iSoaker.net :: Soaking the world!

by **CA99** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:13 am

Hmm... I also have some ideas for a soaker design. I'll likely put it into the 3D modeler later on. (well I might do it sooner because it's hard to do internals in 2D)

iSoaker, he suggested using paint or scanning/taking a picture of a paper. I think that could work if one can't do 3D modeling.

Anyways, I'll probably submit at least 3 pictures. One of the gun, one of the gun's internals, and one of the gun in the retail box. (there are several things that need to go in that box that aren't typically part of the gun)

Actually, I don't know how far I can get on this, less than a month before the contest ends. However, doing it on paper would be rather hard especially since the internal layout requires 3D.

Edit: From what I've read, it seems like you don't even have to map out the internals. I don't see how this would work though, as one could design something in which no internals could really fit. (at least realistically) Also, I didn't find anything on restrictions of the soaker's appearance. (black M16's, for examples, should be restricted for the contest) As for power... I'll just use my own discretion on that for right now. Either way, my design will probably be geared towards the teen and less of the kiddie audience. (but with practicality, ease of use, etc. still in mind of course)

Edit: Nevermind... (read later post)

Edited By C-A_99 on 1188056084

by **Aqua_Flash** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:29 am

I only want ONE picture, I don't want an internal picture or box picture, just the gun, labelled parts (trigger, pump .etc.) and a catchy description underneath, beside it, whatever, I am assuming all that can fit into one picture. I don't remember saying anything about box or internal pictures.

Also, the non 3D programs DON'T require the gun to be drawn in 3D, you can just draw it like how you'd see it on the back of a Super Soaker box, like this . I never said every way you can do it has to be 3D, if that were the case then it would just be stupid as drawing in 3D isn't easy.

I might have to do a bit of tweaking to the contest page in a bit.

Edited By Aqua_Flash on 1188055802

by **CA99** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:34 am

Alright, well the 3D issue was more for internals (hard to describe piping that's behind other piping), but since that's not an issue anymore, I guess I'll just get to the drawing or modeling. Thing is, technicality and part of the internals determine a huge chunk of how the soaker functions. (pump length and pump volume, trigger valves, nozzles, etc.) Well, whatever, I'll just try to describe all this on the outside picture.

by **isoaker** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:35 am

@C-A_99: my post failed to read "draw on paper a picture" and reads only "draw on". My bad. My intent was to say that text can be used to clarify a rough sketch or drawing.

As for 3D for internals, I would think a tubing/parts connection diagram would make it easier to read on an image like how they do wiring diagrams. 3D is only necessary when builders/manufacturers really need to know how long a piece of tubing must be to fit, but isn't needed to explain how things are connected in general. :cool:

@Aqua_Flash: hehe... when you inspire members to create things, you can sometimes end up getting more than you intended. :goofy: It's not a bad thing that people want to include internal schematics or packaging pictures. However, if you really just want a single picture, you probably need to clarify things a little before the rest of us get carried away with the design process. :goofy:

:cool:

by **CA99** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:44 am

Well sorry about that, it's just, like I said, that details provide a crucial part of how a gun functions. Going to basics, something as simple as designing an M16-shaped gun won't have much capacity nor PC size.

Anyways, I still haven't decided how to map mine now. 3D will look nice, but I don't know if there's enough time. I'll see what I can do. (my camera's down and I can't get my scanner to work, so coloring a picture won't be an option. I also prefer ctrl-z instead of an eraser)

Edited By C-A_99 on 1188056843

by **Aqua_Flash** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:51 am

The reason is I just want to keep this competition simple, I feel that a picture of the gun, labelled parts and a description pretty much gives you a good general idea on a gun anyway, for a competition like this delving in deeper to like internal stuff unless this is really serious thing which Hasbro would consider to make just makes things go too far.

Besides, all the details like I said will give a fairly good idea or outline anyway, sorry I'm not as technical as you are C-A_99 but we're all different on how we like to set things up and do them. At the end of the day its a competition where all we want to have is simple fun, or at least that's how I see it.

by **CA99** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:09 pm

The reason I prefer the technicality is because "easy, fast pump that fills up large firing chamber fast" is better demonstrated by showing the pump's length, the pump volume, etc. Likewise, 3.6L is better than "large tank" (which many gimmicky guns worse so than Hasbro use to describe their reservoirs) Another example would be range. "55-60ft" is better backed up by "40PSI PC, 8.5x nozzle, ball valve trigger, 1/2" tubing, etc.)

But anyways, I'll just go off what I have, and even with just the outside, I can still show features like type of pump, refilling methods, etc. Perhaps I'll just combine some stats with the typical advertising text.

Edited By C-A_99 on 1188058257

by **isoaker** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:29 pm

Perhaps I'll just combine some stats with the typical advertising text.

