2
1) Gaming laptop. I have an MSI Red Dragon 2 with all the bells and whistles. I also bring a lesser machine as a backup in case something goes down with this one. Always be prepared. Keep an eye on the power draw. My beast sucks 180 watts going balls out which is way too much for any truck but keep reading, we have solutions.
2) 400 watt power inverter. You need a power inverter to plug into the DC port in your truck. You must plug directly into your vehicle and do not use a splitter. You will melt the splitter. This sucks and starts small fires. Your power inverter must be 400 watts as they only advertise peak wattage capabilities. A 400 watt inverter can not sustain 400 watt usage but it can do 100 or so. Don't bother with inverters advertising more than 400 (or 410) watts as those only do 100watts while plugged in directly into a 12volt DC port and need cables on your battery to do anything else. It will work if you want to do that but it is presently -43 Celsius outside and I am not messing with that. 400 watts. No more, no less. Approx $35 - $70. Popular models are RCA, Nexxtech (or something) and my favourite Jensen.
Thou shalt not allow anything to touch the power terminals while there is power running through the inverter. Thou shalt not put it on thy trucks floor with the heater blowing on it causing it to over heat. Though shalt not spill thine coffee on this inverter. Doing so will start fires in your truck. These suck to deal with and are difficult to explain to your boss. Inverters must be clear of everything and kept as cool as possible (maybe it's really freakin' cold outside and you crack a window?).
3) Portable internet stick (prices vary but I got mine for $100). Get your 4G on peeps. Mine plugs directly into my USB port and mobile internet flex plans means the monthly bill is $10 - $80 depending on how much you play. I play a ton given my free time and my bill is usually around $45. Even with a sub 50% signal I can play just fine.
Ok, that's the bare minimum you need and it is all I had last year and that will work if you can pick up a strong cell signal. Be mindful of cellular coverage in your area. Most companies provide maps of their areas so be sure to check out who has the towers in your area. If you are going to be far from a tower or have weak signal issues:
4) You need a cell signal booster. These increase signal strength by about 20 times. I ripped apart one in my ambulance that we attach to an emergency phone and would use a rubber band to attach it to my internet card but I figured one day my boss might get annoyed with that. I bought a Wilson signal booster for around $80. This is designed for most cell phones and an internet stick fits in like a glove. Don't tape your stick to the booster: Your stick makes heat while in use and will melt the tape making a mess. Use a rubber band.
Ok, you are ready to mech. But first go into your Mechwarrior settings and set everything on LOW! I know this isn't the gaming you are accustomed to but look outside: You are in the bush dummy! There are ravens outside your truck eyeing up your lunch. Some idiot is out there playing sudoko and cell phone Scrabble but you my good man are about to be gaming like a boss!
Being at low settings sets your laptop power draw at a minimum which is necessary for sustained gaming. I can literally play for 12 hours straight if I so desired with a powerful gaming laptop. If I dared put anything to even medium settings I will blow a fuse after a drop or two or melt the power adapter. So low settings it is. Which reminds me:
5) You need fuses. Little ones that go inside the plug-in adapter. You need them because you are not heeding my sage advice to the letter and thought you could do things differently. Now a whining sound comes out of your inverter and maybe a little red light goes on before you lose all power. And what's this? The power doesn't come back on when you flick the switch??? Hah! Serves you right. You are now screwed with no power in the middle of the bush and it may be weeks before you can get back to civilization to fix this. I should leave you like this.
*big sigh*
Ok idiot, here is the fix. The DC plug-in adapter usually comes with a 5, 8, or 10amp fuse inside. Screw that little top off and take a peek, you won't break it. See what size it is? Go to your local auto parts store or the like and buy some more. You can buy a packs of them for 3 or 4 dollars. Now remember, these suckers make heat and are blowing because you did not listen. So listen now: You are safe to upgrade the amps as long as the size is the same but although we have the capacity for more power now (I presently have a 35amp fuse in mine), the plug in adapter itself is not designed for increased heat. They will melt. So go put your stupid settings back to low and stop thinking you know better than me. Also, you owe me a beer because you know it was your fuse that went and not the whole inverter so you did not run out and buy a new inverter (or 8 of them before you realized it was the fuses). Beer me now! I'm still gettin' 65fps so suck it up.
I have experimented with every possible power inverter and technique over the last 2 years and have this down to a science (and a little black magic). I learned a lot about basic electronics, cell phone signals, and electrical truck fires. I can answer any questions to those who must mech outside the comfy confines of their parent's basement. To date, I have not electrocuted myself but I have had some whoopsy-daisy moments and destroyed one laptop. This knowledge was hard come by, and expensive to figure out, and now I pass it down to you. Beer me if you have not done so already. Wine is fine but contact me in advance, I'm particular and have exquisite taste.
Happy Gaming,
Wine O
Edited by Wine O, 01 March 2014 - 06:51 PM.
