# Tips, Tricks, and Newb Questions!

**URL:** <https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42>\
**Category:** The Bunker\
**Created:** [January 3, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42 "2013-01-03T03:04:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 124

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**Author:** ![FunsizeNinja123](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/funsizeninja123/32/118_2.png) [@FunsizeNinja123](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/FunsizeNinja123)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 2:30am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2461 "2014-03-04T02:30:48Z")

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Well that was in a 0.A experimental. Feel free to test it out if logs burn longer than planks, then get back to us mebby?

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**Author:** ![Homebound](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/homebound/32/29_2.png) [@Homebound](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Homebound)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 6:07am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2462 "2014-03-04T06:07:42Z")

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Is there a way to cover up windows, like with blankets or sheets?

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**Author:** ![jimboblordofeskimos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/jimboblordofeskimos/32/2_2.png) [@jimboblordofeskimos](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/jimboblordofeskimos)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 6:23am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2463 "2014-03-04T06:23:08Z")

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You can tape them up, board them up (construction stuff that comes up when you push \*) or just close the blinds by standing inside a closed window and closing them a second time. Mostly only works with houses, shops and the like dont usually have blinds. If there are still nasties about though, some of them will find you by scent, so make sure you clear your area before going to beddy byes.

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**Author:** ![The\_Lone\_Badger](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/the_lone_badger/32/8063_2.png) [@The\_Lone\_Badger](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/The_Lone_Badger)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 10:02am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2464 "2014-03-04T10:02:57Z")

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You can also replace broken (and cleaned out) windows with small ‘vehicles’. Extra-light frame made from pipes + sheet metal to make a board.

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**Author:** ![Homebound](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/homebound/32/29_2.png) [@Homebound](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Homebound)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 3:53pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2465 "2014-03-04T15:53:55Z")

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> [@jimboblordofeskimos](#):
>
> You can tape them up, board them up (construction stuff that comes up when you push \*) or just close the blinds by standing inside a closed window and closing them a second time. Mostly only works with houses, shops and the like dont usually have blinds. If there are still nasties about though, some of them will find you by scent, so make sure you clear your area before going to beddy byes.

Thanks!

It looks like I have a little bit of work to do then, before I use this house as an outpost.

> [@The Lone Badger](#):
>
> You can also replace broken (and cleaned out) windows with small ‘vehicles’. Extra-light frame made from pipes + sheet metal to make a board.

I’ll have to remember that! 😛

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**Author:** ![Caconym](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aca169/32.png) [@Caconym](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Caconym)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 8:16pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2466 "2014-03-04T20:16:12Z")

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Is there any kind of storage I can install on a car that can fit a barrel of whiskey?

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**Author:** ![Zireael](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/zireael/32/956_2.png) [@Zireael](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Zireael)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 8:22pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2467 "2014-03-04T20:22:35Z")

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> [@Caconym](#):
>
> Is there any kind of storage I can install on a car that can fit a barrel of whiskey?

Cargo space, if any.

EDIT: Oops, sleepy.

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**Author:** ![HunterAlpha1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@HunterAlpha1](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/HunterAlpha1)\
**Post date:** [March 4, 2014, 8:26pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2468 "2014-03-04T20:26:14Z")

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> [@Zireael](#):
>
> [quote=“Caconym, post:2466, topic:42”]Is there any kind of storage I can install on a car that can fit a barrel of whiskey?

Storage space, if any.[/quote]He means Cargo Space, but first you have to make or find a Cargo Carrier. They’re heavy and take up a lot of space in their own right, but can hold just about any large item in the game.

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**Author:** ![jimboblordofeskimos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/jimboblordofeskimos/32/2_2.png) [@jimboblordofeskimos](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/jimboblordofeskimos)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:44am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2469 "2014-03-05T00:44:14Z")

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you can also empty your whiskey into multiple jerrycans and go that way.

