We show that the vertical polarization electric field (Ep) in the topside of the equatorial electrojet can be determined from the Doppler spectra of type-2 echoes obtained with a radar that is appropriately displaced in latitude from the magnetic dip equator. Using a 49.92 MHz radar on Christmas Island (2.9¿ magnetic dip latitude), we found unexpectedly large Ep at altitudes at least as high as 120 km over the dip equator. Another new and related finding is the transient appearance of type-1 echoes at 99 km over Christmas Island, which likely was produced by an Ep of at least 11 mV/m that must have appeared at 114 km altitude over the dip equator. Elevated electron temperatures inferred from the type-1 Doppler spectra are consistent with the presence of anomalous energetics. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union