Comparison of atmospheric electric field measurements by a pole mounted fieldmeter and by a horizontal wire antenna

• Comparison between antenna and pole mounted fieldmeter for measuring atmospheric electric fields.
• Correlation between methods can be good – but some significant differences.
• Comments included on possible reasons for differences.
• Antenna voltage from guard voltage for support insulators to null fieldmeter measuring voltage difference.

The studies reported show that measurements of atmospheric electric fields by pole mounted electrostatic fieldmeters can match measurements by a horizontal antenna wire. Some differences were experienced early in the tests that cannot yet be explained. The differences are tentatively attributed to tribocharging actions during initial set up of the antenna system and by wind blown airborne particulates at the antenna wire. Pole mounted fieldmeters provide opportunity for long term unattended measurements in quite adverse weather conditions with continuous checking of operational health against debris, spider's webs, etc.