So... my very first concern when I started thinking about using magnets to build the ReadyPod was that they might ruin the SD card in my camera.
As I was searching the internet for some reliable data I began to see that there seems to be a fairly common fear out there about magnets and what they might do to just about everything electronic or computer related, especially media storage and display screens. I am amazed at all the false ideas that people are passing off as true facts when it comes to this subject.
So... I set out to find the truth about magnets. Below are some of the facts that I discovered.
I didn't find any reliable information about the affects of magnets on cell phones or magnetic camera shutters and I am still looking. So, if you find anything real let me know.
I did do some experiments with my Nikon D40 digital SLR camera by placing the strongest magnet I own (149.9 lbs pull force - 12,600 Gauss) at various positions around the lens while snapping some shots. I noticed no difference in the operation of the camera or in the pictures.
I also tried placing the same magnet on all sides of my cheap LG phone (it's all I have) and it had no noticeable effect.
I'm not an expert and I'm sure there is a lot to learn about the affects of magnetism on different equipment and in different situations. I would love to hear any solid facts that anyone has on this subject that I or anyone who uses the ReadyPod should be aware of.
Thanks,
-Troy
Additional resources :
http://www.pcworld.com/article/116572/busting_the_biggest_pc_myths.html
http://www.trek-tech.com/support/faq.html
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=hard-drive-destruction
http://www.ehow.com/list_6310268_effects-magnets-computers.html
http://www.tapeonline.com/articles/x-rays-film-videotape
As I was searching the internet for some reliable data I began to see that there seems to be a fairly common fear out there about magnets and what they might do to just about everything electronic or computer related, especially media storage and display screens. I am amazed at all the false ideas that people are passing off as true facts when it comes to this subject.
So... I set out to find the truth about magnets. Below are some of the facts that I discovered.
- Digital storage devices such as SD cards and flash drives are not affected by magnets at all... (unless the magnetic force is strong enough to suck the iron right out of your blood cells... Don't worry... You wouldn't be able to get your hands on a magnet that strong.)
- LCD screens, such as the ones in laptop computers, tablets, cell phones, mp3 players, digital camera displays, flat panel TVs and computer monitors as well as in other electronic devices, are not affected by magnets whatsoever.
- Computer hard drives cannot be erased or corrupted accidentally by magnets. However, an incredibly strong magnet (many, many times stronger than those used in the ReadyPod) could possibly damage the components of a hard drive if placed directly on the hard drive.
- Magnetic storage devices such as floppy disks, VHS tapes and the magnetic strip on a credit card can easily be erased or corrupted by a strong magnetic field and should be avoided. (Newer magnetic storage devices such as DV and mini DV tapes have a much higher resistance to erasure).
- The older CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and TVs are effected by strong magnets and direct contact for an extended period of time should be avoided.
I didn't find any reliable information about the affects of magnets on cell phones or magnetic camera shutters and I am still looking. So, if you find anything real let me know.
I did do some experiments with my Nikon D40 digital SLR camera by placing the strongest magnet I own (149.9 lbs pull force - 12,600 Gauss) at various positions around the lens while snapping some shots. I noticed no difference in the operation of the camera or in the pictures.
I also tried placing the same magnet on all sides of my cheap LG phone (it's all I have) and it had no noticeable effect.
I'm not an expert and I'm sure there is a lot to learn about the affects of magnetism on different equipment and in different situations. I would love to hear any solid facts that anyone has on this subject that I or anyone who uses the ReadyPod should be aware of.
Thanks,
-Troy
Additional resources :
http://www.pcworld.com/article/116572/busting_the_biggest_pc_myths.html
http://www.trek-tech.com/support/faq.html
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=hard-drive-destruction
http://www.ehow.com/list_6310268_effects-magnets-computers.html
http://www.tapeonline.com/articles/x-rays-film-videotape