Difference between revisions of "Make an Electromagnetic Pulse"
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| − | An EMP, or electromagnetic pulse, is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by a sudden, rapid acceleration of particles (generally electrons) that create an intense burst of electromagnetic energy.<ref>http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/electromagnetic-pulse-EMP</ref> Some everyday occurring causes of EMPs are: lightning, ignition systems of combustion engines, and solar flares.<ref>http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/emp.htm</ref> While EMPs can potentially damage electronics, this technology can also be used to purposefully and safely disable electronic devices, or to ensure the security of personal or confidential data. | + | An EMP, or electromagnetic pulse, is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by a sudden, rapid acceleration of particles (generally electrons) that create an intense burst of electromagnetic energy.<ref name="rf1">http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/electromagnetic-pulse-EMP</ref> Some everyday occurring causes of EMPs are: lightning, ignition systems of combustion engines, and solar flares.<ref name="rf2">http://midimagic.sgc-hosting.com/emp.htm</ref> While EMPs can potentially damage electronics, this technology can also be used to purposefully and safely disable electronic devices, or to ensure the security of personal or confidential data. |
[[Category:Computers and Electronics]] | [[Category:Computers and Electronics]] | ||
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#*In the event an iron rod is not available to you, you can use a non-metal rod as a substitute. However, a non-metal rod will have a negative impact on the strength of your EMP. | #*In the event an iron rod is not available to you, you can use a non-metal rod as a substitute. However, a non-metal rod will have a negative impact on the strength of your EMP. | ||
#*When working with electrical components that could be holding a charge, or when running electrical current through an object, it is recommended you wear rubber gloves to prevent any errant shocks to yourself. | #*When working with electrical components that could be holding a charge, or when running electrical current through an object, it is recommended you wear rubber gloves to prevent any errant shocks to yourself. | ||
| − | #Create an electromagnetic coil. An electromagnetic coil is a device that is made up of two distinct yet integral parts: a conductor and a core.<ref>http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-electromagnetic-coil.htm</ref> In this case, your iron rod will be your core and your copper wire the conductor. | + | #Create an electromagnetic coil. An electromagnetic coil is a device that is made up of two distinct yet integral parts: a conductor and a core.<ref name="rf3">http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-electromagnetic-coil.htm</ref> In this case, your iron rod will be your core and your copper wire the conductor. |
| − | #*Wrap your copper wire tightly around your core, leaving little to no gaps in your windings.<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/EMP-generator/</ref> You should leave excess wire at the beginning and end of your winding so that you can connect your coil to your flash capacitor. | + | #*Wrap your copper wire tightly around your core, leaving little to no gaps in your windings.<ref name="rf4">http://www.instructables.com/id/EMP-generator/</ref> You should leave excess wire at the beginning and end of your winding so that you can connect your coil to your flash capacitor. |
| − | #Solder the ends of your electromagnetic coil to a capacitor. A capacitor is generally a double pronged, cylindrical shaped component found on most circuit boards.<ref>http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/mastascu/elessonshtml/LC/Capac1.htm</ref> Your disposable camera should have a capacitor for its flash.<ref>http://www.explainthatstuff.com/capacitors.html</ref> Be sure that the battery of your disposable camera is removed before attempting to solder the ends of your coil to the capacitor, or else you could get a nasty shock. | + | #Solder the ends of your electromagnetic coil to a capacitor. A capacitor is generally a double pronged, cylindrical shaped component found on most circuit boards.<ref name="rf5">http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/mastascu/elessonshtml/LC/Capac1.htm</ref> Your disposable camera should have a capacitor for its flash.<ref name="rf6">http://www.explainthatstuff.com/capacitors.html</ref> Be sure that the battery of your disposable camera is removed before attempting to solder the ends of your coil to the capacitor, or else you could get a nasty shock. |
