Understanding and Interpreting Data from Static Electricity Meter Experiments

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on issues with a static electricity meter that fails to zero out when stationary and grounded. Participants suggest verifying the meter's operation under controlled conditions, such as wrapping it in aluminum foil connected to a ground. There is emphasis on the importance of sharing visual data, like screenshots or videos, to clarify the setup and results. The conversation highlights that all measuring instruments can have errors and misinterpretations, stressing the need to understand data reliability and error margins. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the meter's readings depends on thorough testing and proper usage.
Steven Ellet
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TL;DR Summary
My detector won’t keep changing.
My static electricity meter won’t stay zero when I am not moving and when I am electrically grounded.

Video:


EDIT:
Can you see this?

shorturl.at/jsGV0
 
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Looks like your video did not attach/link properly?

Edit -- Looks to be fixed now.
 
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You can't link us to your Google drive.
 
DaveC426913 said:
You can't link us to your Google drive.
What do I do then?
 
Steven Ellet said:
What do I do then?
You can upload JPEG or PDF screenshots/stills to help us understand your setup. Or you will need to have a YouTube account or similar if you want to post a video, I think.
 
berkeman said:
You can upload JPEG or PDF screenshots/stills to help us understand your setup. Or you will need to have a YouTube account or similar if you want to post a video, I think.
Can you see that?
 
Steven Ellet said:
Can you see that?
See which what?
 
Sometimes instruments are broken or just weren't any good to begin with. Granted, we haven't seen ANY details in your case, but I suspect we don't know either. Have you done any experiments to verify correct operation under known conditions? For example, what if you wrap it up in Al foil connected to a good ground, perhaps with a small window to see the display. Is is stable then? Does it need new batteries? Have you read the manuals?
 
You can copy/paste an image directly into the text of a post.
 
  • #10
DaveC426913 said:
You can't link us to your Google drive.
You can, just the particular file you are sharing has to be configured as available for "everyone with the link".
 
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  • #11
Borek said:
You can, just the particular file you are sharing has to be configured as available for "everyone with the link".
Fixed
 
  • #12
DaveE said:
Have you done any experiments to verify correct operation under known conditions?
The video is the testing.
 
  • #13
Steven Ellet said:
The video is the testing.
Right, OK. Then I guess you know the answer.
 
  • #14
DaveE said:
Right, OK. Then I guess you know the answer.
What?
 
  • #15
Steven Ellet said:
The video is the testing.
So, since the video represents an experiment under known conditions, where you are sure what the correct answer is, and since you have the measured data, you know what the meter does. Right? It seems you think you have a complete set of verification tests, so you must be done. Otherwise you'd be thinking of other experiments to clarify any uncertainty. If your happy with that test, then we're happy too; I guess.

BTW, my experience of decades working in EE labs has taught me that all instruments have errors*, and all can be misinterpreted, or used in incorrect ways. The art and science of lab work is understanding the error bars; i.e. what data is good data, what tests are good tests, what do you care about and what is close enough.

*PS: read the data sheets.
 
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