That's what I'm planning on doing; having some stats listed beside various parts identified in the diagram. Doing that, you can "justify" the estimated range a concept soaker has. Of course, being a concept soaker, we have the freedom to dream a little bit more, too. :goofy:

:cool:

by **Aqua_Flash** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 12:38 pm

We're not all like you though C-A_99, as long as it just says things in simple like 3.L reservoir, 12m/39' range, 5x and 10x the water then its understandable to the public who want to buy them. A lot of people just buy soakers to have a blast and have some fun (me included) may not be used to or be bothered about the amount of technicality you describe things as, if some of the stuff like that was put on a simple thing like a Super Soaker then people may think, "what?" there's goes the simplicity and understandability.

Going into some technicality is good but for what a Super Soaker is all some people want from it is something that pumps and fires when you pull the trigger, simple, with a bit of background information on what a few things are called on the gun. Some details can be put into the description anyway which balances things nicely.

I'm not not going bother saying anything else, I'm just having a competition, and not an argument with you on how technical you want me to be, which for a fair bit of the thread you've been moaning about.

Edited By Aqua_Flash on 1188062039

by **CA99** on Sat Aug 25, 2007 1:16 pm

I wasn't arguing, just stating why I prefer being able to go into details... But whatever, I've still got enough ideas I can show without internal pics. Stuff like diagrams and pics on features such as nozzles should do the job.

Hmm... interested to see how this goes along and turns out, as well as other people's ideas...

by **isoaker** on Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:49 am

Old concept (circa 2002) from the Concept Page on iSoaker.com. I presume this is the sort of image Aqua_Flash would like for the contest (though I figure entries can be done in colour, have more details, etc). I plan on creating something new for this contest.

:cool:

by **Aqua_Flash** on Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:57 am

That's pretty much it iSoaker, I remember seeing that page before somewhere, really good stuff on there, if only Hasbro took notes of this as I feel that from looking at there will be lots of good ideas here.

Seeing this has even inspired me, I think soon I might start putting a few ideas of mine up, but obviously I won't enter my own competition with them. :goofy:

Just out of curiosity, what program did you use to make those concepts iSoaker?

by **isoaker** on Tue Aug 28, 2007 2:21 pm

I drew those concepts using CorelDraw 10.0. I think I'll be using Fireworks CS3 for this competition as I plan to have a little more colour in my design. :goofy:

:cool:

by **wetmonkey442** on Wed Aug 29, 2007 8:24 am

This seems like a very interesting contest, I'll be entering it for sure.

I do have one question, are we allowed to use this thread as sort of an exhibit for WIP concepts? I know we'd be hazarding the sharing of design aspects but even if no one else uses it I'd like to post some WIP sketches along the way.

Soak On

by **isoaker** on Wed Aug 29, 2007 8:27 am

@wetmonkey442: I don't think that posting WIP concepts is forbidden. However, you would be sharing ideas with potential competitors. :goofy:

The advantage is that you might get feedback on how to improve designs, too. This is, however, Aqua_Flash's contest so he has the final say on that. Granted, you can opt to start a new thread in "The Workshop" forum for your own designs if you wish, too.

:cool:

by **mr. dude** on Sat Sep 01, 2007 2:45 pm

Do we have to make designs for soakers, or do we have the option of making WBLs, traps, etc.?
Anyway, great contest.
Ps. You may want to fix the link to this thread on the contest rules page.

Edited By mr. dude on 1188672491

by **Aqua_Flash** on Sat Sep 01, 2007 5:12 pm

No, just Super Soaker designs please.

Prize is ready and wrapped. When I receive an entry I'll make a post stating whose I've received and will edit it as more entries are received until the closing date of the competition. I did receive an entry from one person but it had no description with it.

by **isoaker** on Wed Sep 05, 2007 1:41 pm

I'm almost content with my soaker concept for this contest. Just need to add a few finishing touches. I hope to send in my entry by the end of the week.

:cool:

by **Aqua_Flash** on Fri Sep 07, 2007 2:16 pm

Entries received post moved. See new thread.

Edited By Aqua_Flash on 1189273459

by **CA99** on Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:37 pm

My concept drawing has finally been finished. I think it's looking fairly well right now, but dispite the CPS stylish features and convinient stuff I put on, I think it could look better if I tried to give it a more militaristic appearance. However, creating such an appearance would most likely require a switch to cylinderical CPS, and I simply prefer spherical. (For various strange reasons, part of it being how perfectly even the rubber expands, the other being how easy it is to mod) But either way, I'll resume and finish up. I want it to at least have a half decent feel while trying to fire accurately. (there are some instances where you'll want one tap shot to hit the first time you fire)

I'm looking foward to this, especially to what designs will come up. In the meantime, I will process my concept drawing through photoshop to create simple shading, gradients, and textures so that it's easier to interpret. (I didn't have the time to go into the 3D modeler so I'll have to see what I can do) Some of the stuff also seems to be slightly out of proportion, as of right now.

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