Take my comments with a extreme grain of salt, I have not even built my first system yet, just waiting for my parts to all arrive. But I found that I struggled to find truly 'Dummy" level instructions sometimes and I wanted to share my on going learnings for other new members before I get to the point where it all makes such sense that I can’t explain it or help someone with no reference knowledge. I have started to document some of these items in a Dummies Begginers guide at the link below as well. Might not all be correct, but its very much in DRAFT
One of the questions that I had initially when I started down this path was what is it going to cost? Comparing high end systems to AOG is like comparing apple and oranges. One of the nice things about AOG is that majority of the components are simple and low cost. Others are a bit more. Some are available next day shipping, others will take months. Most parts are sold by multiple vendors, and available with different shipping and availability depending on location.
I have posted a google sheet with a breakdown of all my incurred costs HERE, but at this point I am into my system for about $1750.00 complete with RTK, Autosteer Hardware, Tablet, Teensy Panda, and PCBv2
I wasted a fair bit of money, and a bunch more time by not doing some of the stuff below. I ordered from each supplier one at a time, only to come to find out after that the same supplier had items I needed for another component or had an alternative to a part that another vendor was out of. The amount of additional shipping costs is a bit embarrassing.
Ordering Tips:
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Take your time
-You don’t want to miss anything and ultimately your build time and wait for a functioning system is going to be determined by your last part. So no point rushing out to buy all the common stuff first. -
Signup for accounts and build your shopping carts
-Many of the vendors allow for uploads of Bill of Material lists, (search Brian’s Youtube Video), shopping carts also let you get everything ready to order all at once. Most places have reduced or free shipping after a certain price point, maximize your order. -
Compile your own parts list in excel to cross reference what is ordered and from where, what is received, and what your missing.
-This will make sure you are able to get everything ordered at once saving on shipping. -
Alternatives are available
-Supply of specifics items on the parts list often run out. But there are tons of alternative components available. Both Digi-Key and Mouser allow you to search to the most detailed spec, so you are easily able to find alternatives. This forum is a great resource for alternative suggestions as well for the bigger items. -
Search for your build type in the forums
-There is lots of very very useful modifications, adjustments or alternatives that have been discovered by community members, make sure you are building the most up to date version. Some options will replace parts on the parts list. -
Beware of Amazon
-Amazon is great for alot of stuff, fast and often “FREE” shipping and most items are readily available, but I found that many items are available from the more industry focused vendors at a fraction of the price, even when you factor in shipping. -
Decide how many units you will probably want
-Your going to get 5 pcbs, when you order. So you can build 5 units, Now some of the items are going to be expensive to over order, but many of the small parts are so inexpensive that if you truly ask yourself “If AOG works like I think it will, will I put it in my other units?” If the answer is Yes to that questions, consider ordering extras off the parts list so you can do more. (or fix a mistake if you screw one up). The panda parts list is nice that way, because it gives quantities to match the minimum 5 PCB orders.
Don’t stress and read as much as you can. Enjoy the project, I began by thinking a prebuilt board would be easiest as I have 0 knowledge of what I am doing. In 1 way that is correct, but as many others have said on post after post, building it yourself causes a significant increase in understanding what exactly the system is all about. I haven’t even done anything with my parts yet besides make sure they are in a nice storage box, but even the ordering process was an eye opener.