Atmospheric Electric Field Monitor
ESP32 Atmospheric Electric Field Monitor Kit — Predict Lightning Risk 30 Minutes Before It Strikes
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
This kit lets you assemble a sophisticated field mill sensor that continuously measures the atmospheric electric potential gradient—the key indicator of impending lightning activity. Designed for meteorology enthusiasts, IoT innovators, and research students, it outputs real-time data and alerts you up to 30 minutes before a thunderstorm becomes dangerous, giving critical time to disconnect sensitive electronics or protect outdoor assets.
What You'll Build
You'll build a self-contained, solar-powered weather station that mounts outdoors, digitizes faint electric field signals, logs data to an SD card, and displays a live lightning risk index on the OLED screen. When the electric field surpasses threshold levels, it triggers an alert—whether you're monitoring a farm, a solar park, or an open-air event.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrate and deploy a field mill electrode for accurate electrostatic gradient measurement
- Program an ESP32 to interface with an ADS1115 ADC for high-resolution analog sampling
- Implement real-time data logging and threshold-based alerting for environmental monitoring
- Design a solar-powered, weatherproof embedded system for continuous outdoor operation
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP32 Dev Board | 1 |
| ADS1115 ADC | 1 |
| LM358 Op-Amp | 2 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | 1 |
| 100kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 10kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 100nF Caps | 15 |
| Solar Panel 6V 2W | 1 |
| 18650 Cell | 2 |
| TP4056 Module | 1 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 1 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This advanced kit is built for B.Tech ECE/EEE final-year students, M.Tech researchers in atmospheric sciences, and meteorology departments at IITs, NITs, BITS Pilani, and VIT. It's equally suited for Smart India Hackathon teams developing lightning alert networks for rural India and for agricultural IoT innovators building on-site weather stations to protect crops and livestock.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to access your personalized AI build companion, which guides you step-by-step and answers questions. You can also reach our team on WhatsApp for direct troubleshooting.
How does the kit predict lightning 30 minutes in advance?
The field mill electrode measures the atmospheric electric field gradient, which spikes before a lightning discharge. By monitoring these levels and applying threshold algorithms on the ESP32, the system alerts you well before a strike occurs, giving critical lead time.
Do I need to calibrate the sensor, and is calibration support provided?
Yes, the field mill requires initial calibration against known electric field values. The AI companion includes a calibration routine, and we provide baseline parameters to get you started. India-specific reference data is available for monsoon conditions.
Can this monitor withstand heavy rain and outdoor conditions?
Absolutely. The kit includes a waterproof enclosure rated for outdoor use, and the solar panel and battery management system are designed for 24/7 operation in Indian monsoon and summer heat.
Field mill electrode sensor measures atmospheric electric potential gradient. Predicts lightning risk 30 min ahead.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items