Kian Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I am new and looking into starting to do my own LOR light shows. I have some experience years ago soldering but nothing precision like a circuit board. I am drawn to the idea of putting together my own controllers by purchasing the kits from LOR.What would you suggest? I have read many peoples ideas about practicing on cheap boards from Radio Shack and such, but i have not read anyone with their opinion whether a newbie should even attempt this or not.If I am to brave it and put my first controller together I want to get good equipment not cheap stuff. What soldering iron would you suggest? Make and Model? What tools would you suggest I get?Since LOR has an awesome help desk and guarantee with the option to build your own I am seriously tempted.Thanks for your honest opinion in advance!Kian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted W Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 This is my first year. I bought 5 controllers in March as kits with the intent of this being a father / son learning experience. Overall, they are relatively easy if you follow the directions explicitly. Kinda like cutting wood, measure twic, cut once. Same here, put the component in the board, check the directions, check it again for making sure the orientations is correct, the color codes, etc. Check once more, then solder. Do not get ahead of the directions, and as you work through them, cross them off. Keep all the parts intact and in one place, being neat and organized really helps. When we were done, we had 2 that did not work, and LOR was great at fixing them for us. Expect 8-10 hours per unit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrison0550 Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I went back and forth hundreds of times with this same question and finally just decided to order just the boards already assembled and mount and wire them myself to get my DIY fix I had to step back and take my (I can do that) attitude out of the equation. The final decision for me came in the form of time management and price. If assembled and tested is only $20 more then I saw no reason as a newbie to add that extra workload to my first show. Trust me there are tons of other stuff that will take all your time from cutting and fitting spt1 cord and vampire plugs to the ever slow pace of sequencing. I looked at what my free time was worth an hour vs what I would be saving, if it's only $20 but takes you 8 hours that is just barley over $2 an hour. For $2 an hour I will spend my time on other show elements. IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony in Houston Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Building you controllers or purchasing them already assembled is something you have to decide for yourself. I have soldered 28 controllers and the reason I did this was to be able to get more controllers for the money. If you decide to do this and are only going to build a few controllers then you are not saving money due to the fact you are going out and getting tools to do the job.So think about why you are doing this and if you really are saving money and decide for yourself. If you dont plan on building a large number of controllers maybe its better to get them assembled.As far as tools I dont use anything expensive i purchased two pencil irons fixed watts 25 and 45 watts from Sears for under $16. as far as other tools I like using one of the large lighted magnifying glass lights. its easy on my eyes and helps keep the solder fumes away from your face and eyes. have a good set of cutters and several small blocks of wood to raise the board up off your work table. Some painters or masking tape to hold the components in while you solder will help too.The directions in the kit make it easy to follow and you should not have a problem doing this. Read the directions and follow the steps and take your time.Tips for soldering keep your tip clean I use a wet sponge to clean as I go and about half way through I file the tip clean. A dirty tip does not transfer heat very well. Look at your solder and watch it flow into the board and component. When properly heated the solder will flow very easy. Take two short stranded wires and twist them together. Heat only the end of the wires and as the wires heat you will see the solder flow along the wires. The board will do the same thing.PM me if you have any questionsAnthony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gizmomkr Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I buy everythying in kit form and keep an army of children chained to a desk for assembly.Sorry... I just had to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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