[RFI] Nature's RFI on the way.

[Roger (K8RI)]

On 9/11/2014 12:33 PM, EDWARDS, EDDIE J wrote:

I remember that.  We'd essentially be reduced by communicating with the 
written word with most transportation shut down. For those that would 
still run, fuel would likely be unavailable. Fresh produce would be 
unobtainable unless you grew your own and that has hazards..  IOW, even 
the 1800s would seem advanced because we'd not have the simple things 
available to fall back on.

If you had an old tube rig (S-line, Hallicrafters, or a few others) and 
a source of power... but who would you talk to?
What would make for a good source of power after most equipment with 
semiconductors would be fried?   We'd no longer have the option of a 
solid state, QRP transmitter and what about receivers?

IF we detected a big CME directed at earth, the only safe option would 
be to shut down the grid and disconnect the transformers before the CME 
hit.  Would anyone take that responsibility?

Is there a reflector where this might be more appropriate? Although it 
does seem like the ultimate QRM to me.

73

Roger (K8RI)

> Another good article on the subject from IEEE 2 years ago with good sidebar articles and video:
> "Of all the parts of the power grid, high-voltage transformers are among the most likely to fail in a geomagnetic storm and also among the most difficult to replace. If a big storm were to knock out several hundred transformers in one fell swoop, manufacturers wouldn't be able to supply replacements quickly-there is no global stockpile. EHV transformers, which can handle voltages of 345 kV or higher, weigh about 200 tons and cost about $10 million each. Building one requires exquisite, near-artisanal craftsmanship, including meticulously hand winding the paper-tape insulation around the copper winding at the transformer's core. One EHV transformer can take several weeks to assemble and test, and it takes years to train skilled assemblers. Even the largest transformer plants can build only about 30 to 50 per year. With the shortage of skilled labor and specialized materials that would likely accompany a prolonged blackout, simply maintaining that level of output would be a cha
>   llenge, never mind ramping up new production."
>
> http://spectrum.ieee.org/energy/the-smarter-grid/a-perfect-storm-of-planetary-proportions
>
> The radio outage will be the least of our problems after a big one.
>
> 73, de ed -K0iL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RFI [mailto:rfi-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Roger (K8RI)
> Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2014 9:47 AM
> To: rfi at contesting.com
> Subject: [RFI] Nature's RFI on the way.
>
> Whether it's major or minor, there is a massive CME on the way.  The
> article is written for the general public, but worth reading:
>
> http://www.wnd.com/2014/09/a-giant-magnetic-explosion-on-the-sun/
>
> 73,
>
> Roger (K8RI)
>
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