PC Nukes

Now available in a full-length plug-in card for IBM PC or compatible computers, the QBX-1 add-on nuclear-reactor card provides backup power for as long as 12 years. When the card senses a power failure, explosive bolts eject moderator and control rods from the reactor's interior within 20 usec, bringing the reactor to its fully rated output of 20kW in less than a millisecond. Over its 12-year active life, the reactor's power will decrease by 25% to 15kW.

Integral heat fins provide convection cooling of the reactor's 500W power dissipation, while the reactor remains in its standby configuration. If your computer's fan can't furnish the 400 cu-ft/sec of forced air for cooling, consider buying the manufacturer's heavy-water cooling jacket and stainless-steel pump module, which fit conveniently under a desk or workbench. Latches on each side of the reactor module let you quickly exchange the radioactive core, should you need to replace it. An optional circular viewing port of lead glass lets you check the reactor's internal mechanical assemblies.

To protect users from undue radiation, each reactor includes a shielding kit comprised of five self-stick lead plates and 20 radiation-monitoring film badges. The lead plates mount inside your computer's enclosure and reduce the gamma rays that cause soft errors to floppy and hard disks and RAM data. For further protection, consider buying the manufacturer's 200-ft extension cords for keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Because the reactor can supply more than enough power for your computer, you can sell excess power to your local utility company. An add-on phasing and metering kit (PMK-1) lets you connect your reactor to the local power grid. Each PMK-1 includes standard powersale contracts and Rural Electrification Board rules and regulations.

Although not required in all localities, each reactor card package includes a standard 23-volume site-evacuation plan. The plan includes blank forms for you to fill in the name and address of your reactor site and then mail to the NRC. As an option, the manufacturer supplies the plan on 12 MS-DOC compatible disks in WordStar format. User-friendly Templates let you type in information so that your word processor can create a complete printed document.

Reactor prices start at $2.3 million. Delivery in 5-7 ARO.