Description
A simple electrostatic polarity detector kit or electroscope kit, that indicates the presence of electrostatic charge and its relative polarity , ideal for exploring static charge on items including insulators in a similar way that you would use a gold leaf electroscope, but with the benefit that you can easily see the polarity of the charge and its change over time.
Featuring a very high input impedance operational amplifier and two LED’s, red and green to indicate the relative polarity of the charge on the input, our electrostatic polarity detector is easy to build having only through-hole components, so other than a soldering iron and cutters, no other complex tools are required.
The circuit is powered from 3xAAA batteries in a holder with a power switch, this enables the “0V” to be connected to any other piece of equipment for relative measurements to be made.
The electrostatic polarity detector kit is a great tool for exploring the charging of our electrostatic generation devices such as our Wimshurst machines ,Cockcroft Walton multipliers and van de Graaff generators. It can also be used to show charges on every day items such as balloons, plastic bags, clothing, combs and carpets.
The kit is so sensitive that just left on a table it can slowly charge up so a “zero” button has been added to the input to start the kit with zero charge for more accurate readings.
note: Due to the sensitivity of the input this kit must not be directly physically connected to high voltage sources and must only be used to sensing in air or against insulators. This kit must not be used for an safety related purpose, or as a voltage detector before work on any electrical system. It should only be used for learning and demonstration purposes.
