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[Chozon1]

How much extra power strain do you think the electro magnets are going to use? I've never built one so...I don't know. XD And I may have been reading an older article on the nanotubes, so it's likely as you say.

When I said 'foot' I really meant on the back of the calf or next to the ankle. Phail on my face. Also, that'd be epic sweet (if the suit could be used for something like that). I had actually pictured something like a mech type of job, since I figure the electronic components won't be as expensive or breakable if we don't have to get 'micro' everything. There's also that...I find bigger components easier to work with.

But I'm not really set on that, and I'm totally open to a smaller design. Too, the gyro would be inside the backpack giving an overall balance reading to either the user, or to a set of small motors inside the ankle. But I don't know if that'd work, or even be necessary.

Did you want to try to go with actual 'hands' or something like the claws that subs use?

I also like your idea of how to get into the suit. Similar still to Iron Man.

Exterior lights, or relying on infrared for night vision?

[Deepfreeze32]

In my experience, magnets are relatively power-efficient. Current is required to keep the magnet attractive, but more current only expands the field, not the attractiveness of the magnet. If that makes sense. I could show you with equations, but I get the feeling you would appreciate less engineering physics. XD

As for size, maybe we should get on some CAD programs and see which is easier on our preferred power source. XD

Gyros: Related to the CAD discussion, but I think that we need to add that to our list of computer-controlled components. Manually calibrating gyros can be a pain in the butt. XD

I think hands should be our ultimate goal, but the engineer in me says that rather than deciding now, we should make a modular interface that allows to connect a claw or a hand (Or anything else) to it. Technically, it only needs two ports (Power and control signals) and a locking connection. So we could have hand hands, claw hands, gun hands, laser hands, you name it.

I think we should go with both, but allow the user to switch. Because I think if we go with the computer vision idea, infrared is infinitely easier to integrate, whereas regular vision or a hybridization can use both, but with more work.


Now for a question for you: How serious are you about this project?

[Chozon1]

In my experience, magnets are relatively power-efficient. Current is required to keep the magnet attractive, but more current only expands the field, not the attractiveness of the magnet. If that makes sense. I could show you with equations, but I get the feeling you would appreciate less engineering physics. XD

Dude. So harsh. I like physics, and especially of the engineering flavor. <3 Too, I like to learn (unless I hate what I'm learning) and thus appreciate equations and statistics and diagrams. But I understand what you're saying, and so I don't need them.

Using a CAD sounds like a really good idea too, far as things go. What is our preferred power source, by the way? XD Lithium?

The multiple hand thing sounds like another stroke of genius on your part. Claws are more useful for some applications than a 'hand' attachment would be. Same with guns and lasers. Not sure lasers are feasible, but I like the idea. Of course I do. XD

I'm actually fairly serious about this...It's something I've always wanted to do (like...from age 9 onwards). The problem is, I have no way to fund it currently, and I need a better education if I'm going to to be any help to you in design and buildination aside from gopher boy and manual labor.

[Deepfreeze32]

Well, I was going off of how you tend to hate on math, soooo. I wish the forum had support for LaTeX formatting, so my equations didn't look like crap. XD Though if you like Physics, I'll be sure to try not to water down the details.

I was thinking about power today, and I think we need to do research. I think a clean energy source would be ideal (Something cool like fuel cells), though more expensive. Mayhaps a fuel cell/battery hybrid source.

If what I say sounds like genius, my dad's side of the family is mostly to thank. My dad, granddad, and great-granddad were/are all engineers. Granddad and great-gramps were mechanical engineers while dad is a computer engineer. Engineering is a family trait, I joke. But the reality is, I've been exposed to engineering mindsets for so long that I can't not think with one. I have a feeling this will be a huge help later in life. Modular design is a key component of almost every engineering field, so naturally I thought it appropriate to apply it here.

Well if you are serious about this and want to try to design it, I have a proposal for you. This summer, I'm probably going to have lots of free time in afternoons. I was thinking we should draft a design document and possibly prototype some key systems during the summer. Then if we're done with most preliminary designs at that point, I could enter it into the business competition we have at school here. If it wins, and I suspect if we pitch it right it stands a strong chance of doing so, we can win a fair amount of money. (Anywhere from $1k to $10k. Plenty for more prototyping, eh?) Then, we can try to find a sponsor or something to continue funding it if we've made promising advancement (And I'd certainly hope we'd have by then).

