TO: ALL WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATEURS
ALL NON-WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AMATERUS
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WOOD COUNTY BULLETIN NR 11.06 DATE: February 6, 2011
SUBJECT: WHAT IS EMP?
EMP is an abbreviation for Electromagnetic Pulse. An EMP is a large pulse of magnetic force that is produced from an explosion (usually from the detonation of a nuclear weapon). Usually the explosion is detonated a few hundred, to several hundred feet above the ground, to get the most coverage.
The large magnetic field passing through wire, either straight or coiled, can generate higher than normal voltages in electric and electronic equipment. The higher than normal voltages will overload some electronic components causing them to be damaged or destroyed.
Most electronic equipment built today is very sensitive to static electricity, and to voltages higher than their operating voltage. An EMP can produce voltages hundreds of times higher than their operating voltages.
Depending on the sensitivity of the components, and shielding, of the devices, some equipment may not be damaged. It is believed that older tube type equipment would not be affected. The tubes themselves may not be affected, but the associated coils, wires, and antennas will still generate high voltages that may damage other components in the device.
You can research and find there's a lot of information about EMP theory. You might even find a way to protect your electronic and communications equipment, if some one decides to explode a nuclear device so they can disrupt communications.
(Idea for bulletin was from Rick Sawyer, WV8DOC)
Ken Harris WA8LLM
WCEC
Wood County WV