EMP mostly affects power grid because power lines act like big antennas. Small digital devices are built to avoid internal RF like signals leaking out (thanks again FCC) so EMP doesn’t leak in very well. DIY crud can be done badly enough to be vulnerable but basically run wires together in bundles out from the middle with no loops and there’s no problems.
Only semi-vulnerable point is communications because radios are connected to antennas.
Best option for frying radios isn’t EMP, but rather sending high power radio signal at whatever frequency antenna best receives.
RF receiver can be damaged by high power input but circuitry can be added to block/shunt high power signals. Antennas that do both receive and transmit (especially high power transmit) may already be protected by the “switch” that connects rx and tx paths for free. Parts cost would be pretty minimal to retrofit though. Very high frequency or tight integration makes retrofitting impractical. Can’t add extra protection to a phased array antenna like starlink dish but it can definitely be built in.
Also front-line units whose radios facing the enemy are being fried are likely soon to be scrap (hopefully along with the thing doing the frying).
Thanks for the info. What about RF weapons that is a focused short or EMP pulse against a drone. What range and countermeasures?
EMP mostly affects power grid because power lines act like big antennas. Small digital devices are built to avoid internal RF like signals leaking out (thanks again FCC) so EMP doesn’t leak in very well. DIY crud can be done badly enough to be vulnerable but basically run wires together in bundles out from the middle with no loops and there’s no problems.
Only semi-vulnerable point is communications because radios are connected to antennas.
Best option for frying radios isn’t EMP, but rather sending high power radio signal at whatever frequency antenna best receives.
RF receiver can be damaged by high power input but circuitry can be added to block/shunt high power signals. Antennas that do both receive and transmit (especially high power transmit) may already be protected by the “switch” that connects rx and tx paths for free. Parts cost would be pretty minimal to retrofit though. Very high frequency or tight integration makes retrofitting impractical. Can’t add extra protection to a phased array antenna like starlink dish but it can definitely be built in.
Also front-line units whose radios facing the enemy are being fried are likely soon to be scrap (hopefully along with the thing doing the frying).