Automatic device which attaches to an active television set sounds an audible alarm when a tornado is within 29 km (18miles) of device

Moss, A. R.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

May 1972	 B72-10106 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce now technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Tornado Detector and Alarm 
The problem: 
Rural areas in the "tornado belt" do not have an On 
inexpensive tornado alarm other than constantly mon- Switch\ itoring the radio for weather bulletins. Alarm	 Photocell 
Silicon 
The solution: -	 Controlled 
A simple automatic device which attaches to an active Rectifier	
'- T.V. set will sound an audible alarm when a tornado is 
within 29 km (18 miles) of the device.
 
How it's done: Note: 
Electric disturbances within the vacuum funnel of a 
tornado turn an energized but black (brightness control Requests for further information may be directed to: 
turned down) T.V. screen white. This is sensed by the Technology Utilization Officer 
circuit	 shown.	 The	 alarm	 or alarms can be located Marshall Space Flight Center 
remotely from the T.V. set such as in the bedroom or C6de A&TS-TU 
barn. Attachment of the circuit does not require any Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
special skill or tools, and if the alarm is not to be re- Reference: B72-10106 
motely located, additional wiring is not required. The 
circuit consists of a photocell, mounted by suction cup Patent status: 
to the picture tube within the T.V. cabinet, a capacitor No patent action-is contemplated by NASA. 
(which serves as a transient voltage protector and time 
delay to suppress transient voltage spikes or the effect of Source: A. R. Moss 
nearby	 lightning), a	 silicon	 controlled	 rectifier rated "	 Marshall Space Flight Center 
for the alarm current and voltage, and a
	
switch. (MFS-20915)
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately owned rights. 
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Tornado detector and alarm

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