EMP projects

[longbow]

those all come into play.
I'd like to think those would make a difference.

what are the key emp sensitive parts in cars and locations...Are we talking every fuse, selinoid and logic chips. Please tell me they don't hide computers inside the transmissions on new vehicles?

question to auto geeks

where are the key parts on a ford or chevy truck? gas or diesel and what would it cost to have extras

[jeremy]

Originally Posted by Dr Falken

Well I just watched the video of the Ford Taurus, so I guess there is something to worry about...And yes it depends, I suppose on were such an EMP occurs and the location of the vehicle. Could a vehicle stored in a metal garage be protected? Or if you are far from the blast, your vehicle might not be affected. I suppose there will be plenty of other things to worry about, just glad we do have bicycles!
I've read that you can use an ammo can as an improvised Faraday cage, which is interesting to think about, because doesn't an automobile itself act as a Faraday cage when you are struck by lightning?

Most vehicles unless you are centered closer to the effect will just need to be shutoff and restarted. IF you are closer to the center you have more serious concerns than EMP effecting your life...

EMP is a serious thing, but do not believe all that you have seen out of Hollywood either...

[Lex Concord]

Originally Posted by jeremy

Most vehicles unless you are centered closer to the effect will just need to be shutoff and restarted. IF you are closer to the center you have more serious concerns than EMP effecting your life...

EMP is a serious thing, but do not believe all that you have seen out of Hollywood either...

I'm sure you'll all find the Wikipedia entry interesting, especially the map.

[hotfarmboy1]

Originally Posted by longbow

those all come into play.
I'd like to think those would make a difference.

what are the key emp sensitive parts in cars and locations...Are we talking every fuse, selinoid and logic chips. Please tell me they don't hide computers inside the transmissions on new vehicles?

question to auto geeks

where are the key parts on a ford or chevy truck? gas or diesel and what would it cost to have extras

It depends on the brand, model, and year. Most just have the PCM to run everything electronic to deal with the engine and trans. Some others, esp diesels have both a pcm, a tcm, and a fcm or at least I know some fords do. PCM= powertrain control module. TCM=transmission control module, and FCM would be the fuel control module. Now I may not have some of the abbreviations right, I wasn't the one that did alot of work on those systems when I worked at the dealer. But you'd be surprised how many modules these newer vehicles can have to run the different systems. And those are just for the drivetrain, let alone the other modules to run your accessories, safety equip, hvac, and everything else. There are modules all over most late model cars.

[inxs]

As to effects- an older model Toyota was known to be so sensitive as to take a squat if someone keyed up a medium warm 2 meter rig behind it at a stoplight, I have seen vehicles with lots of electronics set next to a lightning strike and everything will still work. I personally had a hit on my 12 foot dish which took out the rear speakers and amp for the home theater but the front channel worked perfectly.

Yep, mechanical diesels should still run as long as there's fuel, and the starter shouldn't be a problem, thankfully, cause push starting one is not fun. If it ever happens I would bet that it would be very interesting what survives and what doesn't. As for vehicles if there's a major event where would you go....? and where would you find fuel?

Power plants will probably not lose transformers as much as fire and feed controls. Anything with heavy copper has a good chance of survival because they are designed for switching spikes and lightning to begin with.

Any metal box will have a shielding effect, a faraday cage is designed to attenuate also, but you really can't do that for unknown so shielding is better- and more readily available.

Just because a vehicle is older doesn't mean that it won't have an aftermarket ignition module installed. The coil and points should not have a problem but the capacitor could...

[PatMcGroyne]

ANY AMC/Chev/Buick/Olds/Pont (A/C/B/O/P) product from late 60s to the mid-70s can be converted to std ignition via the most popular parts of the era: Chevy-6, BOP, and Corvair ignitions. If your dwell extender is disconnected, it won't b affected. As will NONE of the std electronic ignition parts if the battery is disconnected. I carried these parts until I sold the Rambler. Just pop out the modular dist. and screw in (carefully --- mark the rotor position) the G.M. parts. Any G.M. distributor will work, depending upon cylinder count, with proper dwell and spark degrees. Pat

[PatMcGroyne]

It's not uncommon for an engine to be capable of retro-fitting, maybe using an earlier distributor which you should buy now. Points, coil, and no electronics. But I think if your machine is grounded well, an impulse would not affect you so much. That "tin-foil hat and underwear" we hear so much about -- might serve to insulate and divert any 'pulse' from your vehicle, and any electronics stored inside of it. Of course, a buried Jerry-can is also impervious, for smaller units. Batteries are not going to be affected, but chargers might be a problem. Say INXS, if you don't already have a feed-thru system (FIFO) for fuel, you are behind the times. Buy low, sell high; pour it in the upper barrel, take it out of the lower. Use filters of course. Pat

[SamAdams]

A little research and you will find that the electrical equipment needs to be plugged in. If there isn't power on (or current in the equipment) then it is highly doubtful to be affected. Cars are the same.
Check this out: Nuclear Weapon EMP Effects

A google search reveals a ton of information.

Battery powered radios should be a staple for everyone anyways. Indiana winters are already hard enough on electricity.