Then perhaps we pitch it to the military or other professions that could use the protection, and attempt to recoup the costs of the project. If it works out, we might even make money and had valuable experience doing so. If not, hey, we spent a lot of time into engineering something, and that's gotta count for something in the job market.

Win-win as I see it. Your thoughts?

[Orodrist]

So who's getting put in charge of arming it?

[Chozon1]

Yeah. LaTeX. That's why I never write out equations. >_> Actually, I don't hate math all that much. I had a bad meath learning experience as a child, and I get frustrated when I can't understand something others see as simple. But once I get it, me and math are like this.

It'd be fancy (though probably annoying) if we could make it have two power modes, like electric cars; when the fuel cell runs out of juice, it'd automatically switch to batteries until they ran dry or more fuel was incorporated into the system.

That's really cool about your fambly, but don't discount your own abilities. You rock dude. You've got God given talents in this field.

And actually, I really like your plan. The only problem I see with it is me. XD You're being very kind, but aside from saying 'lol deep want make Iron man soot?' I haven't really contributed anything to the plans and I actually think I'm more of a detriment. At least until I know more about this stuff aside from a very basic knowledge.

[Deepfreeze32]

So who's getting put in charge of arming it?

Well if you want in...

And actually, I really like your plan. The only problem I see with it is me. XD You're being very kind, but aside from saying 'lol deep want make Iron man soot?' I haven't really contributed anything to the plans and I actually think I'm more of a detriment. At least until I know more about this stuff aside from a very basic knowledge.

Well if you want to go get more learned in this stuff before we go ahead with this, I'm more than fine with that.

[Orodrist]

Dual AR-10's running Beta CMags work good for ya'll?

[Chozon1]

Well if you want to go get more learned in this stuff before we go ahead with this, I'm more than fine with that.

Eh...I would just want to be more helpful than the chubby unfunny comic relief guy. XD

Speaking of which, what type of material were you thinking of for the bottom of the feet?

Also, as an aside, is there a 'best' or most used programmination language for videro games?

Dual AR-10's running Beta CMags work good for ya'll?

Too small. >_>

[Deepfreeze32]

Well if you want to go get more learned in this stuff before we go ahead with this, I'm more than fine with that.

Eh...I would just want to be more helpful than the chubby unfunny comic relief guy. XD

Speaking of which, what type of material were you thinking of for the bottom of the feet?

I was thinking a hardened rubber sole for the boots, with the ability to replace them in the even that they get worn away. Sound good to you?

Also, as an aside, is there a 'best' or most used programmination language for videro games?

Well...there's a lot to this question. XD

Best in what sense of the word? Best for beginners, best for professionals, best for certain genres, etc?

Most-used for video games (If you mean game engine coding and core systems) would probably be C or C++. I personally use C++ a lot, and I love it. Another common language is Java, though I dislike Java for a fair number of reasons.

Most games use a separate language for scripting events. Python, C#, and a few others can be used for these.


Now if you're asking which to learn first, I recommend starting with Python or some other "Scripting" language. C++ is probably the most popular language for application development, but it's also a really hard language. I taught myself C++ at 13, and it was hard. XD When you learn the basics of a language, try to make a text-based game or something for kicks. See how it works. Then learn more advanced stuff.

If you want a quick and "Easy" way to program with cross-platform stuff, use Java. But if you want to do this for a living or even seriously program for a living, learn a real language like C or C++ instead. Java will cause lots of bad habits for programmers. XD

Whenever you've taught yourself a good language like C or C++, pick up a book like this one. I own the 2nd edition of that book, and it's a really impressive overview of what goes into a game from a coding perspective. There are other, more advanced books out there, but that should be enough to get you started.

Dual AR-10's running Beta CMags work good for ya'll?

I guess. I was kinda thinking that using a minigun with this contraption would be pretty sick. XD

[Orodrist]

Yes, but I can build an AR, miniguns take more equipment than is feasible.


Think ceramic inserts are necessary, or are you planning on enough metal to stop bullets?