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**Author:** ![klaymored](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/klaymored/32/279_2.png) [@klaymored](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/klaymored)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:08pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2470 "2014-03-05T12:08:12Z")

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What’s the best way to get a stable source of underground light? I would like my LMOE shelter lit most of the times. Glowstick and flashlight became a nuisance, really. I doubt I can get electricity there, but maybe some popular mods or something like that?

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**Author:** ![Caconym](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aca169/32.png) [@Caconym](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Caconym)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:24pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2471 "2014-03-05T12:24:34Z")

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> [@klaymored](#):
>
> What’s the best way to get a stable source of underground light? I would like my LMOE shelter lit most of the times. Glowstick and flashlight became a nuisance, really. I doubt I can get electricity there, but maybe some popular mods or something like that?

Best way is full night vision mutation, followed by night vision bionic or a flashlight modified with the atomic battery mod and put a few plutonium cells in it and it will last a long time.

Or you could set up 2 pseudo vehicles, one outside with solar panels and storage batteries, and one inside with headlights installed and cycle the storage batteries as they deplete.

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**Author:** ![klaymored](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/klaymored/32/279_2.png) [@klaymored](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/klaymored)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:41pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2472 "2014-03-05T12:41:17Z")

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[quote=“Caconym, post:2471, topic:42”]Best way is full night vision mutation, followed by night vision bionic or a flashlight modified with the atomic battery mod and put a few plutonium cells in it and it will last a long time.

Or you could set up 2 pseudo vehicles, one outside with solar panels and storage batteries, and one inside with headlights installed and cycle the storage batteries as they deplete.[/quote]

Well, I’m roleplaying a clean character without any mutations or implants whatsoever, so I guess that’s not my solution. But I liked the idea about two vehicles, might as well try this thing out. Also, how much would this modified flashlight run if I have approx. ~15-20 plutonium cells?

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**Author:** ![John\_Candlebury](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/john_candlebury/32/6437_2.png) [@John\_Candlebury](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/John_Candlebury)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:48pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2473 "2014-03-05T12:48:48Z")

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You can also build a gasoline generator with a storage battery, an alternator a one piston engine, and a floodlight, just run the engine until the battery is full, turn the engine off and then activate the floodlight .

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**Author:** ![klaymored](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/klaymored/32/279_2.png) [@klaymored](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/klaymored)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 12:56pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2474 "2014-03-05T12:56:05Z")

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> [@John Candlebury](#):
>
> You can also build a gasoline generator with a storage battery, an alternator a one piston engine, and a floodlight, just run the engine until the battery is full, turn the engine off and then activate the floodlight .

Hmm… That’s actually a better idea than 2 vehicles. How much fabrication/electronics I need to create such a system? I don’t really have good skills right now so I might need to go search some trainers or raid a library.

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**Author:** ![John\_Candlebury](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/john_candlebury/32/6437_2.png) [@John\_Candlebury](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/John_Candlebury)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 1:06pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2475 "2014-03-05T13:06:11Z")

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You’ll need something along 3 or 4 in mechanics (sorry I don’t know it by memor) and all the tools necessary to build a car. You can loot all the parts relatively easily:

1 piston engine from lawnmowers (a small motorcycle motor also works)  
The battery is ideally from an electric car, but a truck battery also works on a pinch.  
The alternator from any car.  
The floodlight is the hardest. But you can replace it with a red and a blue light from an emergency vehicle (at a slightly reduced efficiency)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![klaymored](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/klaymored/32/279_2.png) [@klaymored](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/klaymored)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 1:14pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2476 "2014-03-05T13:14:01Z")

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[quote=“John Candlebury, post:2475, topic:42”]You’ll need something along 3 or 4 in mechanics (sorry I don’t know it by memor) and all the tools necessary to build a car. You can loot all the parts relatively easily:

1 piston engine from lawnmowers (a small motorcycle motor also works)  
The battery is ideally from an electric car, but a truck battery also works on a pinch.  
The alternator from any car.  
The floodlight is the hardest. But you can replace it with a red and a blue light from an emergency vehicle (at a slightly reduced efficiency)[/quote]

