🚀 go-pugleaf

On Fri, 18 May 2001 08:14:42 GMT, hideo@tne.net.au (Adam) wrote, after pausing
and ensuring that what they were going to write was not absolute gobbledy-gook:

>Most of us have seen the warning signs at petrol stations telling us
>to switch off our mobile phones. Obviously, some people believe that
>the transmission from a mobile phone is powerful enough to induce a
>spark in a nearby object.

Not quite.  A case that comes to mind is where, in jostling the phone at your
ear and hands, the battery pack momentarily loses contact and sparks.  This is
more than concern, rather than EMF related combustion from heating.  But there
is equally as much threat from dodgy wiring in the car, fuel dropping on hot
exhaust etc.  Hence the other reason you should turn your car off while filling
it.

>What about sensitive electronic componentry thats particularly
>susceptible to electrostatic discharge? If a mobile phone is operated
>near such equipment/components, is there a risk of damage? Can the
>signal couple with a loop on a PCB and induce a voltage capable of
>destroying a sensitive device? eg. If you're modifiying your computer
>& receive a call on your mobile, is it actually possible to screw up
>your motherboard if you get too close to it?
>
>I've spoken to an Electrical Engineer about this, and we were unable
>to discount the possibility. If anyone knows more, please contribute.

Theoretically, its possible I suppose, due to induced current (voltage), you'd
have to have all the conditions right though, not merely just the presence of a
circuit and an operating mobile phone (eg you'd need a circuit with something to
act as the 'aerial' in it etc etc etc ...).

Dion M.
http://dionsplace.terrashare.com/

"It takes a lot of brains to enjoy satire, humour and wit - but none to be offended by them."