I want to be able to EMP proof a small container for a USB flash drive. Now Ive done light research and Ive learned that there is a full spectrum of frequencies that will need to be blocked. So Im guessing this wont be simple. I was thinking of buying a small waterproof container made of aluminum. Something like the matchcap xl and maybe wrapping it with some other metal? Is this even possible? Maybe wrapping it in some type of metallic tape? Any ideas?
If that container is metal, simply wrap the thumb drive in several layers of paper so it cannot touch the inside of the tube, and then screw the cap back on. It will be protected completely.
Wrap the thumb drive in several alternating layers of aluminum foil and saran wrap, with the saran as the final layer. Remove the anodyzing from the threads so there's good metal to metal contact.
Thanks for the tips guys. I definitely forgot to mention about wrapping the actual USB stick. But I've heard that not all metals block all of the frequencies from a EMP. Will this aluminum block most of it?
That made me laugh - Thanks. Do you mean a computer build outside of the area effected by the EMP? Without transportation, how are you going to get that computer?
That made me laugh - Thanks. Do you mean a computer build outside of the area effected by the EMP? Without transportation, how are you going to get that computer?
Don't worry about it. Who cares what my intentions are? I'm saving something's for the long term. I asked a question and if you don't have any input, then just don't answer.
Mr. Young did provide an acceptable answer in post #2. Lightnin' pointed out that the cap and body must have good conductivity to be effective in post #3. That pretty much covered the question.
Then the conversation progressed beyond the initial questions. Other good points you might want to consider. If they are family photo's - makes sense that they only need to be preserved, not accessed until after the fan stops spinning. If your information is survival related or has deeds to your property, you may need to access such items early - before BestBuy reopens. (Sometimes were are too helpful, sometimes were are not).
You may also need help protecting a computer or something to read the Flash drive. We just don't like to ask direct questions -- so we throw out other smart ass comments.
Back to your OP:
Any conductive envelope will protect your device. Your pictured device looks like it will also protect your flash drive from water and even crushing forces.
Make sure you have an insulation layer inside of the envelope. You can even use nested EMP cages. Provide insulation between each cage. Each layer will add another level of protection. If your threads did not seal, a nested cage would provide protection.
An effective EMP shield can be made with alternating layers of plastic and AL foil. Wrap you drive in cellophane, plastic, or paper. Wrap in foil. Wrap that in insulation and the foil again. Then a third or fourth time just to be an extremist.
You might be able to use the plastic/foil method to seal up a cheap eBook reader.
Different tool for a different purpose. USB drives are not highly sensitive.
All hats jokes aside, tinfoil will do much better. The parts inside also need to be insulated from the foil shell. Any joker who has pulled off the toilet/saran wrap trick can help you out win some insulation material. Zip lock bags will work also.
Yes. Any conductive container. The conductivity must be consistent from the container to the cover.
(The Antistatic bags have low conductivity . . . just enough to discharge any static charge. The isolation between the inside and outside of the antistatic bag is unknown, so an isolation barrier there would be indicated. )
Just use a cake pan or any other completely enclosed container made of conductive metal. I don't believe that you'd even need to electrically insulate the contents from the container although it wouldn't hurt. Radios and other electronics for SHTF should be stored in this manner. But be careful about any dampness and condensation that could damage them inside. If you live in a damp place you should included something inside to absorb moisture.
I think you need to read up on faraday cages- if you have wildly varying voltages, you don't have a fairday cage.
Professional faraday cages nearly allways ground the equipment for safety and performance reasons. Ditto on near fairday cages such as naval ships and C3I aircraft
ok, sorry to drag out emp question but it is important to me. On another thread, I gathered a cheap used microwave will protect from emp. I think of various microwaves i have seen... some painted, some stainless steel, etc. Is an old microwave a legit way to store a small number of electrical components? Thanks in advance.
No. Not with the cord cut off, not with the power blades pulled out and the grounding pin plugged in, not if set with the door down, not with metallic tape around the door.
Roll it up in a foil potato chip bag (eat the chips first), and wind tape around it. Put the bag in a condom and tie off the end. Have another bag of chips and put the condom in the chip bag. Wind tape around it. Done. Now have a Coke to wash the chips down.
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