Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 07:57:39 -0500
Reply-To: Chuck Hill <hilltech@NETINS.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Chuck Hill <hilltech@NETINS.NET>
Subject: Re: Al foil protection
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Joel Walker advises us:
"I wear 2 lbs of aluminum foil (arranged properly in a toroidal hat) on
my head at all times during the night (when the ozone layer is at its
lowest point!!). i can tell you that without that aluminum foil i'd be
receiving those messages in my teeth and brain,......
Joel forgot to mention the most important part of this safeguard:
KEEP THE SHINY SIDE OF THE FOIL UP!!!
If you do this wrong, and make your PTD (Protective Toroidal Device)
with the dull side of the foil up, the effect is one of concentration,
instead of reflection/dispersion, leading to dire consequences.
Absolutely no dull foil must face upwards. KEEP THE SHINY SIDE UP!!
The PTD offers pretty good protection during periods of low ozone
protection, but is less satisfactory during daylight hours, the
reflected/dispersed rays causing discomfort to those you may meet on the
sidewalk. I have noticed people actually crossing to the other side of
the street downtown while I've been wearing my PTD during periods of
"holes in the ozone" during daylight hours. Sometimes during evening
hours as well, though not so often. People do know about the benefits
of the use of a PTD, and though you don't see a lot of them in use, I
notice people pointing and nodding their heads in approval rather often.
I would be interested whether red or green colored foil is more or less
effective--perhaps someone can report on this to the list.
A PTD is also a good precaution during periods of high sunspot
activity, though there is some mention in the literature that pyramidal
shaped devices are just as effective. I notice about the same reduction
in message reception through the teeth and brain with either one, so I
just stick with the one PTD. The pyramidal device is rather flimsy,
also.
Those readers in the southern hemisphere should realize that in their
case, the dull side should be up. It's reversed, just like the Coreolis
effect.
Obligatory Vanagon Content: I always keep a PTD in place on the engine
cover during dangerous periods, and have had no more problems with
surging, stalling, etc. since using the device.
Chuck Hill