#*Wearing rubber gloves can save you from getting an electric jolt while handling your camera circuit and flash capacitor. | #*Wearing rubber gloves can save you from getting an electric jolt while handling your camera circuit and flash capacitor. | ||
| − | #*Expend the charge in your capacitor by engaging the flash after removing the batteries from your camera. Any stored charge in your camera can result in an electrical shock.<ref>http://www.electronicproducts.com/Power_Products/Power_Management/How_to_build_a_mini_EMP_generator_to_disrupt_electronics.aspx</ref> | + | #*Expend the charge in your capacitor by engaging the flash after removing the batteries from your camera. Any stored charge in your camera can result in an electrical shock.<ref name="rf7">http://www.electronicproducts.com/Power_Products/Power_Management/How_to_build_a_mini_EMP_generator_to_disrupt_electronics.aspx</ref> |
| − | #Find a safe place to test your EMP device. Depending on the materials you have used, the effective range of your EMP shouldn't be more than a few feet in any direction. Be that as it may, any electronics caught in your EMP may be permanently destroyed.<ref>http://www.empcover.com/what-is-an-emp-attack.html</ref><ref>http://www.futurescience.com/emp/EMP-myths.html</ref> | + | #Find a safe place to test your EMP device. Depending on the materials you have used, the effective range of your EMP shouldn't be more than a few feet in any direction. Be that as it may, any electronics caught in your EMP may be permanently destroyed.<ref name="rf8">http://www.empcover.com/what-is-an-emp-attack.html</ref><ref name="rf9">http://www.futurescience.com/emp/EMP-myths.html</ref> |
#*Keep in mind that EMPs indiscriminately influence electronics. This includes life-supporting devices, like pacemakers, and valuables like cellular phones. Any damage you cause to these devices through your EMP could result in legal repercussions. | #*Keep in mind that EMPs indiscriminately influence electronics. This includes life-supporting devices, like pacemakers, and valuables like cellular phones. Any damage you cause to these devices through your EMP could result in legal repercussions. | ||
#*A grounded platform, like a tree stump or plastic table, is an ideal testing surface for your EMP emitter. | #*A grounded platform, like a tree stump or plastic table, is an ideal testing surface for your EMP emitter. | ||
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#*Many office supply stores have affordable electronic calculators that you can use to test your EMP. | #*Many office supply stores have affordable electronic calculators that you can use to test your EMP. | ||
#Reinstall your camera battery. You will need electricity to re-charge your capacitor, which will then provide the current to your electromagnetic coil and create your EMP. Be sure you have placed your test object close to your EMP emitter. | #Reinstall your camera battery. You will need electricity to re-charge your capacitor, which will then provide the current to your electromagnetic coil and create your EMP. Be sure you have placed your test object close to your EMP emitter. | ||
| − | #*Electromagnetic fields are, in most cases, invisible to the eye.<ref>http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/</ref> If you don't have a test object, even if you have successfully created an EMP, you may not know it. | + | #*Electromagnetic fields are, in most cases, invisible to the eye.<ref name="rf10">http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/</ref> If you don't have a test object, even if you have successfully created an EMP, you may not know it. |
#Allow your flash capacitor to charge. You can do this by removing the wires from the electromagnetic coil, allowing the current from the battery to feed into the capacitor, and then with an '''insulated manipulator''' (like rubber gloves or plastic tongs), reattach the wires of your coil to your capacitor. Using your bare hands could result in a taser-like zap. | #Allow your flash capacitor to charge. You can do this by removing the wires from the electromagnetic coil, allowing the current from the battery to feed into the capacitor, and then with an '''insulated manipulator''' (like rubber gloves or plastic tongs), reattach the wires of your coil to your capacitor. Using your bare hands could result in a taser-like zap. | ||
#Activate your flash capacitor. By activating the flash of your camera, you will release the stored electricity in it, which will surge through your electromagnetic coil and create your EMP. | #Activate your flash capacitor. By activating the flash of your camera, you will release the stored electricity in it, which will surge through your electromagnetic coil and create your EMP. | ||
#*The nature of the EMP field you are creating will affect ''any'' electronics, even those that are switched off. If you have chosen a calculator as your test object, after activating your capacitor, if your EMP has worked, the calculator will not turn on. | #*The nature of the EMP field you are creating will affect ''any'' electronics, even those that are switched off. If you have chosen a calculator as your test object, after activating your capacitor, if your EMP has worked, the calculator will not turn on. | ||
