The EMP threat is real and serious, IMO. There are also non nuclear EMP devices, but they are much more local in nature, say less than a mile from the device. There was some talk about these devices being used against Iraqi power stations, radars, and CIC centers. The nuclear ones are much more effective, especially when set off at a high altitude, where they can 'see' the ground targets. The nuclear device have a much quicker magnetic pulse, caused by gamma rays knocking electrons from the surrounding air, which makes a much higher voltage, and more damage. The only protection is magnetic shielding, distance, or designed in toughness. Shielding is outrageously expensive, and impractical. The Soviets used a lot of old fashioned radio tubes in their military gear. Some say it was because of their backward technology, others it was by design as a safeguard against EMP. Maybe it was both. :grin: Anyway, our society today is very vulnerable to such a weapon. Imagine every cordless phone, every transistorized radio, the internet, and every computer controlled car ignition shorted out. Keeping a car with a set of ignition points and an old fashioned generator, with a mechanical regulator and with brushes instead of alternators with diodes, is about the only way around it for transportation. I guess an older diesel with mechanical injectors, and a standard transmission so you could push start it, would be very immune. An old tube style radio should still work, if there were any transmitters working. Our military uses electronics that are supposed to be EMP resistant, but obviously that don't talk about how effective it is. I sure wouldn't want to have to go through it. It would be great to hear from others about what we as individuals can do to protect ourselves.
