Computers and EMPs
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,574
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From: Golden, CO
Computers and EMPs
This is a strange one: I work on R-R cars, test and repair air brake systems. I use a "new" computerized test machine that runs on a 12V battery. The equipment is guarenteed weatherproof. It hangs on the side of the car with only an air hose to a compressor and two more to the car.
Anyway, I'm working, the machine is on, it starts to rain. I get my poncho on and there is a bright flash and simultaneous boom directly overhead. Yeah, I was startled. I felt my feet come off the ground, I felt my hard hat hitting my shoulders as my neck disappeared. I look around to see everyone else looking around, no one knows where or what (if anything) the lightning hit. I walk over to my test equipment to find it's gone beserk. Try a cold boot, disconnect power and cold boot, no luck. Not a mark on the case, plenty of low resistance ground paths if the lightning did hit a car. It's gonna suck explaining how a nearby lightning bolt can fry this thing, my boss doesn't do so well with abstract concepts. It's still under warranty, but it's expensive equipment and difficult to get anything done with it.
My cell phone works fine, it was on my belt at the moment. I guess I'm still processing the day, thanks for listening.
Anyway, I'm working, the machine is on, it starts to rain. I get my poncho on and there is a bright flash and simultaneous boom directly overhead. Yeah, I was startled. I felt my feet come off the ground, I felt my hard hat hitting my shoulders as my neck disappeared. I look around to see everyone else looking around, no one knows where or what (if anything) the lightning hit. I walk over to my test equipment to find it's gone beserk. Try a cold boot, disconnect power and cold boot, no luck. Not a mark on the case, plenty of low resistance ground paths if the lightning did hit a car. It's gonna suck explaining how a nearby lightning bolt can fry this thing, my boss doesn't do so well with abstract concepts. It's still under warranty, but it's expensive equipment and difficult to get anything done with it.
My cell phone works fine, it was on my belt at the moment. I guess I'm still processing the day, thanks for listening.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 799
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From: State of Misery (Missouri
Those wet train tracks are a good conductor. Right up through the metal wheels, rest of the metal. It wouldn't have to take a direct hit, to get enough current to zap it. I would try it with another battery though.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,350
Likes: 4,384
From: SW VA
It wasnt an EMP. An EMP would have fried your cell phone, wrist watch (assumeing you wear one) and depending on the year of the truck you were driving, it would have fried that as well. The computer wouldnt have gone crazy...it would act as if someone pulled the plug (or battery in your case).
Since you said "It hangs on the side of the car with only an air hose to a compressor and two more to the car."
If the equipment was grounded to the vehicle itself...then it probably would have been OK
Sounds to me that it got a surge of electricity from the lightening and seriously damaged the internal workings...
Since you said "It hangs on the side of the car with only an air hose to a compressor and two more to the car."
If the equipment was grounded to the vehicle itself...then it probably would have been OK
Sounds to me that it got a surge of electricity from the lightening and seriously damaged the internal workings...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,574
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From: Golden, CO
That was the talk of the tool box meeting on Friday. Seems that one of the guys felt a bite in one hand that was toching the car, he was sitting on the rail. I'm leaning toward the same with the puter, a few milliamps would be all it takes. The compressor was pretty wet, so was the supply hose.
I didn't have to explain anything to the boss, someone else shuttled the thing to the shop. He was in the yard when the bolt hit, I guess everyone heard it.
I didn't have to explain anything to the boss, someone else shuttled the thing to the shop. He was in the yard when the bolt hit, I guess everyone heard it.
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Jun 20, 2002 06:40 PM