| − | #*Depending on the kind of flash capacitor you have used, the voltage required to charge your capacitor will be variable. The approximate capacitance for a disposable camera should be between 80-160 microfarads, and the voltage will likely be between 180-330 volts.<ref>Mims, Forrest M. ''Forrest Mims' Circuit Scrapbook II''. Indianapolis, IN, USA: H.W. Sams, 1986. 149. Print.</ref> | + | #*Depending on the kind of flash capacitor you have used, the voltage required to charge your capacitor will be variable. The approximate capacitance for a disposable camera should be between 80-160 microfarads, and the voltage will likely be between 180-330 volts.<ref name="rf11">Mims, Forrest M. ''Forrest Mims' Circuit Scrapbook II''. Indianapolis, IN, USA: H.W. Sams, 1986. 149. Print.</ref> |
===Making a Handheld EMP Device=== | ===Making a Handheld EMP Device=== | ||
#Gather your materials. The construction of your handheld EMP device will go most smoothly if you have all the tools and components required for construction on hand. You will need: | #Gather your materials. The construction of your handheld EMP device will go most smoothly if you have all the tools and components required for construction on hand. You will need: | ||
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#*Simple electrical switch | #*Simple electrical switch | ||
#*Solder and soldering iron | #*Solder and soldering iron | ||
| − | #*Walkie-talkie antenna<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/?ALLSTEPS</ref> | + | #*Walkie-talkie antenna<ref name="rf12">http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/?ALLSTEPS</ref> |
| − | #Remove your camera circuit board. Inside your disposable camera, you will see a main circuit board that controls the functions of your camera. Remove the batteries first, and then remove the circuit board, taking note of the position of the flash capacitor.<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step3/Step-3-Getting-started-making-the-skeleton/#step1</ref> | + | #Remove your camera circuit board. Inside your disposable camera, you will see a main circuit board that controls the functions of your camera. Remove the batteries first, and then remove the circuit board, taking note of the position of the flash capacitor.<ref name="rf13">http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step3/Step-3-Getting-started-making-the-skeleton/#step1</ref> |
#*Wearing rubber gloves can save you from getting an electric jolt while handling your camera circuit and flash capacitor. | #*Wearing rubber gloves can save you from getting an electric jolt while handling your camera circuit and flash capacitor. | ||
#*Capacitors generally look like cylinders attached to the circuit board with two prongs. This will be a necessary component for you EMP device. | #*Capacitors generally look like cylinders attached to the circuit board with two prongs. This will be a necessary component for you EMP device. | ||
#*Expend the charge in your capacitor by engaging the flash after removing the batteries from your camera. Any stored charge in your camera can result in an electrical shock. | #*Expend the charge in your capacitor by engaging the flash after removing the batteries from your camera. Any stored charge in your camera can result in an electrical shock. | ||
| − | #Wind your copper wire around your iron core. Be sure that you have an adequate length of copper wire; your wrap should evenly and completely cover your iron core. You should also wrap your wire tightly, as a loose winding will negatively impact your EMP.<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step2/Step-2-The-COIL/</ref> | + | #Wind your copper wire around your iron core. Be sure that you have an adequate length of copper wire; your wrap should evenly and completely cover your iron core. You should also wrap your wire tightly, as a loose winding will negatively impact your EMP.<ref name="rf14">http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step2/Step-2-The-COIL/</ref> |
#*Leave some excess copper wire at the ends of your winding. You will need this to connect the rest of your EMP device to your electromagnetic coil. | #*Leave some excess copper wire at the ends of your winding. You will need this to connect the rest of your EMP device to your electromagnetic coil. | ||
#Insulate your walkie-talkie antenna. You walkie-talkie antenna will serve as the stock onto which you fix your electromagnetic coil and camera circuit board. Wrap the base end of your walkie-talkie antenna with electrical tape as a preventative measure for being shocked. | #Insulate your walkie-talkie antenna. You walkie-talkie antenna will serve as the stock onto which you fix your electromagnetic coil and camera circuit board. Wrap the base end of your walkie-talkie antenna with electrical tape as a preventative measure for being shocked. | ||
