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DIY Electrostatic Meters

Electrostatic meters are used to detect static electricity. Static electricity is the buildup of charges on surfaces. It can be generated when objects are rubbed together. For example, it can occur when a balloon is rubbed against a wall, or when a plastic pen is rubbed with a piece of paper. A DIY electrostatic meter can be built with a FET. A FET is a special type of transistor used for switching electrical signals. To measure current strength, use a small meter calibrated with a potentiometer. Detect the static electricity with an antenna made of insulated copper wire.

Things You'll Need

MPF102 FET
18-gauge insulated copper wire
100k-ohm potentiometer
0-1ma meter
9V battery
Battery holder
Breadboard
Jumper wire

Instructions

- 1
  Determine which of the FET̵7;s leads are the drain, source, and gate. Insert the chip into the breadboard so all three leads are in separate columns.
- 2
  Insert a jumper wire between the drain and a breadboard row or column that is the ground.
  Strip the insulation from the ends of the 18-gauge wire, and attach it vertically to the gate.
- 3
  Connect the middle lead of the potentiometer to the source. Connect one of its end leads to ground, and the other to a breadboard row or column that is the voltage source. Attach the plus side of the meter to the source, and its minus side to the ground.
- 4
  Connect the battery holder to the voltage source and ground, and then insert the battery inside it. Bring the circuit near an electrostatic source such as a television or computer monitor. Calibrate the meter by turning the potentiometer knob so it does not extend too far right.

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