I got started on electronic engineering to make gadgets and props at comic conventions. I afterwards got into robotics for the same reason, to make a robot of a wolf from an anime. So far, I've yet to make that one but have made several other robots, from home security that target's faces when activated and emails them to me; to intelligent costume wings.

I would use this for a project I've been designing for about two years, but have just recently found a reliable friend for a wielder: I plan to make an animal mech inspired by Zoids, a smaller model that you can ride inside. I have had the wiring and control panel schematics for a while, and started some of the programming, but I've lacked enough power to program things how I want them to be.

I've been using a RasPi with an Arduino to control and collect system information, but the Arduino can only read and send one analog stream at once, unlike the PixAxe which I could stream multiple sources from, but am limited to 4 inputs per board. I also plan to connect it to screens for targeting programs, to be able to shoot airsoft or other projectiles. Another problem I face with my current systems is that the current boards may not be powerful enough to properly coordinate sensors fast enough to properly identify and target by quadrants, as I plan to install a voice-command system for targeting at some point. Bottom line is, programming is more limited on these boards, with mostly only Python easily accessible on one, and Basic on the other.

Part of the reason for me starting to build this is because I have an undying love for Zoids and want to ride in one. I wanted to make a multiplayer Zoids fan game, but am building one inspired by it instead as a tribute in a sense, because of copyright; and the mech I make will be in that game. I'm heavily tied into several local fan groups, including the Louisiana Airship and Steampunk Society (LASS), the Star Wars Rebel Legion, and a few others; if all goes as planned with this, it could change the standard for props and even mechs in this area, which is starting to grow in popularity.

Also, Element14 will be listed as a contributor for this project anywhere relevant, including at conventions and on the local community site for these things, once that site's relaunch is complete.

Zoids?! Those were soooo awesome, and well overdue for a reboot/re-release!

Although you might be showing your age a bit there, same as me    I remember buying the red mammoth one from Harrods, of all places, on a rare trip to That London when I was a kid.

Check out my awesome Zoids poster that I still have (and intend to get framed and put up on the wall):

You must have an awesome office

Sorry I wasn't able to get on to respond sooner!

(Honestly, got flooded out by email from FB)

I'm glad to find someone else interested in Zoids!
To be honest, I'm familiar with many shows older than me, including All In the Family and Lucy. XD
Actually, my favorite non-cartoons I watch now that I was really too young to remember is Home Improvement and Roseanne.

Anyhow, for the Zoids things, LOVING the poster!
I was buying the models sometimes mid to late 2000's at my first ever job.

My favorite game is probably Zoids Legacy for GBA, which I replayed several times. The game I'm building the mech as a representation of, was inspired by that game. I wanted to make an MMO fan-version of it, but realized "I need to make money", so decided to expand and get or make original mechs for it.

If you have any original/creative mech designs for me, I would love to hear them! Either way, you can respond to me here, or get a faster response on FB.... I'm Christi Lockhart on there (long story short changing my name because my last name isn't even blood related). I'd still respond here, but it may not be ast fast, until I get the board and start that blog.

I'm looking forward to this one.

I'm looking forward to this one.