Faraday Defense DEFCON Pulse Tag Personal EMP Detection System
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The DEFCON Pulse Tag is a small, wearable EMP detector. Faraday Defense designed it to detect E1 and E2 pulses, the kind typically caused by EMPs from military or nuclear sources, and to sound a continuous audible alarm when it does. It's always on, runs on a CR1620 coin cell for years and lives in a water-resistant, shock-proof thermoplastic case.
It's for preparedness enthusiasts, military personnel, critical system managers and anyone who wants to know right away when an E1 or E2 event happens. Two removable straps, one with an HK clip and one with a key ring, attach it to a backpack, coat or piece of equipment.
The Pulse Tag monitors the E1 and E2 frequency ranges for pulses with durations of 20 nanoseconds. Faraday says it detects an electromagnetic disturbance in less than 1 millisecond and sounds the alarm within 100 milliseconds.
There's no on/off switch. Faraday's patented ultra-low-power detection circuitry uses less than 1 microamp, so a single CR1620 button-cell battery typically lasts at least 3 years.
Once triggered, the alarm keeps sounding until you press the small RESET button on the bottom of the tag.
The case is water-resistant, shock-proof thermoplastic, and Faraday designed the Pulse Tag to operate from -20 to 110°F. The included mounting system holds the tag between two removable Velcro straps, one ending in an HK clip and the other in a key ring.
Preparedness. Clip it to a go-bag or coat so you know immediately if an E1 or E2 pulse occurs and can take precautions.
Military and field use. Faraday lists military personnel among its users, for awareness that helps keep critical equipment and systems safe.
Critical systems. Infrastructure managers get an immediate alert to EMP disruptions.
A plug-in alarm stays at one outlet and depends on wall power. The Pulse Tag runs on its own battery and goes wherever you clip it. It's built for E1 and E2 pulses and does not detect a solar coronal mass ejection (CME).
A detector with an on/off switch only watches while you remember to turn it on. The Pulse Tag has no switch and is always on, and its detection circuitry draws less than 1 microamp, so it keeps watching for years on one CR1620 battery.
Without a powerful pulse generator, it's difficult to verify that the Pulse Tag is working, so Faraday recommends replacing the battery every 3 years. A fresh battery can sometimes set off the alarm. Just press RESET.
The Pulse Tag reacts to powerful electromagnetic disturbances, which might come from an EMP, a nearby lightning strike or another strong source. Consider your surroundings for possible causes before you act.
No. Faraday explains that CMEs are very low-frequency events that don't couple energy into small-scale electronics.
Remove the four screws on the top side, gently lift out the circuit board and push out the old battery with a small flathead screwdriver. Install the new CR1620 with the small side, the negative terminal, against the circuit board and the large flat side, the positive terminal, against the metal battery holder.
Open the unit and remove the battery.
It's water-resistant, but never submerge it. If it's accidentally immersed, open it, remove the battery and let all internal parts dry completely before installing a fresh battery.
Faraday expects the Pulse Tag to last at least 3-5 years, and likely much longer.
The Faraday Defense DEFCON Pulse Tag Personal EMP Detection System watches for E1 and E2 pulses around the clock, sounds its alarm within 100 milliseconds and typically runs at least 3 years on a CR1620 battery. If you have questions about carrying or mounting one, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.
Faraday Defense DEFCON Pulse Tag Personal EMP Detection System Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Detection | |
| Detects | E1 and E2 EMP pulses |
| Pulse Duration | 20 nanoseconds |
| Typical Sources | Military or nuclear EMP |
| CME Detection | No |
| Detection Time | Less than 1 millisecond |
| Alarm Time | Within 100 milliseconds |
| Operation | Always on, no on/off switch |
| Alert | |
| Alarm | Continuous audible alarm |
| Silencing | RESET button on the bottom |
| Power | |
| Battery | CR1620 button cell |
| Battery Life | Typically at least 3 years |
| Battery Replacement | Recommended every 3 years |
| Detection Circuit Current | Less than 1 µA |
| Materials and Construction | |
| Case | Water-resistant, shock-proof thermoplastic |
| Submersion | Do not submerge |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to 110°F |
| Expected Lifetime | At least 3-5 years |
| Mounting | |
| Straps | 2 removable Velcro straps |
| Strap Hardware | HK clip on one strap, key ring on the other |
| Mounting System | Included |
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