04-15-2007, 06:27 AM
The zapper clock is an interesting concept, but unfortunately it proved too hard to watch both it and what I was trying to time, plus its inherent inaccuracy means that the error introduced is probably more significant than any differences based on differing machine time.
I still think it doesn't matter. The timing of all events in-game should scale in exact proportion to the current machine time. Data collected on a slow machine should yield the same models as data collected on a fast machine. We just have to be careful not to mix data sets and we should be fine.
Naturally, as with all empirical functions, there is an error involved that we need to be aware of. These methods are only so precise, and yield functions that are only valid under conditions near those used to determine them. Fortunately, this application does not demand a great deal of precision. One thing I've learned is that good enough is sometimes good enough.
Anyway, I found a free stopwatch program called
Oh, and I'm a ChemE, hoping to work on alternative energy technologies/solutions. My dream is to help improve batteries to the point that an electric car has only upsides. They're already pretty close; see the Tesla Roadster for the best example. I also wouldn't mind working on renewable processes for producing electricity (like this one for example).
But right now, what I feel like is a monkey with a calculator. ;D
I still think it doesn't matter. The timing of all events in-game should scale in exact proportion to the current machine time. Data collected on a slow machine should yield the same models as data collected on a fast machine. We just have to be careful not to mix data sets and we should be fine.
Naturally, as with all empirical functions, there is an error involved that we need to be aware of. These methods are only so precise, and yield functions that are only valid under conditions near those used to determine them. Fortunately, this application does not demand a great deal of precision. One thing I've learned is that good enough is sometimes good enough.
Anyway, I found a free stopwatch program called
Chimoo Timerthat works quite well. I didn't have time to get many measurements and I'm now going to bed, but I'm optimistic that this will prove fruitful.
Oh, and I'm a ChemE, hoping to work on alternative energy technologies/solutions. My dream is to help improve batteries to the point that an electric car has only upsides. They're already pretty close; see the Tesla Roadster for the best example. I also wouldn't mind working on renewable processes for producing electricity (like this one for example).
But right now, what I feel like is a monkey with a calculator. ;D