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#*Your cardboard mount for your camera circuit should have some additional space for your AA holder. | #*Your cardboard mount for your camera circuit should have some additional space for your AA holder. | ||
#Attach your electromagnetic coil to the end of your walkie-talkie antenna. Since current will be running through your coil to create your EMP, it's a good idea to double insulate your antenna by putting another small piece of cardboard between your coil and the antenna. You can then use your electrical tape to attach your coil to the cardboard. | #Attach your electromagnetic coil to the end of your walkie-talkie antenna. Since current will be running through your coil to create your EMP, it's a good idea to double insulate your antenna by putting another small piece of cardboard between your coil and the antenna. You can then use your electrical tape to attach your coil to the cardboard. | ||
| − | #Solder your power source. Find the battery connector tabs on your camera circuit and connect them to the corresponding positive and negative ends of your AA battery holder.<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step6/Step-6-The-source-of-energy/</ref> This can then be attached to a free space on your cardboard camera circuit mount with electrical tape. | + | #Solder your power source. Find the battery connector tabs on your camera circuit and connect them to the corresponding positive and negative ends of your AA battery holder.<ref name="rf15">http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step6/Step-6-The-source-of-energy/</ref> This can then be attached to a free space on your cardboard camera circuit mount with electrical tape. |
| − | #Connect your coil to your capacitor. The excess wire that you left at the beginning and end of your copper wire winding will need to be soldered to the electrodes of your flash capacitor. To control the flow of electricity between your capacitor and electromagnetic coil, you should tie in your electrical switch between these two components.<ref>http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step7/Step-7-Attaching-the-coil/</ref> | + | #Connect your coil to your capacitor. The excess wire that you left at the beginning and end of your copper wire winding will need to be soldered to the electrodes of your flash capacitor. To control the flow of electricity between your capacitor and electromagnetic coil, you should tie in your electrical switch between these two components.<ref name="rf16">http://www.instructables.com/id/Handheld-EMP-device/step7/Step-7-Attaching-the-coil/</ref> |
#*You should wear rubber gloves during this portion of your EMP device assembly. Any remaining charge in your capacitor could shock you. | #*You should wear rubber gloves during this portion of your EMP device assembly. Any remaining charge in your capacitor could shock you. | ||
#Attach your cardboard mount to your antenna. Use your electrical tape to firmly attach your cardboard mount and its component to your antenna. You should attach your mount above the base of your antenna, which you should have already insulated with electrical tape. | #Attach your cardboard mount to your antenna. Use your electrical tape to firmly attach your cardboard mount and its component to your antenna. You should attach your mount above the base of your antenna, which you should have already insulated with electrical tape. | ||
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#*If you are not confident in your knowledge or construction of electrical components, you may want to wear a pair of rubber glove when operating your device, as an added precaution. | #*If you are not confident in your knowledge or construction of electrical components, you may want to wear a pair of rubber glove when operating your device, as an added precaution. | ||
#*If your device has successfully worked, your test object, and any other electronics caught in your EMP field, will not turn on. | #*If your device has successfully worked, your test object, and any other electronics caught in your EMP field, will not turn on. | ||
| − | #*Depending on the kind of flash capacitor you have used, the voltage required to charge your capacitor will be variable. The approximate capacitance for a disposable camera should be between 80-160 microfarads, and the voltage will likely be between 180-330 volts.<ref | + | #*Depending on the kind of flash capacitor you have used, the voltage required to charge your capacitor will be variable. The approximate capacitance for a disposable camera should be between 80-160 microfarads, and the voltage will likely be between 180-330 volts.<ref name="rf11" /> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
