every fact i am learning about this stupid deathtrap submarine is giving me psycic damage! like beyond the facts that it was a 100% sealed vessel with no means of escape in an emergency, and the multiple other levels of insane decisions (Why was the only communication with the sub done with text messages???? Why is anyone going to the bottom of the ocean to look at shit through a camera feed in a windowless submarine???? (edit, apparently there was a window but it wasnt certified to the depth they were going so yeah still not good)), the thing i feel like complaining about right now is the choice to use a video game controller to run the main controls for the sub. Multiple levels of wtf here:
- Video game controller
- wireless video game controller
- Wireless video game controller powered by AA batteries
at first i thought "well the military controls drones with these so its not without precedent" but actually the key here is "drone" as in "unmanned vehicle that you are not currently riding in and therefore not subject to forces that can knock the controls out of your hands"! and also its wireless so if its out of your hands it can go anywhere, theres nothing holding it to anything, not even a flimsy USB tether! You couldnt have added one of those firmly mounted N64 controllers that McDonalds had in the 90's? And of course after the controller has hit a hard surface, its powered by AA batteries that are going to be knocked out of the controller and if you lose the batteries you are FUCKED and i know in my heart that they did not have spares for that anywhere! I am so fucking angry with this level of incompetence
also yes the company is called oceangate, its not a new "lets call this thing-gate"
my favorite parts about this situation:
- this quote from the CEO of oceangate

- THIS is the controller. a $30 logitech controller released in 2010. with 3d printed sticks glued to it.




