Electronics at Hogwarts

[Clifford Vander Yacht]

No: HPFGUIDX 158401

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Ken Hutchinson" <klhutch at ...>
wrote:
>
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jordan Abel" <random832@> wrote:
> >
> > I will try to summarize the various theories on why electronic devices
> > don't work at hogwarts. There are several aspects to this
> > 
> 
> I think we have to give it up, Jordan. I just re-read the bit on JKR's
> website FAQ where she answers the questions about Colin's camera. She
> says the battery doesn't work at Hogwarts therefore the camera must
> run on magical energy the way a wizard's radio does, apparently
> acknowledging that his camera does have some internal electronics.
> Hermione, I think, says radios emit static at Hogwarts. Harry probably
> has an electronic watch but JKR will say it runs on magical energy at
> Hogwarts. So the batteries don't work, some devices do work but run on
> magical energy, but radios don't work ....
> 
> Does anyone happen to know what day of the week it is or what the
> phase of the moon is?
> 
> Ken
>

Cliff, the Physicist here:

Colin's camera is an Argus C-3, made in Ann Arbor, Michigan, until
1950. It is totally mechanical. It has an electric switch inside so
that a flash, powered by a battery works. The flash bulbs are light
bulbs which are filled with oxygen gas and magnesium wire. The
filament ignites the magnesium. No electronics is involved.

Batteries must work or Colin and Harry would be dead as we all run by
electricity. My EKG says my heart is OK as it is producing the proper
electrical currents (which can be detected without anything touching
the skin). I would hope that a scan of my head would show some
electrical activity.

In Hogwarts, electricity is not needed as magic heats and lights the
buildings, moves stairways (I love that spiral escalator at the
Headmaster's Office), transports food, etc. But that can't preclude it.

Cell phones and radios don't work in tunnels. That isn't magic at
work. That's so you'll stay focused on driving.

Cliff, trying to find magic in Muggle life, and science in the HP
fictional life.