How to Build a DIY Sound Cannon Shield

How to Build a DIY Sound Cannon Shield

In recent weeks, police departments across the country have used so-called “sound cannons” to control and disperse crowds of protestors. Officially known as Long Range Acoustic Devices, or LRADs, these speakers are essentially sound-based weapons that allow law enforcement to broadcast high-frequency audio at a painful volume and in a precise direction over a long distance.

LRADs can cause headaches, nausea and vertigo — all the way to permanent hearing loss.

The folks at Dave & Gabe, a Brooklyn-based installation studio, recently built and tested a DIY LRAD shield that’s portable enough to carry to a protest. They put together a full guide with instructions and test results, but here are the basics.

You’ll need the following:

  • 3″ pine battens or 2x4s
  • 5/8″ drywall or 1/2″ plywood or 1/2″ acrylic
  • 3/4″ conduit
  • Insulation (denim, rockwool or fibreglass)
  • A drill + screws (material dependent)

You’ll use the pine battens or 2x4s to build a frame — the instructions recommend 26” wide x 34” tall to balance portability and utility. The model includes centre beams in addition to the outer frame.

Once you have constructed a frame, layer the insulation (cut to the same size on both sides) followed by the drywall or acrylic. You’ll also want to drill a 3/4″ hole in the bottom of the frame to thread the conduit through to serve as a monopod.

D&G’s model, which uses clear acrylic as the outer layer, also has a cutout in the insulation for viewing.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a perfect solution that 100% guarantees protection against LRADs. The D&G instructions note that larger devices mounted up high won’t be blocked by the shield. You should also always carry earplugs and over-ear protection if you’re at risk of encountering acoustic weapons.


The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans

Here are the cheapest plans available for Australia’s most popular NBN speed tier.

At Lifehacker, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.

Comments


Leave a Reply