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View Full Version : "Aluminium Foil Helmets" have opposite effect: new MIT research


logical muse
10th November 2005, 02:30 PM
Here's a link to the MIT study:

On the Effectiveness of Aluminium Foil Helmets:
An Empirical Study (http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/)

The abstract:

Among a fringe community of paranoids, aluminum helmets serve as the protective measure of choice against invasive radio signals. We investigate the efficacy of three aluminum helmet designs on a sample group of four individuals. Using a $250,000 network analyser, we find that although on average all helmets attenuate invasive radio frequencies in either directions (either emanating from an outside source, or emanating from the cranium of the subject), certain frequencies are in fact greatly amplified. These amplified frequencies coincide with radio bands reserved for government use according to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Statistical evidence suggests the use of helmets may in fact enhance the government's invasive abilities. We theorize that the government may in fact have started the helmet craze for this reason.

kevin
10th November 2005, 04:22 PM
clearly from the pictures they have the shiny side pointing the wrong way! They've reversed the polarity and it automatically has the opposite effect of what it was designed to do.

Soapy Sam
10th November 2005, 04:26 PM
This is a gummint plot to delude us into taking our hemets off!

I for one, am not fooled.

logical muse
10th November 2005, 04:28 PM
This is a gummint plot to delude us into taking our hemets off!

I for one, am not fooled.
Foiled, then? ;)

Soapy Sam
10th November 2005, 05:02 PM
Curses! Foiled again.

A true story- I used to keep a flashlight in my car, for emergencies. As it was there for months / years at a time, I wrapped the batteries in clingfilm (Saranwrap) as a precaution against leakage.
One day, my mother borrowed it. I reminded her to rewrap the batteries before she put it back, and she did.
In aluminium foil!
Boy that was a mess!

LordoftheLeftHand
10th November 2005, 05:10 PM
I wonder if this effect is similar to crumpling foil onto your TV antenna.

LLH

richardm
11th November 2005, 04:33 AM
Oh? Does that improve reception, then?

Zep
11th November 2005, 05:16 AM
No, but it keeps it off your bonce! :D

LordoftheLeftHand
11th November 2005, 09:32 AM
Oh? Does that improve reception, then?

It "seemed" make an improvement when I was a kid. Haven't used a set of rabbit ears in a long time.

LLH

Soapy Sam
11th November 2005, 09:47 AM
I think Rebecca has some.