New here some general questions

So I’m brand new to this cosplay. I’m currently having a flight suit and belt made for me. Reason being I don’t have a lot of free time due to work to make my own suit and gadgets. I found a pretty good deal on eBay. Basically all i have left to complete my cosplay costume is the ghost trap, pke meter, and proton pack. (I don’t care for the goggles venkman was my fav he didn’t wear goggles.) Anything from matty is just way too expensive for me for a prop which is disappointing. Especially the proton pack. I can’t afford a 3k replica. So I guess I have no choice but to find cheap alternative options. (And time to make them) A ghost trap and proton pack can easily be replicated for pretty cheap from cardboard from what I’ve seen. The pke meter on the other hand not so much. There doesn’t really seem to be any alternatives. So I got the bright idea what if i find (which actually is also hard to find) a replica of sam and dean’s emf detector from supernatural and clip that to my belt as my pke meter? In technical terms they do the same thing, but its obviously not the same. But if i used this as my pke meter prop, would i be ridiculed for it because it’s not from the Ghostbusters? I’m new to this cosplay stuff. So help would be appreciated. Also are there step by step and list of material instructions for a cheap proton pack and ghost trap build? I haven’t really found any helpful topics on here for cheap alternatives, and only found videos that show the replica but not how they build it. It would be easier to have a material list than try to figure out everything they used by the video.

P.S. i found this site from the ghostheads documentary. I noticed they gave location related certificates certifying you a Ghostbuster for that location franchise. How do i get a nyc certificate?

Hey long! I’m also new to the whole props and outfit deal but have my opinion to offer. It’s all about what you want to get out of it! If you’re on a budget, there is absolutely no shame in not going the “screen-accuracy” route. In fact, you’ll be able to be more creative towards your own GB goals. There’s plenty of folk who choose to make their own custom outfits and props that are inspired by the movies, cartoons, etc. but are their own creations and style.

I think you’ll find the GB community is very supportive and not a bunch of picky mcpickertons that bash people for not being screen accurate. Do your thing and have fun! Peace.

Hey Long,

Not sure where you were looking, but there are more budget builds here than you could read in a month. Use the GBFans search feature on the top right side on the Banner. Try “budget” “cardboard” or “styrofoam” + “pack” or “trap” + “build”. I got these 2 on the first try.

http://www.gbfans.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7721&hilit=budget+packs

http://www.gbfans.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42080&p=4879114&hilit=styrofoam+pack+build#p4879114

If you just want plans, they’re on the site, too. Go to the main page and click on “equipment” then “equipment plans”.

Welcome to the club -we’re glad to have you.

Wear whatever makes you feel like a ghostbuster -in universe who’s to say it wouldn’t work?

I just did a proton pack speed build relatively inexpensively (just the cost of the alice frame, paint and some odds and ends).

You can view that thread here.

Good luck with your costume and build!