The bomb note:
This bomb can never be dismantled or disarmed without causing an explosion. Not even by the creator. Only by proper instruction can it be moved to a safe place where it can be deliberately exploded, or where the third automatic timer can be allowed to detonate it. There are three automatic timers each set for three different explosion times. Only if you comply with the instructions in this letter will you be given instructions on how to disconnect the first two automatic timers and how to move the bomb to a place where it can be exploded safely.
The actual bomb itself, being inspected by the FBI.
In an attempt to disable it, the authorities instead set it off, severely damaging Harvey's Resort up at South Lake Tahoe.
The way the bomb had been put together was mind boggling in it's complexity:
The timer: The machine did contain a timer, a long-delay type ordinarily used in irrigation and sprinkling systems. No one but Big John knew exactly how long it had been set for, but its maximum period was about eight days. Had it reached the end of its cycle it would have closed a detonation circuit.
The tilt sensor: One of the switches was a conductive metal pendulum dangling down the center of a conductive metal tube. If the box were tilted just a little in any direction or caused to vibrate excessively, the pendulum would swing into contact with the tube wall, thus completing a detonation circuit.
The float valve: The head of the box contained the exact same kind of float valve found in typical toilet cisterns. If it was caused to rise by intruding water, foam, or other fluids it would close a detonation circuit.
Spring-loaded screw switches: Each of the flat-head screws securing the lid to the top box was connected to a spring-loaded switch capable of closing a detonation circuit.
Pressure switches: The lids of each box were pressing down upon a series of pressure switches, the same kind used to turn off a fridge light when the door is closed. If anyone had tried to pry the lid off either box, a circuit would have closed.
Conductive metal foil: The inside surfaces of the boxes were lined with rubber sheeting, which were in turn lined with conductive foil. If something metal such as a drill bit or saw blade penetrated the outer metal casing and the rubber sheeting, it would close a circuit between the metal housing and the foil. There was also such a foil between the top and bottom boxes to prevent them from being pried apart.
The toggle switches: Some of the 28 toggle switches on the face of the device were dummies, and a few were able to disable the tilt sensor, thus making the machine safe to move before the timer expired. Toggling any of the others would close a detonation circuit and set off the dynamite instantly.
The complex bomb and it's well thought out construction is still legendary at the FBI.
What an interesting post... I remember seeing the blast at Harvey's on TV, but not any of this info.
ReplyDeleteYeah, me too, but I hadn't thought of it at all until I saw this story. The actual events were truly stranger than fiction. I think the guy murdered his wife somehow.
DeleteHeck of a bomb.
ReplyDeleteAt some level, bomb experts recognize that a bomb is too complex to attempt disarming, even with the help of the maker. making a bomb like this isn't that difficult. We don't see more of them because 99.99% of us are not psychopaths (excluding Moslems).
ReplyDelete