Current Status
Truth be told, I am actually pretty far along this project. I will use this post to catch everyone up.
The first thing I realized with compressed air is the mix it with a chemical called "bitterant". It is added to the stuff to make it taste awful because kids are huffing the stuff to get high. (really?!) The bitterant is really nasty stuff. After some testing I didn't know that some got on my hands, then my hands went near my mouth and WHEW! I had a nasty taste in my mouth for about a half hour. The only thing that would dull it was milk.
So I had two choices, only use this costume around no other people (whats the point?) or find an alternative. On a side note, I tried search all of the internet for compressed air without bitterant to no avail. I'm sure i was placed on some NSA watch list because of that.
Enter SUPER COLD by MG Chemicals:
The stuff is used to chill electronics. It sprays out a -60°F (!!!) with the same frost affect as compressed air. The only difference is that this can is held upright to get the frost effect, not upside down like the compressed air. The best part, no bitterant! A couple disclaimers:
If you're a kid and plan on huffing stuff, please don't. First you'll ruin me getting refills. Second you'll give yourself frostbite because it sprays out at -60°F!! Needless to say anyone should be careful working with this stuff. It is really cold!!
Now that I knew what my fuel was, I needed to come up with a way to fire it like Subzero! My though was to use a linear actuator to depress the nozzle and some conductive thread on each of my wrists to complete the circuit when I made the freeze move. (not sure if that's what it is called)
I'm lucky enough to be pretty good at 3D modeling and also to have a 3D printer at home (Makerbot 2). So it was time to prototype. After A LOT of prototyping I had my 'final' 3D model:
A couple notes on the model. I wanted everything to be enclosed, meaning I didn't want wires everywhere. So I built the wiring system into the design. The part below the can is the battery pack (4AA batteries) and also holds the can in place so the actuator does not push it down. The next step was to print the final version! Here it is:
Everything works as planned!! So here are my next steps that I will be documenting:
1. Create a sub costume that is detachable from the main component. That way it will be really easy to get in and out of instead of having the whole thing connected together.
2. Work on sewing up the conductive thread pads and come up with a way to hold the hose in place without giving my self frostbite.
3. Get the actual costume done!!!
Thats all for now. If people are interested I can go into items in more detail. Thanks for viewing!!
