Build this sensor panel and SEE the e-fields around charged objects

• Electrometer construction info (.txt)
• Simple, sensitive electrometer project & demos
• Electrometer schematic
• Electrometer build-it project
• JPG of finished exhibit at Mus. of Sci., Boston (30K)
• JPG of front of array panel 55K
• GIF of back of array panel 50K
• Making an e-field viewer bottle
• BOOKS: Electrostatics

I built this device in 1989 as part of the Electricity/Electronics exhibit at the Museum of Science in Boston. Each small light is controlled by an e-field sensor, and will respond to any "static electricity" in the area. When a negatively-charged object approaches the glowing red panel, the lights nearest the object will turn off. If you scuff your shoes on the rug and then wave your hand around the panel, a big black blotch will follow your hand. This "blotch" is a crude image of the electrical field surrounding your body. Touch a grounded object, and your hand no longer will affect the panel. Rub a balloon on your head in order to charge it, and the balloon will affect the panel from several feet away.