sdbeck@mac.cc.macalstr.edu (06/14/91)
In article <tap.676657527@hela.iti.org>, tap@iti.org (Thomas A. Phelps) writes: > Please note that the magnetic fields which emanate from airport x-ray > machines are not contained within the machine. I had a floppy corrupted > when I handed it past the machine to the security person. Be very wary > of such equipment. If you need the data on the other end, check a copy > through in your checked luggage (I know, I don't like to check luggage > either). Of course, checked luggage can also be zapped. Uh, to clear up a little; the magnetic fields inherent to airport X-ray machines have nothing to do with the X-ray part; they're from the motors pulling the belts through the machine. So, your checked luggage is also quite vulnerable, since every airport I've ever been at has had my luggage going at least four or five times further than the longest carry-on baggage checker (on electric-driven belts) The distance isn;t really the issue, but the number of times on such a contraption is--presuming that each trip passes by the motor of the belt. Anyways, I haven;'t lost data from X-rays yet, but I know those who have suffered catastrophically. -Dan becker