- Tue Jun 13, 2017 7:59 pm
#195170
I'm playing around with NAIGs (Negative Air Ion Generators) that use ordinary stainless steel sewing needles as ion emitters.
In order to make meaningful measurements, I need an "electrical connection to the atmosphere". This is very simple in theory: all you need is a flat metal plate. Fine! But what metal? Aluminium quickly oxidizes to a superb insulator, aluminium oxide. Copper does so more slowly, and the end result is certainly "green". Solder ... hmmm ... well, I've always found it necessary to "poke the probe" into a solder surface.
And PLEASE don't suggest that I use a "stainless steel plate" unless you've discovered secrets about WORKING STAINLESS STEEL that are quite unknown to me.
Any suggestions most welcome.
In order to make meaningful measurements, I need an "electrical connection to the atmosphere". This is very simple in theory: all you need is a flat metal plate. Fine! But what metal? Aluminium quickly oxidizes to a superb insulator, aluminium oxide. Copper does so more slowly, and the end result is certainly "green". Solder ... hmmm ... well, I've always found it necessary to "poke the probe" into a solder surface.
And PLEASE don't suggest that I use a "stainless steel plate" unless you've discovered secrets about WORKING STAINLESS STEEL that are quite unknown to me.
Any suggestions most welcome.