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View Full Version : What's better preassembled or DIY

TracksideTurbos
11-09-2007, 02:30 AM
I see you can buy preassembled boxes so what are the pros and cons?
Mueller
11-09-2007, 02:40 AM
what is your time worth???

do you have experiance or the confidence to solder up a box?

i've built all 3 ms boxes I've owned, messed up the 1st one a few times, but learned from the mistakes.....too cheap to pay to have the last one built....
FuzzyHoNutz
11-09-2007, 03:15 AM
I'm in the same boat. I've been playing with the idea of a MS1v3.0 kit over the pre-built. I guess the bigest thing is the warranty. DIY gives a 1 year on their pre-assembled units. Any ideas on the amount of time it takes? I realize that it depends apon one's skill levels but for those that have more than basic but less than a degree in electrical engineering what are we talkin? 3-5 hours or 8hours plus....
740ATL
11-09-2007, 07:58 AM
If you are even remotely considering attaching the word warranty to megasquirt, you need to consider doing something else that you will not have to mess with.

Assembly of a MS box can be done in about 5 hours... faster for sure.

If you are petrified of doing a MS box up, pick up the MS stim and assemble it first. Much fewer components, more space, etc.

Soldering tips... a good iron, smallest rosin-core solder you can find. RadioShack sells 0.032. Heat the iron, touch a dab of solder to the piece (I don't care what anyone else tells you, this works for me every time), then touch the wetted part of the iron to your component where it needs to be soldered. With your other hand, bring in the solder and dab the piece. It should melt instantly. Hold it long enough till the solder 'sinks in'. Repeat.

I truly believe that no one should attempt megasquirt unless they build their own box.

Mike
benflynn
11-09-2007, 08:05 AM
you know 10x more if you build them yourself

1st one will take a while, v3 takes longer than 2.2
Karl Buchka
11-09-2007, 10:46 AM
you know 10x more if you build them yourself

This is a big benefit that I didn't really consider. Going through and actually assembling all the different parts of it will make sure you know what's on the board and what goes where. Megasquirt is confusing (initially) as it is, so doing anything to clarify things is a good thing. Not to mention the monetary savings and the sense of accomplishment that you get from assembling it all yourself.
FuzzyHoNutz
11-09-2007, 11:00 AM
I totaly agree. Building ANYTHING you use is gonna give you more knowledge about the technical aspects. I just didn't want to get myself into a 15 hour build for the pure fact that I have kids and finding that kind of time is hard. Around 5 hours, who needs sleep when you have ROCKSTAR. Taking yer time is MOST important and I get that. Thanks for the info
Karl Buchka
11-09-2007, 11:08 AM
I totaly agree. Building ANYTHING you use is gonna give you more knowledge about the technical aspects. I just didn't want to get myself into a 15 hour build for the pure fact that I have kids and finding that kind of time is hard. Around 5 hours, who needs sleep when you have ROCKSTAR. Taking yer time is MOST important and I get that. Thanks for the info

You can assemble an MS in 15 hours with a blindfold on. It doesn't take that long.
benflynn
11-09-2007, 11:28 AM
i didn't build my first one, but i do all the time now, hardest part is the little transistors ,very close pads
DecalServiceBrett
11-09-2007, 11:37 AM
i didn't build my first one, but i do all the time now, hardest part is the little transistors ,very close pads

I bought mine from this guy, because I am noob,

BUT THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT IS MUY EXCELLENTE!

Never been happier.

-B
Mueller
11-09-2007, 12:43 PM
i didn't build my first one, but i do all the time now, hardest part is the little transistors ,very close pads


I cheated and used a lighted 5X(?) magnifier glass that is on my workbench...


another thing to think about is do you have all the tools to do the job? I went a little crazy and bought a $100+ solder station plus a bunch of other PCB assembly related tools to make the job a little easier....
TracksideTurbos
11-09-2007, 12:49 PM
So what all is needed for a msII knocksense and cop cause thats cool.I'm going 16v and have volvo coil pack sitting around.
benflynn
11-09-2007, 01:15 PM
ther is a thread around here that goes into cop, but you need the toothed crank wheel and a modded dizzy for cam phase, then use coils w/ignitors and all should be good
linuxman51
11-09-2007, 04:21 PM
you know 10x more if you build them yourself

1st one will take a while, v3 takes longer than 2.2


by about a factor of two. I can put together a v2.2 board in about 45 minutes start to flashing, a v3 board on average is at least two and a half hours. Lots of stuff there.
242Fast
11-09-2007, 05:58 PM
is it a way better idea to go with v3.0 or msII if you want to do COP? I'm still working with an lh2.2 dizzy for rpm sensor & ignition distribution, is COP waaaaay better?
linuxman51
11-09-2007, 07:04 PM
is it a way better idea to go with v3.0 or msII if you want to do COP? I'm still working with an lh2.2 dizzy for rpm sensor & ignition distribution, is COP waaaaay better?

cop is waay better but you don't have to upgrade to do it. if you're starting from scratch tho its not a bad idea.