A new generation of VLF-atmospherics receivers and analyzers is presented that operates completely automatically and allows the realtime identification of thunderstorm activity centers. The mean azimuth and angular spread of each thunderstorm center within the detection range as well as the mean statistical properties of three measured spectral parameters of the atmospherics originating at that center are determined within each measuring period (20 min) by a desktop computer. Using a suitable statistical procedure for determining the mean angular and spectral parameters and applying a new extended model for VLF-propagation as function of the solar zenith angle and of the magnetic field component along the propagation path, the operation program determines in real time the distances and strengths (atmospherics/min) of the activity centers so that all data can be immediately printed out and stored on the internal magnetic tape cartridge. Additionally, an external plotter is used for making the thunderstorm centers on a map. No maintenance is required apart from changing the data tape cartridge once every month. At present, two systems of this new kind are installed at Pretoria (South Africa), Tel Aviv (Israel), and a somewhat older one at Berlin. Three more stations are to be established toward the end of this year. First results show the characteristics of the method, the short- and long-range capability and resolution, and the reliability of the thunderstorm localizations.