Super-EMP Missile Launch Window Approaches: ...

SHTFPlan.com ^ | 4 Feb 2016 | Jeremiah Johnson

[familyop]

Find the values (specifications) of the PV module diodes, and get some extras. As for the controller,...

These controllers are very low cost, tough, easy to install and versatile (wide current and voltage ranges).

http://www.solar-electric.com/inverters-controllers-accessories/chco/misoclchco.html

Toss one or two of those in a steel trash can with a tight lid and some insulation...and some of these (lightning arrestors, surge protection, etc.).

http://www.solar-electric.com/installation-parts-and-equipment/midnite/cipr1.html

As for inverters, I’ve only used the Exeltech inverters for mobile applications so far and haven’t looked at the specs for inverters for home installations. Might have a look at the Magnum brand ones and consider putting an outdoor enclosure over one or two for extra protection.

[familyop]

"Is it street legal? I love it."

Many of them have been built and registered for street use. Check with your state licensing office to see what's needed. Maybe a "build log" has been posted from your state in the forum, too. Might have a look at that.

[amorphous]

My combo microwave/oven broke (the microwave part) and instead of buying a new unit $2,600 - the one I have is 17 years old - I decided to repair it. I needed a new diode (along with some relays and a capacitor). The diode I priced at the local appliance repair parts store was $45 for a single diode. I found five of them on Ebay for $6 and the price included shipping. I could have gotten the same deal from China (if I could have waited on shipping) for half that. So I now have 4 extra high wattage diodes in reserve. :-)

[familyop]

"Fun stuff. I think its only downside is that it’s a fair weather car, but fast, fun, and good fuel econ (if prices go back up)."

Yes. Some owner-builders have had rag tops made for them, but that's about it. The Caterhams (U.K. Locost manufacturer) have rag tops as options. See YouTube videos with Locost or Caterham as keywords. Oh...and heater cores and valves can easily be designed into them and installed for heating. Homebuilt ducts can be built with fixtures for fans. I've even seen duct work home made with carbon fiber.

[amorphous]

I use manila folders for making shapes, holding it together with masking tape, then coating the thing with epoxy resin. the resin will soak through, making it waterproof and super lightweight yet strong.

[PA Engineer]

The diode I priced at the local appliance repair parts store was $45 for a single diode.

Wow! I don't think I paid that much for high powered rectifier diodes (100Amp) in the past. I think 50V10A Schottky Diodes are about a dollar a piece.

Amazon prime is good for stuff like that. Of the other hand, how many people repair their own electronics?

[familyop]

"There's a documentary out called Slingshot that should be an inspiration for 'tinkers' everywhere. I believe you can find it on Netflix."

Thanks! I'll have a look. Here's more.

$2K Solar Space + Water Heating -- One Simple DIY System
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/DHWplusSpace/Main.htm

$1000 Solar Water Heater --Overview
http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/PEXColDHW/Overview.htm

Those were designed and built by Gary Reysa, retired aviation engineer. And there's the rocket stove mass heater (works like a masonry heater).

rocket stove mass heater
http://www.richsoil.com/rocket-stove-mass-heater.jsp

And regardless of markets and employment conditions, there's no need to be without a computer. For those who don't have much computer knowledge and want an easy install with all of the bells and whistles (works fine with YouTube videos with the Iceweasel browser).

Debian Linux

...and for those who don't mind doing only a few manual configurations and like an operating system that will work in most devices (great for industrial/embedded work, new 3D hardware video acceleration works in generic kernel, works great with the Raspberry Pi 2, etc.),...

NetBSD

Get a cheap or used computer, and install one of those systems. It's fun and far easier than it was when I started helping with those efforts during the mid-90s. Don't use a computer that just arrived on the market. Use one that's been available for a while (driver development takes time).

Have fun. Become more self-sufficient. Get rich after TEOTWAWKI!

[chimera]

I'm wondering what the yields would have to be of weapons detonated at those altitudes to cause significantly damaging EMP effects. I vaguely recall a cube-root relationship between range and radiated power, at least for RF transmitters, so once you're up about 300 miles and looking for effects 1500 miles out, well, I guess that would require significant yield.

