EMP-Hardened Radio Communications

A very well written book that clearly explains the actions and step you can take to limit the damage a electromagnetic pulse or EMP or Corona mass ejection will do to your radios and other electronics.Just as the book states on the front it does assume that the reader is either a experienced CBer or has had the minimual training to have a entry level HAM radio license.

The solutions described in the book are simple, practical and readily available to a competent ham operator. My basic knowledge of electronics (from the General License study and test) made the content understandable but I will likely have to do some additional research and remedial education to be confident that I've correctly understand/make/install the suggested DIY solutions. The references in the appendix will save you lots of time and research for the components and parts to harden you shack.I do believe that you can build a very effective Faraday cage from large ammo cans (have several cans that are 17x6x20 to hold backup laptop, iPad, SignaLink for PSK, tuner, coaxial cable, QRP OCF antenna, hand helds, small fold up solar panels and charge controller, and a few generator parts) making a gasket using 26 gauge sheet metal and soldering a tinned braided flat ground cable (or RF shielding tape) to the perimeter that matches the rubber seal, and creating a very tight gasket seal that is conductive and water/moisture resistant too, and bonded to the lid to create an effective cage. Have done a few with 3M RF shielding tape that have been shown to be effective too.The information on solar panels is widely known - the book is my motivation and will now wrap up the six 100 watt panels in heavy aluminum foil and tape for back up. Will swap out these back up PVP's when there are good alternatives - saving the best for last. Likewise, didn't realize the damage that could be done to my coax cable - so I got a 25-50-75-100 foot sections stored away with some connectors too.Thoughtful references to ComSec issues and risks, but didn't mention that a HEMP will likely come in 2 waves to take out the recovery systems - likely best to wait 5-10 days before pulling out the protected electronics as a precaution.Can't overlook the background information on the risk of a CME/EMP - factual reference to a variety of experts, commission and committee reports that have assessed the risk - perhaps a very low probability of such events but the severity of the event will be like nothing that has been seen or experienced in the US - no one that has read the background information on EMP/HEMP/CME will be able to ignore the risk - whether by nature, mankind's evil or the will of the good Lord.Well worth the $5.00 investment with the kindle version. Would like to see the next edition that has an appendix of projects with material lists and better photographs of the DIY solutions, including 1-3 of the best digital HF communication solutions and tactics after a EMP/CME events, and recommendation for the post event communication protocols that will be widely used by the few Hams that are prepared.Let's pray to God that we are spared of any events that should make the contents of this book something other than a curious read...

Having been involved with EMP/CME and other radio propagation anomalies during my 50+ years as a ham radio operator, my 20 years in the USAF as a telecommunications specialist and my background in radio/TV broadcast engineering, I give this book full marks in the presentation of a vastly complex, potentially distructive phenomena. The author's "street creds" are impressive, to say the least. His writing style is clear and concise. Breaking down such a complex topic as EMP/CME so us mere mortals can comprehend it is a gift,one which this author definitely possesses.With all the End Of The World novels, movies and short stories that abound on today's media markets EMP/CME is the new Boogie Man for those folks into survival and :"prepping". This cataclysmic event manifests itself with the loss of electronic equipment and electrical power,across large areas of land mass. The big problem with all this "information" floating around out there on the Internet and in other media is that there is an overabundance of false information! This book takes a critical look at the EMP/CME phenomena, detailing how it occurs, the various ways in which it affects our electronic and electrical systems, and finally ways to over come the catastrophic loss of communications..The thrust of this book is to get the main stream ham radio operators on board and to show them how to harden their equipment to mitigate the effects of EMP/CME. Yes, it can be done. Not only can a ham implement some basic protection to his/her gear but it can be done quite economically.This book is targeted at ham operators specifically, and CB operators to a lesser extent. While the uninitiated can certainly obtain a copy of this book it will be of little use if that person has little or no direct involvement or experience with ham radio. Newcomers to the ham radio scene will be a bit dazzled by this book simply because they lack the intimate knowledge about the radio hobby which only comes with direct involvement with their fellow ham operators at their local clubs and emergency communications agencies.If you are a ham operator and want to insure your gear is protected from EMP/CME buy this book! Period! Additionally your gear will be much less likely to suffer damage from a lightening strike. This book is a winner. Buy it, read it, and put the information into practice.

I will NOT throw my radios and expensive electronic devices into a garbage can... not when I can employ common sense EMP hardening to devices I need for everday life. After watching some of the crazy-headed ideas on Yo-tube, one has to ask themselves, "well, how the heck do they harden helicopters, airplanes, vehicles, for the military? Giant garbage cans with lids?"One of the FEW books for the do-it-yer-selfer, like me. It's not just an EMP, there's lightning too! Granted nothing is 100%, unless it's two campbell soup cans and a string - and neither is a garbage can with foil tape around the cover (radios hear microvolts, very, very, very weak signals - EMP or solar flare is thousands of times stronger and/or longer!). Not garbage can theory, from people who know nothing of attenuation or grounding.5 stars for - Enough theory, and plenty of do it yourself at a fair price.P.S. For less than the cost of a 33 gallon garbage can, you can be educated - and still enjoy your radio... with a few mods.

Explained what an EMP or a CME is and how it can effect radio systems. then explained how to harden your system. Well written and easy to understand. Offers many options and methods to harden any system.

Very informative!!!!