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| EMP | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 6 2010, 10:58 PM (1,052 Views) | |
| Grizzly | Nov 6 2010, 10:58 PM Post #1 |
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One of our newest group members is on some type of solar, space watch organization. I don't recall the official name of the group, but apparently when ever something interesting happens in space, these members are contacted by e-mail or text so they can observe it in what ever way they can. He told us that in the past six months there have been three solar flares quite large and the last one narrowly missing earth. It would have been catastrophic for our planet and way of life and not ONE word of it was on any news media. They didn't want to cause panic so they kept it quiet. Of course this was quite the conversation starter on what could be done but nothing we haven't already heard about or gone over. I just wanted to pass this along and thinking to myself that maybe that Mayan calender, end of world thing isn't so much of a fairytale. |
| Our ancestors left Europe to get away from this crap...as seen on a bumpersticker fns | |
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| Mommacat | Nov 7 2010, 12:22 AM Post #2 |
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Interesting, Grizzly. I had read about the solar flares and the most recent, "close calls", but I often go to "techie/nerdly" news sites. You know, if a solar flare was headed our way and was going to actually hit the earth, getting the word out would have no benefit to anyone. Not that I advocate such information being kept from the general public, but in the event one of the flares reached our planet, it would vaporize everything instantly. A few on the dark side of the Earth might survive but, as the flare's energy would still be arriving for some time, (think beam rather than blast) as soon as the Earth rotated, they'd be done, too. I hate to a pessimist, but I honestly don't think humans could survive even a weak flare from the sun. Not only would the temperature increase to deadly levels, but I understand they pack the additional umph of being radio active. Yeah, not good news in any case. EMP's however, would seem to be much more "survivable". True, our way of life would come to a standstill, but that's where good prepping comes into play. EMP's won't kill people over long distances, so if the survivors of the intitial blast have food and supplies, they can ride it out. There is quite a bit of good information on how to EMP-proof electrical and communication equipment. But, I suspect most people would just go back to living like people did before we had electricity and circuit boards were only science fiction. |
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| Grizzly | Nov 7 2010, 10:57 PM Post #3 |
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If our planet takes a direct hit, oh well. I can honestly say that I've enjoyed my life and more now than ever. The lack of work at my job is the best thing that ever happened to me. When you don't have to race to work every day, it gives you time to look at the world around you and appreciate what you have. I couldn't think of a better life partner than my wife (which I married twice...another campfire story). Too many people let their jobs and money take over their lives. To me, a simple thing like haveing an evening beer on the front porch with our dogs is all I need to finish off the day. I think they enjoy it as much as I do. |
| Our ancestors left Europe to get away from this crap...as seen on a bumpersticker fns | |
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| Mommacat | Nov 9 2010, 09:16 AM Post #4 |
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Actually, I think a world without electronics and the mad-dash pace we all live would be wonderful. So, in the event of an EMP strike, I imagine I'd probably miss my microwave and the autmatic washer and dryer, but I'd survive and I'd even be HAPPY!! However, if a person didn't see it coming and have things to ease the transition, such as stored food and non-electric equipment, the loss would be shattering. Also, and I don't think there is any prepping a person can do for it, but the loss of contact with loved ones that are far away would be terrible. So, guys, whadda think? Should we make emergency plans to implement a pony express in the event TSHTF??? Might be easier for me than trying to figure out a HAM radio!!! Just a thought! |
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| Raven | Nov 10 2010, 05:03 PM Post #5 |
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It is a good thought Ladyslipper. We have HAM as a winter project. I hope that we can get it down but you also have to have others with larger towers that are willing to pass a message on if your towers don't quite make it. What 'Pony express' did you have in mind? |
| The truth is not for all men, but only for those that seek it. Ayn Rand | |
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| Mommacat | Nov 11 2010, 11:44 AM Post #6 |
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Nice to have you back, Raven. Actually, I was just trying to be funny with the pony express idea. I expect, post-SHTF, when things stabolized a bit, some enterprising soul would start a courier service of sorts. |
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| Raven | Nov 12 2010, 11:14 AM Post #7 |
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Well Ladyslipper, you and I are enterprising souls so it got me to thinking about communications between your neck of the woods and ours and how we could communicate. We will have to work that out sometime. If an EMP hits, I am not ready for the tech free life yet. We are hoping to get something rigged up for pumping water without electricity and have a few ideas but nothing solid working yet. I think that I would miss the girly hot bath the most LOL I don't own a microwave so that isn't an issue. :-) |
| The truth is not for all men, but only for those that seek it. Ayn Rand | |
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| Mommacat | Nov 14 2010, 01:54 AM Post #8 |
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In thinking about pumping water without electricty, I always think of windmills - that was their original purpose, after all. And, if you had a windmill - I'd think sticking an antenna on top would be a logical step - might even figure out a way to generate electricy from the thing as a side benefit! Then, of course, on a less complicated level, there are the old-style pitcher pumps that everybody used to have. When I was a kid, we had one out at the stock tank and I can attest to their efficiency! As for figuring out a way to communicate, I'll have to leave that to Bullmoose - I think I already said I'm not even sure how to turn the thing on! But, I agree that it would be a good thing to have reliable information from other groups and what's happening in their areas. Might be wise to figure out before-hand that everyone could get on a certain channel on a certain day of the month at a designated time. Give that information to those you trust and stay tuned. I don't even see it as any particular security risk. If what is discussed is only 'news' type things, then nobody would be compromised in any way by sharing that. Do you think? |
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| Raven | Nov 14 2010, 02:51 PM Post #9 |
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I am liking that idea of the windmill. Not only could you put the antenna up there but I am thinking that you wouldn't necessarily notice the antenna if you didn't know it was there. What do you think Griz? In addition to the certain channel on the certain day of the month there could be certain code words that are general words that in combination with other words or sentence usage could mean something completely different to people in the know. I am thinking more in the lines of a warning system that would not be detected by those that didn't know the code. They used that alot in former wars (the underground used it) |
| The truth is not for all men, but only for those that seek it. Ayn Rand | |
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| Grizzly | Nov 14 2010, 11:53 PM Post #10 |
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We already aquired a windmill tower which I'm planning on putting up, just trying to come up with a different style of prop or blades and a more efficient pumping unit to work with our system. It needs to pump about 200 ft uphill. We already have a rebuilt cistern pump in the back yard and have water, just need to refill the cistern about once a week. If any one still has or wants to use the old hand pump, the leather replacement parts are still available. I got ours at Fleet Farm for under $10.00 and I bought spares just in case. Only problem is those pumps won't work on modern wells which are too deep and everything else has all but been outlawed. We are even concidering a small hydroelectric system just to run a pump but 12 volt pumps are very expensive. Unfortunatly nowdays we have to decide on expensive or none at all. I've been looking more and more into old fashion or primitive ways of doing things instead of modern technoligy. Seems like the old, forgotten ways worked just fine without spending a ton. |
| Our ancestors left Europe to get away from this crap...as seen on a bumpersticker fns | |
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4:37 AM Jul 12