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Originally Posted by FrankM
I doubt it. Typical multimeters are low impedance devices and they will effectively short out the small differential presented by the atmospheric gradient...
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/print/2367
Anytime you place a conductive material within an electric field the characteristics of that field will be altered. A kite (ala Ben Franklin) or a helium balloon could hoist a thin wire such that a greater potential would be present, but you would still need a very high impedance measuring device. Also, Ben didn't have powerlines to worry about. The beauty of the field mill is that, except for its presence, it doesn't interject a large disturbance into the electric field. |
Ok on the multimeter, I do have the skills to build the field mill described in the link, but I may not have the persaverence. The commercial models are well out of my range. I will continue to consider the options.
I am an experienced kiter, & open space is a more difficult proposition in the area of the caves than is power lines. Then there is the matter of having enough wind.
What circuitry will increase the impedence? I have enough electronics skill to build simple bread-board circuits & 'Shacks in the area.
Good stuff1
Turtle