[Deepfreeze32]

Well the design philosophy behind the armor is to make it as thin and still bulletproof. Ceramics might be a viable suggestion, though ballistics isn't really my thing.

[Orodrist]

Well see, I was thinking weight as well. Ceramics would have to be thicker, but they're a crapton lighter.

What does the resident engineer have in mind for concussive blast protection?

[Chozon1]

What about flamethrowers? Can't go wrong with shooting a conflagration at something.

I was thinking a hardened rubber sole for the boots, with the ability to replace them in the even that they get worn away. Sound good to you?

Pretty much. Though I think for hazardous terrain, we'd need other stuff. And maybe look into some sort of anti-slip coating, or rubber formula. Wrecks the armor suit image if you fall over because of an oil spill. XD

Well...there's a lot to this question. XD

Best in what sense of the word? Best for beginners, best for professionals, best for certain genres, etc?

Most-used for video games (If you mean game engine coding and core systems) would probably be C or C++. I personally use C++ a lot, and I love it. Another common language is Java, though I dislike Java for a fair number of reasons.

Most games use a separate language for scripting events. Python, C#, and a few others can be used for these.


Now if you're asking which to learn first, I recommend starting with Python or some other "Scripting" language. C++ is probably the most popular language for application development, but it's also a really hard language. I taught myself C++ at 13, and it was hard. XD When you learn the basics of a language, try to make a text-based game or something for kicks. See how it works. Then learn more advanced stuff.

If you want a quick and "Easy" way to program with cross-platform stuff, use Java. But if you want to do this for a living or even seriously program for a living, learn a real language like C or C++ instead. Java will cause lots of bad habits for programmers. XD

Whenever you've taught yourself a good language like C or C++, pick up a book like this one. I own the 2nd edition of that book, and it's a really impressive overview of what goes into a game from a coding perspective. There are other, more advanced books out there, but that should be enough to get you started.

You know, it's remarkable: so many times I'll ask a 'simple' question only to find out the question ain't that simple. XD

Actually, I was just wondering. Signed up for the computer programming course as my college choice, and wanted to know if what I would learn could be applied to game development (since they don't offer an official course, I wanted something I could apply the knowledge of). It looks like the course starts off with 'Visual Basic' (which...means something to you?), then C, then Java.

Looks fun. At the least, my rump will be in college.

[Deepfreeze32]

Well see, I was thinking weight as well. Ceramics would have to be thicker, but they're a crapton lighter.

What does the resident engineer have in mind for concussive blast protection?

True, true.

I was thinking about that today...and I think we'd need to design a sort of shock absorbing system. I was thinking designing the exterior with concussion-absorbing shapes. Not concussion proof, but pretty dang good.

What about flamethrowers? Can't go wrong with shooting a conflagration at something.

I was thinking a hardened rubber sole for the boots, with the ability to replace them in the even that they get worn away. Sound good to you?

Pretty much. Though I think for hazardous terrain, we'd need other stuff. And maybe look into some sort of anti-slip coating, or rubber formula. Wrecks the armor suit image if you fall over because of an oil spill. XD

Flamethrowers were, I think, a secondary weapon that could be added to the system. I think it would need to be designed later, as making the suit functional is the first priority.

You know, it's remarkable: so many times I'll ask a 'simple' question only to find out the question ain't that simple. XD

Actually, I was just wondering. Signed up for the computer programming course as my college choice, and wanted to know if what I would learn could be applied to game development (since they don't offer an official course, I wanted something I could apply the knowledge of). It looks like the course starts off with 'Visual Basic' (which...means something to you?), then C, then Java.

Looks fun. At the least, my rump will be in college.

Visual Basic is Microsoft's version of the BASIC language (BASIC Meaning Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), and it's a cinch. C is a bit more difficult, but the basics are pretty easy. Java...is weird. In theory, it's easier to get good at than C or C++. But it's also got some of the messiest syntax and style of any language I know. It handles a lot of the memory allocation for you, so it's easier to avoid leaks, but I feel like it's comparing an automatic transmission to a Manual. The automatic is nice, but the manual is more fun and you have more control.

Class sounds fun. I'm assuming this is all one semester? If so, I'd imagine you won't get too terribly deep into programming concepts, but I imagine you'll be reasonably experienced at general procedural programming by the end.