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That poses an interesting question: Would EMP also fry a radio that was powered by a hand crank? If it's components were microchips, I'm betting yes.

I think EMP is overrated from what I've read about it. Basically if your radio or electronic device isn't connected to a power source (usually the A/C line) or an antenna, it should be safe but if you want added protection to make sure, put it in a grounded metal box. I think your Walkman should still work and even with cars, the body is metal so that should shield any electonics. The problem is that an outside antenna and the power lines will act as an antenna and direct the EMP into the device in question. Of course, nothing is 100% so it is a good idea to protect them as well as you can.

BTW, I do have a battery powered tube radio, my grandfather's 1953 Philco 53-656, it even has the Civil Defense symbol on it past the AM band. B-) IIRC, above 1610 kc to about 1800 kc, it was used for local Civil Defense communications by the authorities at that time. Many police departments still used 2000 kc for their radios although even at that time, they were using VHF-Lo/Hi.

even with cars, the body is metal so that should shield any electonics.

According to the notes I took at NBC school (Nuclear, Biological & Chemical warfare), EMP will fry the electronics of most any civilian vehicle line of sight to the detonation, especially the rather delicate computers associated with the starter and regulating the engine especially in the more upscale cars. In other words, anything with electronic start or even electronic fuel injection won't work. I'm guessing if you have a 1975 or prior Ford Bronco, you're ok. Maybe one of the original IH Scout 4x4's.

Ah, yes! The old Civil Defense frequencies were 560kc and 1620kc, usually marked on the AM bands of old radios with the little "triangle-in-circle" CD symbol.

In the 50's & early 60's..when the "Red-Flag Alert" was sent out, and the old EBS was activated, all radio stations were to sign off except those two frequencies, which were then signed on. Only those stations, which were fairly low-powered, were to operate until the All Clear had been sounded after an attack.

It was part of a program called CONELRAD, for CONtrol of ELectromagnetic RADiation. Back 'in the old days', bombers would lock onto radio stations in their target areas and guide themselves in that way. As electronic guidance systems got better, this system became obsolete, as bombers (and missles) no longer needed a target radio station.

I think EMP is overrated from what I've read about it. Basically if your radio or electronic device isn't connected to a power source (usually the A/C line) or an antenna, it should be safe but if you want added protection to make sure, put it in a grounded metal box.

Actually, you DON'T want it in a grounded metal box. Earth is a conductor you know. The electronics should be wrapped in foil and/or metal screen mesh and then placed in some non conducting box (rubbermaid, tupperware etc.)