The nifty thing about CAD is you can assemble this thing in 3D, spin it around, play with it, then put it in a mock up environment, and show it graphically rendered moving through the ice. Cardboard can't do that. Ever play with Pro E?
Robert Crawley Elite Precision Fabricators, Inc. Programming (936) 449-6823 -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:owner-europa@;klx.com]On Behalf Of Joe Latrell Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 6:31 PM To: Europa IcePIC mailing list Subject: An Observation While I have been watching the ideas fly on this list, I have noticed one thing - the varying degrees of perception as to what the scope of this project are. I can actually see this broken down into a series of steps that look something like this: 1) A design prototype (how about a napkin drawing and then go from there). CAD/CAM doesn't even start into the equation until you know the package size. Note: You may already have this but I cannot find it on the website. 2) Build a mockup out of cheap materials like cardboard with spaces for everything. Batteries go here, heating element there, etc. Measure everything. You can test designs and refine them, then move to CAD/CAM. 3) Cheap heating element test. I live in Colorado and ice is cheap. Make 1/4 to 1/2 scale models with different heating systems. Try to punch through ice to 10 feet (a recoverable depth). Repeat until the most efficient design emerges. This can be done with cardboard models, platicoat, and some care. Home Depot anyone? 4) Return to step one. Now with what you have learned, repeat the preocess. 5) Build the IcePICK for ice diving. Test like you did with the scale models. Now go to Alaska or wherever for the big show. Total time frame - 18 months from start to publicity stunt. Joe Latrell Beyond-Earth Enterprises BTW, I have a CAD expert ready to go, a napkin drawing (that I expect will fail), the ability to put any kind of computer file into PDF format (my wife is a desktop publisher with years of experience) and $200 I can commit today. It is not a lot, but it is a start. Anyone ready to play? Let the flaming commence. == You are subscribed to the Europa Icepick mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Project information and list (un)subscribe info: http://klx.com/europa/ == You are subscribed to the Europa Icepick mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Project information and list (un)subscribe info: http://klx.com/europa/
