Any ideas for an inexpensive EMP proof box?

[Harlock]

I have been told to wrap expensive electronics in aluminum foil because mylar won't work properly. I have been shown that trashcans do not make a good EMP proof box. I would have thought by now there would be commercially available units or a solid do it yourself plan for protecting gear when needed. After all it's no going to work if it's wrapped in foil.

Any thoughts?

[Wayne]

Depending on how big you need, a 50 cal. or a SAW ammo can inside an old microwave will stop pretty much any emp.

[Harlock]

I actually tested that with a midland high range two way. I put it in the ammo can, closed the lid and I guess the rubber seal can let in enough of a signal to hear the page beep. I put it into a metal trash can same while inside of the box and got the same results. Wrapped the ammo can in mylar then put it in the can, I could still page the other handset. Wrapped it in foil without the ammo can there was no signal. I think the ammo can would keep it dry and probably adds another layer because I just don't feel comfortable with the foil touching the antenna because while it cut out the pager function I have no idea how much damage these events range in. Wrapping the car in foil seems a little silly but if it works and you can go while others can't I will be silly.

[Papadoc]

For ammo cans, you need to replace the rubber gasket with a copper mesh one. Also you will need to sand off the paint around the lip. For metal trashcans, you need to get some aluminum backed tape (see link for the tape). Also look up youtube videos by Arthur Bradley, he has done considerable testing on EMP.

[Harlock]

Thanks Papadoc. I didn't know a person to check out and most of the things I saw on Youtube when tested didn't work. I was an idiot and ordered some mylar bags that were "EMP" protected. They were not because I could put my cell phone into the bag and still call into it. I was looking for something laptop size. I'm going to seed my storage spaces with older tech that can't interwebs but will use low power 12V DC and I will load the hard drives up with survival materials. It will be time for an "Old Man in a Cave" or the library of Alexandra on CD.