I’m gathering parts now for my first pack build and the frame of mind I have right now is I’m gong to take it slow, read up on every part here both in the wiki and the build threads and take it step by step. I’m not a tool guy but I know if I just focus on drilling holes one at a time I’ll get through it okay.
As for parts it may seem like there’s a lot at first but once you get familiar with all of the different pieces and start getting your shipments in it doesn’t seem so bad. Check the For Sale and Feedback sections of the forum to see all of the different things people are selling and who you should avoid and I suggest joining the GBFans store mailing list to keep updated on their restocks. Just remember there’s no wrong part to choose, it’s your pack go with what you think looks nice at the price you want to spend.
I didn’t think so sign up for the mailing list, thanks for the tip, since I saw a good few parts are out of stock. I guess they only get them in as fast as can be fabricated.
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I know I’ve assembled models before, even battery powered ones with motors or lights, so I don’t think the electronics will be as hard as I was fearing. I was worried I might have to solder but I looked and it’s really just plugging things in and see if it does what you want.
I’ve got my first build at about 80% and It’s synagogue stopping point. I’ve started my second and have the major parts assembled. Both of these were scratch build. Lots of wood putty and several trips to Lowe’s… lol. Since these are for my kids I’m not going high dollar on lights. I think I’ve posted earlier that my goal was learning and to end up a few steps above good enough…I too am amazed how addictive this has become. Visit the search early and often. Ive learned as much from posts dating back 5-6 years ago as I have from recent cutting edge posts. Do what your ability allows but don’t be afraid to push those boundaries and learn a new skill. Refine and improve what you already have. I’m taking the path that makes me happy. Enjoy the lessons and learn from the mistakes. Bottom line is have fun!
I’m right there with you. I have a very basic (limited) knowledge of electronics. I foresee my summer being spent playing with tiny parts, an iron and solder…I’m a big Halloween junkie so this skill will only enhance future projects that I’d previously avoided or just would purchase.
Like I said in a post above, I also have a gallows in mind for Halloween, but for a costume build I eventually want to do based around World of Warcraft, and a lot of that armor has glowy bits.
Plus, from what I saw, most of the electronics available in the store here don’t really need any soldering.
A lot of us have started using what we affectionately call the “blue brick” battery packs. From what I can tell, these were essentially CCTV battery packs that were used as redundant power sources in cameras in case the power went out. They come in two varieties, 6800mah and the longer lasting 9800mah and seem to last quite a long time on a single charge. Here’s the link to the GBFans store which sells them though they are currently out of stock so make sure to click the “Get notified when back in stock” link on it.
If you need it sooner for some reason and GBF doesn’t have them in stock, you can find them on Ebay fairly easily but take note that they ship very slowly from China (anywhere from 2-8 weeks). Also be careful on the sellers with crazy high shipping they try to trick you with. They shouldn’t be a penny over $45 at most with shipping if you’re in the US. If and when the time comes to wire it up and you have any questions, either check my build thread or message me and I’d be glad to help since I just wired one up.
I won’t be able to start ordering parts for a while. I honestly think some of the first I’ll get are the electronic gizmos so I can practice a bit and learn how to wire it all.
I admit I was going to be a bit of an idiot and try to use my Traxxas battery, but this seems much better and has it’s own charger.
I bought mine and want to attempt building one. I have something to get by for the events that came up and can take the time to build my own and put my own hard work into one.
It is good that you are looking now as the prices get steeper the closer you get to Halloween.
Well I know it won’t be done in time for Motor city Comic Con due to winter time as I said before, but hey, might be ready next year, or at the least I might have my parts.
Ok, I was going to say something brilliant, but everyone beat me to it. Listen the these guys, they are all correct. Especially on the wanting a second/third/fourth etc pack. I’m already planning out my second one.
I wasn’t completely sure on that, but after seeing some of the brilliance in these forums, especially that pack with the venting action, I see everyone is probably right, especially since I would LOVE to attempt the fully upgraded pack fro mthe game, with the addition of the stasis system, the meson collider, and the PDS