One of the favorite devices of science fiction writers and action movie writers is the electromagnetic pulse generator (EMP). An EMP is able to disable all electronic tools that are within its scope; be careful, though, as it could prove dangerous, and monitor children closely in case they want to try their hand at this project.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Assemble the Material
Step 1. Study electromagnetic pulses
You are unable to generate an EMP similar to what you saw in the "Matrix" or "Ocean's 11" movies; the device you are about to build is suitable for small electronic instruments.
Step 2. Gather the materials
For this project you need a printed circuit board and a disposable camera capacitor; also you need:
- Welder;
- Lightly insulated copper wire;
- Switch;
- Scotch tape;
- Flat screwdriver;
- Pliers;
- Core cable;
- Cable stripping pliers;
- Sand paper;
- A circular object with a diameter of 5 cm.
Step 3. Follow the safety regulations
You have to work with objects subjected to high electrical voltage and you may get a strong shock; be very careful, especially when removing the capacitor. You should also get a battery bay and a multimeter to measure the potential difference.
The multimeter is an instrument that allows you to measure the electrical voltage of a circuit; it is not essential for this project, but it gives you data on the potential difference across the capacitor
Method 2 of 3: Isolate the Camera PCB
Step 1. Get a disposable camera
It doesn't have to be an elaborate model, the cheapest one you can find at the supermarket is enough. Before disassembling the machine, check that all the film has been used.
Step 2. Open the casing
Use a flat screwdriver to pry up and carefully open the camera housing; take care not to touch the printed circuit board or any other metal component.
Step 3. Put on a pair of rubber gloves
You have to work with elements under high electrical voltage and you could get a very painful shock if you touch the flash capacitor (which has about 300 volts).
Step 4. Locate the capacitor
It is generally a cylindrical component, black in color with two cables coming out from the bottom.
Step 5. Discharge the capacitor
Use a tool with an insulated handle to avoid electric shock; it must be a tool with a rubber-coated part, so that the electricity cannot reach the hand. Slide the tip of the screwdriver until it touches one of the flash sealants and thus discharge the capacitor. You can hear a quick snap followed by some sparkles.
- Once the first spark is generated, you don't have to repeat this operation; as you take apart the circuit board, keep checking the solder sealants near the capacitor.
- There is no need to insert the tip of the screwdriver forcefully, you do not have to damage the rest of the circuit to search for electricity.
Step 6. Disconnect the electronic board and the capacitor
After taking the camera apart carefully, remove these two items and make a mark on the battery compartment with a marker to distinguish the positive side from the negative side. You should be able to recognize the two poles, because there should already be a battery in the car.
Before continuing, remove the battery
Method 3 of 3: Building the Electromagnetic Pulse Generator
Step 1. Prepare the cable
Cut it to the desired length, making sure it does not have too much play; 7-8 to 30cm could be enough. This cable connects the switch to the capacitor; also remember to remove the insulating sheath.
Step 2. Solder the cable
Connect it to one of the two capacitor terminals using a quality soldering iron to avoid damaging the circuit board. Fix a drop of lead-free rosin on the surface of the core, then heat the cable on the resin using the soldering iron; the material should dry soon creating a solid joint.
Step 3. Merge the switch
Take the electrical wire you just soldered to the capacitor and join it to the switch on the "off" side. Soldering may be required, but most switches have a housing with a screw of its own for the cables.
Step 4. Prepare the coil
Wrap a strip of duct tape around a circular object, making sure the sticky side is facing out. Overlap the two ends of the tape, then take the lightly insulated electrical wire and wrap it 7-15 times leaving a segment to pop up to connect the terminals. Be careful not to overlap the coils of the coil and take all the time necessary to perform a precise job; make sure that the thread is tight and that there are no free spaces along the spiral.
- Line the spool with tape to keep it in place.
- Pull the circular object out of the coiled cable.
- Cut the coil ends to the length you want, making sure you have enough room to work.
Step 5. Remove the insulating sheath
Use sandpaper to sand the tips of the cord and remove the enamel coating; this operation allows you to create a strong bond between the elements.
Step 6. Solder the coil to the capacitor
Join one end of the coil to one of the capacitor; works with precision to avoid mess.
Connect everything to the opposite side of the switch
Step 7. Join the coil to the switch
Connect one end of the coiled cable to the "on" end of the switch.
Step 8. Activate the generator when ready
Check that the battery is charged and well positioned. Test the device on a handheld video game; however, newer models may not work. Insert the electronic tool into the coil and flip the switch.
Advice
If you are feeling bold, you can unsolder the trigger and xenon tube of the flash from a printed circuit board and then store or discard them according to your preferences; alternatively, you can isolate the circuit section with that of a charger to exclude the rest
Warnings
- Do not run the generator near medical devices or computers; if you wear a pacemaker, do not use it.
- The generator can damage transponders or radio frequency identification systems.
- In some countries it is illegal to use it to damage property or interfere with services.
- It is very dangerous to work with high voltage electric current; always use all protective equipment and comply with safety procedures to avoid damaging objects or injuring people.
