Safe and Sound – Winter Survival Suit
Summary – Blog #14 (Final post)
This has been a great challenge that I have enjoyed immensely. Since the start to completion there have been many challenges and accomplishments. I have to say the biggest challenge was getting the temperature sensors to work and the biggest accomplishment was water proofing the electronics. The idea of the suit has been on my mind for years, basically every time I went outside in winter time. I always thought to myself, if there was only a way to bring a heating blanket, that’s always plugged in. When this challenge came along, with the kit that was supplied by Texas Instruments, I could finally make it a reality.
In this blog I am showing the completed suit and how it works. I will show the convenience and safety that it provides as well as why I won’t got out in winter without it. I will also do a comparison to similar items on the market.
Completed suit and how it works:
Comparison:
Here is a side by side comparison to the existing heated clothing on the market at this time.
| Heated jacket comparison | ||||
| Winter Survival Suit | Bosch | Dewalt | Makita | |
|
Heat Settings |
User set temperature Computer regulated |
High, Medium & Low | High, Medium, Low & Pre-heat | High, Medium & Low |
| Heat Zones | R Leg, L Leg, R Arm, L Arm, R & L Torso | L Chest, R Chest & Mid-back | L Chest, R Chest, Mid-back & Collar | L Chest, R Chest & Mid-back |
| Heat Runtime |
Full time all zone heating 3.2 Hrs |
6 Hours | 7.5 Hours | 6 Hours |
| Normal use heat as needed 8 - 20 Hours | ||||
| Pockets | 2 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Water resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voltage | 7.2V & 14.4V, Computer 5V | 12V | 12V / 20V | 18V |
| Rechargeable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4.9 Lbs | 3.5 Lbs | 5.4 Lbs | 3.8 Lbs |
| Material | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester | 94% Polyester / 6% Spandex |
| Warranty | Long time | 1 Year | 1 Year |
1 Year
|
Parts list and cost:
TI kit: The parts from the kit that I used were MSP-EXP432P401RMSP-EXP432P401R and the 430BOOST-SHARP96430BOOST-SHARP96
Total value: $33.50
Carbon Fiber: Ordered online from http://www.carbonheater.us/
Total: $53.00
Sensors: I bought 8 temperature sensors (Twice) since I couldn’t get the first ones to work
Total cost: $43.00
Wire: I bought very little wire since I had so much lying around
Cost: $12.00
Batteries: The batteries and charger were fairly expensive. I am using ICR18650 batteries (8 required) and a 5V rechargeable USB battery to run the computer
Cost: $102.24
Water proof spray: This was used to waterproof the electronics. The product was called “MG Chemicals Acrylic Lacquer Conformal Coating
Cost: $23.20
Power relay module: This is used to switch the power on and off to the heating elements
Cost: $13.99
Switches: These are used for user bypass in case of electronics failure.
Cost: $29.94
Clothing: To make the suit itself I used a jogging suit
Cost: $32.00
The total cost to make the suit: $342.87
Final thoughts:
After completing the suit, it works better then I had hoped. Unfortunately due to the extreme heat we are having I didn't try the suit on. I can't wait until winter to be using it every day, especially the -20 or colder weather. I want to thank everyone who has read my blogs, helped me with ideas and helped me through issues I encountered. I want to thank our great sponsors Texas Instruments and Element14.
Thank you everyone!!
Dale Winhold
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