In addition to thegeekgroup.org and pupman, there is also 4hv.org. If interested, 4hv runs an IRC chatroom on the shadowworld network called #hvcomm

I don't see any problem with being given a test. For me it is an opportunity to really show them my troubleshooting skill, and also gives me an idea of the skill they are looking for. If they give me a test that is extremely plain and simple, then that is what they are looking for, and willing to pay for. If I get a test that requires serious troubleshooting, then they are wanting, and willing to pay for a serious troubleshooter.

Having them build an audio modulated Tesla Coil would be a challenge both in the high voltage aspect (resonance), and the low voltage aspect (building the controller PCB). There are also several types of Tesla Coils you can build, with many different options to choose from when it comes to switching the power. Spark Gap (SGTC) Uses a simple spark gap for the HV switch (Can be modified further to use a forced switch spark gap (Motor w/ moving electrodes) Synchronous spark gap or asynchronous spark gap. Vacuum Tube (VTTC) Uses old vacuum tube(s) as the HV switch Solid State (SSTC) Built with semiconductor switches. Direct Resonant Solid State (DRSSTC) Semiconductor switches with a feedback line to self-tune Audio Modulated Direct Resonant Solid State (AMDRSSTC) The biggest challenge of them all, a solid state switch, feedback for direct resonance, and audio modulated with an external device. The challenge here is to not fry your audio device, and make music from the arcs. See youtube for videos on these specific types of TC's.

This is just the government looking for a new way to view the people's email in any way they can. They will keep making new stories and attach the work "terrorist" to it, so that they can get a free pass to peek inside the area. First it was phones (obviously), and now they do warrantless wiretaps (and get away with it). Then it was laptops, now they can confiscate your laptop at the border for about as long as they want to. Now it's social sites... Anyone see a trend here? Now before I finish I will say that the government does need some of these options under certain circumstances, but not a free pass to view whatever they want, whenever they want.

This is only a low power, short term solution, but with minimal effort and money, it will keep you warm. I assume that: (1)You have central heat/air for your temperature control and (2) That you have enough basic knowledge to run a few wires. If you buy a power inverter for a vehicle (2000-3000 watt), you can easily power your blower motor for your heater, your laptop, and a few lights. Just hook up to your vehicle and run extension cords to the places you need power the most. Always hook the inverter directly to your battery, and keep you vehicle running at all times since this will be a heavy drain on your battery. Setup in this fashion you should be able to power what you need for a full day on a tank of gas. This is a somewhat expensive solution if you are planning on being without power for a long time, but if you'll be up in a day or 2, all you will need is enough gas to keep your vehicle running. SL

I have used various scopes in the past, and Tektronix scopes have always been my preference. As far as which particular model you get depends on what your needs are. The scope I used last was a Tektronix TDS2000, and it worked great.