Originally Posted By: chaosmagnet
Quote:
pen sized high voltage detector (especially if you are in the city with a subway).


I don't think there's any way to safely test for train voltage with gear that isn't at least a yard long.


It's only around 600-700VAC - nothing supernatural for a non contact detector, they are easily up to 1000V standard, I believe. Surely, be cautious, not ground yourself too effectively smile

Originally Posted By: chaosmagnet

Quote:
paper city map

Agreed, especially in a city you don't know well. Keep in mind that most of the time you don't want to look like a tourist.


True. But in a distressed city there could be benefits to pretend or demonstrate that.