Great then, thanks a lot. So I basically need to build a small vehicle frame inside my shelter, install all the stuff there and then launch the engine to charge the battery? I just can’t figure out what I need to do exactly, as i’m a lamer with vehicle system.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![John\_Candlebury](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/john_candlebury/32/6437_2.png) [@John\_Candlebury](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/John_Candlebury)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 1:18pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2477 "2014-03-05T13:18:22Z")

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Hmm if you give me a half-hour I can post a picture and a walkthrough. But I am kinda busy right now.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![klaymored](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/klaymored/32/279_2.png) [@klaymored](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/klaymored)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 1:20pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2478 "2014-03-05T13:20:59Z")

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> [@John Candlebury](#):
>
> Hmm if you give me a half-hour I can post a picture and a walkthrough. But I am kinda busy right now.

Sure, no probs, don’t rush it and take your time. I’m not running anywhere. Thanks again in advance.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![John\_Candlebury](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/john_candlebury/32/6437_2.png) [@John\_Candlebury](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/John_Candlebury)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 3:50pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2479 "2014-03-05T15:50:34Z")

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Okay, this is more or less what you want to build:

 ![](http://i.imgur.com/klUs65p.png)

Listed here are the parts and tools you need build it as well as where to scavenge them from:

-1 hacksaw, for hacking off necesary parts from other vehicles. The best way of finding it is by killing lots of regular zombies until it drops, so keep your watch for them next time you enter a city. Can also be found in garages (safer place to loot), hardware stores (depending in the situation, it could be pretty easy or a complete pain in the ass) and Public Works (somewhat hard loot due to the big numbers of shocker zombies inside)

Tools:

-1 Wrench, for wrenching wrenchable things (for constructing and removing parts). Found in the same places as a hacksaw, zombies drop it even more often.

-1100 units of Duct tape, for installing parts. Found in rolls of 200 inside house wardrobes, Apartment buildings often have at least 600 units of duct tape inside them, so search in those, if you cant find those, just loot houses until you find them.

-A Welder is a possible alternative to the ductape, but those only spawn in Garages hardware stores and public works and are much harder to find, so I’d concentrate on finding duct tape instead.

Parts that youll need to remove from other vehicles:

-2 frames found literally everywhere, just remove them from the first vehicle you find.

-A motorcycle engine, found on motorcycles, in this special case the smaller the liter capacity, the better.

-An alternator of every type (car, truck, motorcycle) found on cars trucks and motorcycles respectively.

-A storage battery. Found on electric cars (those cars with yellow(#s) on them), you can replace this part with a truck battery but ill try to find the storage battery.

-Controls, intact ones are found on most cars/trucks/motorcycles, just remove those and call it a day.

-A red emergency light and a blue emergency light, yes, you need one of each type to generate continuous light. Most emergency vehicles haveworking ones, they shouldnt prove to hard to find.(If you manage to find a floodlight (found in the Luxury RVs, replace the emergency lights with them.

-A small metal tank, from motorcycles

Building it:

You ll need 3 in mechanics, all the above mentined parts and tools. Once you have those building the generator is pretty straight forward, while in the basement press \* to bring up the build menu and select vehicle construction. Then instal the parts in the same order as pictured above( note: if you looted the three types of alternator, just keep adding them after you add the last one) once you finish installing pieces in the first square, move up add a frame the remaining light, and fuel tank. And you generator is done load the fuel and some batteries and you can start using it right away.

If you installed the three alternators, model produces aproximately 4 units of charge per 1 unit of fuel, for every 45 min it runs. (you dont have to wait for the battery to be completely full before turning on the lights, you may turn on the lights at whatever moment you please)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Inadequate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Inadequate](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Inadequate)\
**Post date:** [March 5, 2014, 4:09pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/2480 "2014-03-05T16:09:42Z")

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You can actually craft a makeshift welder with some copper wire and heating elements, just smash a few ovens and put one together. Requires twice the batteries of a regular welder, but depending on the resources you have at hand this may be an easier alternative to all that duct tape.

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