Don't try this at home

In the interest of Science . . .

by Gemita - 2023-05-25 12:57:40

Piglet, so not even a hint of any ill effects?  No worsening of your ectopics, either during or after your experiment?  That is reassuring to hear.

I won’t be trying anything like this at home.   I wouldn't be so brave, or foolish!   My electrical disturbances are quite active at the moment and I don’t want to encourage them! 

What is next on your “challenge list” in the interest of science?

Love it!!!!

by Gotrhythm - 2023-05-25 17:14:02

You proved the truth that today's pacemakers are not fragile or temperamental.

So many people unneccessarily live too far inside the fence. Don't get too close to the (fill in the blank.) You went right up to the fence and poked your fingers through it. 

I actually did one time have a magnetic something interfere with the pacemaker. At an airport, the security guy was wanding me, and waved the wand too close to my left chest. For a split second, I felt something happen. And the very next instant, as the wand moved away, I felt the pacemaker resume the regular program. It continued to work fine for 7-8 more years until the battery died.

It was a totally freeing experience. I learned that it really is true. Yes, our pacemakers can be affected by electromagnetic waves or whatever it is, AND good news!  the pacemaker can handle it! 

Since then, I don't worry ever about electrical devices of any kind. Like you, I freely test things to see what will happen. Nothing. nothing, nothing  has ever happened.

I don't have access to a gizmo like you decided to test. But I appreciate your trying it and reporting the (no) results.

Ha!

by Penguin - 2023-05-25 17:27:14

You do make me laugh Piglet! 

A man and his shed and his tools eh! 

I'm glad you've had a positive result! 

Gemita’s comment

by docklock - 2023-05-25 20:39:27

If you're looking for another "challenge" I might have one.  In Mig Welding is it the transformer, the arc OR a combination of both that might cause a PM to misbehave. 
I believe my welder maxes out at 135 amps; so if I were to use it at 90 amps or so; keep transformer as far away as possible-- how much, if anything would I encounter??

I know what I found on Goggle and Pacemaker sites, but really want someone's up close and personal experience -- so I don't wind up laying on garage floor wondering "wha hapen". 
So if you're looking for another "experiment" think about the welder.  

Metal detector

by AgentX86 - 2023-05-25 23:09:37

Metal detectors are not passive devices.  If it were passive, it couldn't detect a passive target. The antique name for this techology (before me, even) was a "grid dip meter".  It is a tuned circuit that emits a radio frequency signal.  It detects metal by the change in frequency caused by the metal target increasing the inductance in the tuned circuit, causing the frequency to "dip".

Dependng on the type of metal detector, either a low-frequency signal is used (sorta like an AM transmitter) or a higher frequency pulsed signal.  These can, obviously, detect metal well below the surface so the RF signal can penetrate quite far.  I certainly wouldn't trying to find my PM. I know where it is. 😁

Thanks

by piglet22 - 2023-05-26 07:57:51

Thanks all for the positive comments.

It was of course meant to be light-hearted - forgive the pun - and the risk was small.

One thing I won't be doing is taking up docklock's suggestion for a challenge.

There are enough hazards with arc welding for healthy people without trying that one.

I'll have to bow to AgentX86's superior knowledge of all things electrical and let him answer the tricky questions. I certainly won't be arguing the toss over the "grid dip meter". Have to mind my p's and q's in future.

I have been very tempted to...

by dwelch - 2023-05-31 22:01:21

I could even go tomorrow, but .  we make electronics and we have to do "regulatory" to get the various national symbols that among things like there is no lead there is this or that.   but also this product does not emit certain signals or fields, etc.  and some of the guys are doing that testing this week.  I have been to the facility and I think some new tablet or something had come out and the guy that owns/runs the place commented on putting it in the chamber and seeing the different frequencies it was producing (wifi and bluetooth and the like of course).  

I am tempted one of these times to see if he will just let me sit in the room, maybe bring the take home box even though we think we know what frequency that is...could be fun.  

medical devices are much more regulated than commercial electronics so you know it has been through a lot and wouldnt be surprised if that information is publicly available.

I do agree you should not drill there although one wonders how thick and durable the case is, I have my first three devices but thanks to lawsuits I/we cant take home any more of them.  no I have not drilled through them they are somewhat special to me...was intimately connected to them for several years.