Theory: The timer and its limitations

Date: 06/20/2000
From: EustiSlider

<EustiSlider approaches the podium with apprehension>

As we have all seen, the proper use of the timer is to wait until its countdown reaches 00:00:00 before using it to open the vortex. It is possible to open the vortex before the timer has completed its countdown. Doing so not only corrupts the memory of the timer, it puts such a strain on the device that it nearly burns up. Afterward, it is only possible to slide during certain windows in time. I am here today to offer a theory to explain this peculiar destructive behavior of the undamaged timer.

I propose that reason for the timer's need to reach 00:00:00 before opening a vortex can be found in the very nature of interdimensional coordinates. As theorized by Dr. Flux, interdimensional coordinates are not just a static number, but actually an equation that describes the location of a particular dimension within the multiverse as a function of time. This can be seen by the timer's operation following a premature activation, as the user must wait for another dimension to 'move' close enough for the weakened timer to create a passageway between the two worlds.

Before making a slide, an undamaged timer is preset for a certain amount of time. When this time expires, the timer will automatically reopen a passageway to the dimension from which it slid. It is my theory that at the moment the 'outgoing' vortex is formed and the wormhole is established on both ends, the timer stores the equation for the return path. This equation is based upon three parameters, the coordinates of the dimension where the timer was activated, the coordinates of the dimension that is the traveler's destination, and the duration that is entered into the timer.

If the timer is advanced and a vortex is opened prematurely, the equation for the return path is not yet valid. The timer will attempt to establish a path through the multiverse that may initially end 'between' dimensions, since the dimension it was programmed to return to has not yet arrived in that 'position.' Failing to find a stable dimension in that location, the timer will reach out for another dimension to complete the wormhole. I believe that it is this 'reaching' that causes the strain on the device. Subsequent attempts to use the timer without modifications cause repeat performances. The timer will attempt to implement the equation stored at the first slide, only to find that there is nothing there and again reach for another dimension to complete the slide and cause more strain on the timer.

But you say, "what about corrupting the data?" I believe that this is a misunderstood term. As a circuit designer myself, I can tell you unequivocally that a timing device can be made that allows timer advancement without in any way destroying stored data. In fact, you would probably have to go out of your way to design a device that wiped out memory when a timer was altered.

Instead I believe that what is meant by "corrupting the data" is that the original equation for the return slide, which is still very safely stored in memory, is no longer valid. The equation no longer describes the path from where the slider is to where the slider started, thus the data is available but useless, or "corrupt."

A more advance timer with a more powerful computer at its core would dynamically update the equation for a return trip or be able to calculate the path to any given set of coordinates at any time. I believe that this is what allows the Kromaggs to slide 'at will' without damaging their sliding equipment.

You may now throw your darts.

<Eusti waits to see if there are any questions>

Where can I buy myself some darts?

Date: 06/20/2000
From: Doctor_Quinn

~;O)
Just kidding.

I made sense to me.
Feel free to go up to the podium any other time. Sure as heck are better at it than me!

The good doctor

<hand raised> So what you're saying is..

Date: 06/20/2000
From: Sabre_Edge

I think I follow you on this one. So what you are saying is that the Sliders had in their original timer two thirds of the parameters:

The coordinates of the world they are on
&
The coordinates of the Earthprime.

What they lacked was the last parameter that told them when those worlds would be close enough together.

If they had stayed on track and not opened the vortex early on Ice World, the timer would update correctly.

Is this what you are thinking about?

<addresses Dr. Edge>

Date: 06/20/2000
From: EustiSlider

Essentially, yes. The timer uses that fact that it will be opening the return wormhole (and therefore, the exact time that the opening will happen) to calculate a "return trajectory."

By opening the vortex manually, that trajectory doesn't lead home yet. Kind of like calculating the trajectory of a moon shot, the course is set before launch. If the rocket is launched early without first recalculating the flight path, the rocket won't reach its intended destination.

The computing power needed to constantly recompute a trajectory so that a return wormhole could be opened at any time would be tremendous, beyond the current capability of devices like the timer.

The timer can be 'preset' to return the sliders home, as it was in 'Into the Mystic' if an accurate equation/trajectory is computed and input into the time.

I gotcha, the moon rocket helped

Date: 06/21/2000
From: Sabre_Edge

Nice analogy with the rocket and the moon thing. Sliders conferences: the only place Jello Salad and Moon rockets together make perfect sense.

SE

Original URL http://bboard.scifi.com/bboard/browse.cgi/1/5/545/21484