Off-The-Grid: Proposal for Internet and 'battery' operated devices/Aux Power
For Off the Grid living, I think it would be pretty neat to have devices with 'batteries' discharge at some rate on lots with Off-The-Grid trait. Devices like Sims Phone, Laptops, Tablets, ETC... Also these devices should have Internet access being "Tethered" (automatically) to Sims phone on Off-The-Grid lots (or other Sims via new interaction). 'Battery' operated devices Automatically charge on lots not effected by Off-The-Grid trait and begin 'charging' at some rate when the Sim visits these lots. Sims should have the option for a 'Solar Device Charger', that varies charging time based on daylight and weather, but requires that the device be on it to charge (see below for phones). Sims that are Scientists should be able to build 'RTG's' (radioisotope thermoelectric generator) to power the entire Off-The-Grid lot, making the lot act like a normal lot. Mechanical/Computer Engineers (or high logic/handiness) should be able to build 'Generators'.
'Generators' should be 'Coal' (or particular material), 'Bio' and 'Crystal'.
'Coal generators' take a material and create power for the entire lot based on some consumption rate.
'Bio generators' take organic material and create power for the entire lot. 'Bio generators' should consume organic material at some rate.
'Crystal generators' should take crystals and create power for the entire lot. 'Crystal generators' should consume crystals at a rate based on rarity.
'Generators' should have an upgrade option for their efficiency and 'fuel storage'.
To take it farther, make the sims phone an object in the sims inventory (sims could shop for phones with varying battery discharge rates... etc...). Computer Engineers could design new phones.
These are just some ideas that popped up playing today. Thanks!