[familyop]

"I use manila folders for making shapes, holding it together with masking tape, then coating the thing with epoxy resin. the resin will soak through, making it waterproof and super lightweight yet strong."

Very low cost and a great way to do it for many projects! I wonder how much heat that material can take.

[familyop]

True. Several smaller weapons over separate areas would seem to be a more likely terrorist attack plan.

[familyop]

"I'm wondering what the yields would have to be of weapons detonated at those altitudes to cause significantly damaging EMP effects."

I don't have an answer for that, either. Someone else might. Maybe a foreign enemy would shoot for someplace a little lower in the ionosphere to avoid interference caused by layers. Some ham radio study with regards to the ionosphere can be somewhat helpful, BTW (see NVIS, cloud burners, etc.).

[steve86]

Thanks for the info — I’m familiar with the website. However, I’ve busted my budget on high-quality pure-sine output 24V inverters and true MPPT charge regulators and probably couldn’t even afford the trash can lids right now!

[steve86]

One thing that worked out well is that I got 12 new Trojan T-105s for $73 each. This was from a company that pulls them out of new equipment and customizes the equipment with their own name and gel-cell batteries. This bank will be in combination with my old Trojans from 2005-7 that still test out fine.

[Blueflag]

Yep. Lots of ‘experts’ with opinions. Strongly expressed ones.

[Blueflag]

a solar flare (CME) is quite survivable. You have time to prepare and so do the utilities.

Nuclear, exoatmospheric EMP is a very different animal from a CME or an atmospheric nuclear explosion.

A well-engineered ‘space nuke’ is the nightmare scenario, not the sun.

A regular nuke detonated at say 5K’ ASL is more about blast, heat and radiation than EMP.

Lots to learn if you are really curious.

[amorphous]

Have fun. Become more self-sufficient. Get rich after TEOTWAWKI!

Indeed! Plus I like the idea of sticking to the system of leaches. Every time you price something, remember to add an extra 50% to the sale price for taxes and the other related expenses it takes to earn the money in the first place.

What's worse, it appears the beast system is using what it takes from us to do us in. In that regard, I've done my best to remain outside the system for a number of years now.

In doing so, life actually has more meaning. I'm not nearly as stressed out, eat healthier, have learned much, and even get along better with others. :-)

We've gained much in modern times, but it comes at a heavy price. Family units now must work more hours, long since having reached the point of diminishing returns modern living promised in the 20th century - mostly due to government burdens/regulations/interference on today's society.

The one bright spot is the ability technology offers for greater independence and self-reliance - provided we can keep government at bay, or eliminate it entirely!

In the coming new age, the Bible talks about, a man's labor will be his own, people will live as long as trees, harvests will be abundant, and even beasts will no longer need to kill or be killed for subsistence.

I think a 'tinkerer' would be well accepted/needed in such a new world. :-)

[amorphous]

I wonder how much heat that material can take.

It should be able to handle a couple hundred degrees F. with no problem. I hit upon it while experimenting with different boat hull designs. Once it hardens, you can layer it with glass cloth for even greater strength. Should work well for building custom vehicle ducts and etc.

[amorphous]

In a SHTF world, car alternators might be a good source for diodes. Each contains 3 of good amperage. Alternator rotors are good sources for primary wire, and the alternators themselves can be used to generate 600 watts of electrical power through wind, water, or other powered means.

[chimera]

The initial post mentioned small yields in the 5 to 10 KT range. I didn't pay much attention to that because those seem kind of smallish. The Starfish Prime test that everyone talks about was 1.4 MT. It blew at an altitude of 250 miles about 900 miles away from Hawaii. It was said the major effects were disruptions in telephone communications, some damage to streetlights, and setting off a few security system alarms. I heard the residual radiation fried a few of the early communications satellites (e.g., Telstar). Offhand, those seem like relatively minor effects compared to the doomsday scenarios I've seen.

[Travis McGee]

It's just a test, but it shows what can happen. And an orbiting EMP weapon is only one out of dozen ways to take down the grid and bring on a catastrophe.

(Link to the full-length Free Republic thread)