Protection Against EMP

[anandfan]

If you've seen the TV show Dark Angel, you know about the damage EMP can do to your computing equipment. Here is a short summary of protection techniques against EMP. This summary was written primarily for industrial facilities, but also contains some useful info for home computers. If you have other useful links, feel free to add them.

EMP Protection

 

[wedi42]

sweet. i just shielded my office, now how do i test it?

 

[anandfan]

You don't want to test it...Ever!

Actually, I was thinking of taking enough old equipment to put together a working computer and putting it in a metal box. I have an Industrial Strength file cabinet that was used to store classified info (courtesy of Boeing Surplus) that would be a starting point.

 

[Schlocemus]

I didn't really read through that article very carefully, but it's my belief that if there is a strong enough EMP then basically there isn't very much you can do.



<< "...the gamma ray (primary) photon collides with an electron and some of the energy of the photon is transferred to the electron. Another (secondary) photon, with less energy, then moves off in a new direction at an angle to the direction of motion of the primary photon. Consequently, Compton interaction results in a change of direction (or scattering) of the gamma-ray photon and degradation in its energy. The electron which, after colliding with the primary photon, recoils in such a manner as to conserve energy and momentum is called a Compton (recoil) electron"(2)

These Compton-recoil electrons travel outward at a faster rate than the remaining heavier, positively charged ions. This separation of charges produces a strong electric field. The lower-energy electrons produced by collisions with the Compton electrons are attracted to the positive ions. These ions produce a conduction current. This current is directly related to the strength of the Compton effect. Also, this conduction current flows in a direction opposite to the electrical field produced by the Compton effect. Because of this, the conduction current limits the electrical field and stops it from increasing.(3-5) >>



I was just reaind this on a website and it seems that if there is a strong enough force, then you wont have enough material to suck up those electrons/photons...

I may be wrong, so let's see where this thing goes

 

[AFSOC_Commando]

How can I build a directional EMP gun for the kids with the rude Bass stereos... Love to shoot their car and watch their face as the car shuts down and the stereo quits working! Heck think of the cops with one of these... no more high speed chases!!! Hehehe

 

[blakeatwork]

Just use Energy Feedback on the Science vessel....


(sorry...couldn't resist...

 

[Schlocemus]

<< How can I build a directional EMP gun for the kids with the rude Bass stereos... Love to shoot their car and watch their face as the car shuts down and the stereo quits working! Heck think of the cops with one of these... no more high speed chases!!! Hehehe >>



The police do have these, but they're in the "Experimental" Stage

 

[halldav3]

Is that the one that gives you the "I really have to find a bathroom" feeling?

 

[CStroman]

I have a recent issue of Popular Mechanics where they show how an EMP bomb works. They also announced that it could be built for approximately $400.