)
LED current >= 35 mA
Linear current source preferred (no switching voltage converter)

Some information on the FCC website

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