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holydiver238
holydiver238
Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 26 2010, 3:07 AM EDT | Post edited: Sep 26 2010, 3:07 AM EDT
I saw this thing where if you put a certain thing in with methanol (you can get it at auto parts stores), it will burn a certain color. I'm not sure if it would work in a molotov, but if you want to try than go ahead.

If you want a white or a very bright orange flame, than combine epson salt (you can get at the grocery store or a pharmacy) with methanol.

For a blue/violet flame, combine No Salt (you can get it at the grocery store) with methanol.

For a green flame, combine Borax (which you can get at the grocery store as well) with the methanol.

I believe it could be used for primitive communication. Of course it should only be used at night when its most visible. Green for biohazard warning. Blue for distress. normal flame for lethal force authorized. White for taking in survivors or friendly.

Feel free to tell me what you think. 2  out of 2 found this valuable. Do you?    
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DevilNuts
DevilNuts
1. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 26 2010, 3:11 AM EDT | Post edited: Sep 26 2010, 3:11 AM EDT
Not a terrible idea, and communication is always important regardless of how you accomplish it.

For daylight I think flags would be a much easier and more economical option. Colored smoke is also useful, as well as different colored fireworks. Do you find this valuable?    
Carnack
Carnack
2. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 26 2010, 3:38 AM EDT | Post edited: Sep 26 2010, 3:38 AM EDT
I like the concept...but I don't see just friendlies being drawn to it.

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FrankLeeDeRainged
FrankLeeDeRainged
3. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 26 2010, 7:02 AM EDT | Post edited: Sep 26 2010, 7:02 AM EDT
It jogs a memory, in WW2 ships in a formation used different colored flac (anti-aircraft fire) to help organize their defense. One of those things that obvious when you think about it. Do you find this valuable?    
mbartelsm
mbartelsm
4. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 26 2010, 1:23 PM EDT | Post edited: Sep 26 2010, 1:23 PM EDT
It could be a good idea but it maybe more useful in a torch, a molotov coctail may be too much Do you find this valuable?    
holydiver238
holydiver238
5. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 29 2010, 7:50 PM EDT | Post edited: Sep 29 2010, 7:50 PM EDT
Thanks guys, didn't think people would think it would be a good idea. Do you find this valuable?    

EastCoaster9000
6. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Sep 29 2010, 8:02 PM EDT | Post edited: Sep 29 2010, 8:02 PM EDT
I think a flare would be easier. If you cant do that, get a stick, tape a paper on nice, and color it. Do you find this valuable?    
pyroblast1
pyroblast1
7. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Nov 12 2011, 1:31 AM EST | Post edited: Nov 12 2011, 1:31 AM EST
"I think a flare would be easier. If you cant do that, get a stick, tape a paper on nice, and color it."
And burn time could be set for mores code. Do you find this valuable?    
Oakspar77777
Oakspar77777
8. RE: Colored Fire for communication or weapons
Nov 12 2011, 2:19 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 12 2011, 2:19 PM EST
I could see this as being useful for communicating between neighboring settlements that either grow out of yours or that you trade with consistantly.

Setting up singnals (particularly if the smoke is colored) that would burn for several hours - red for raiders, blue for zed, etc would help serve as long distance communication that your watch would see.

Being able to request emergency help, labor for large tasks (barn-raising), and the like would be a boon - particularly if sening regular runners with messages was too dangerous to do often. Do you find this valuable?