Acquisition Tactics

[SilverFox441]

I've started to learn that building a simpit is much like becoming a cleptomaniac!

Everywhere I go I stay on the lookout for bits and pieces that might ease the financial burden of building the 'pit. You might be surprised by just how much of the required parts can be found discarded!

Recently I've found a 19" monitor that's in perfect working condition, I've also found several dozen switches that all work. The most effort required was to remove the switches from the broken appliances they were mounted in...less the 15 minutes total. I have most of the LEDS I required, free from trashed items.

If you want a pit on the cheap, keep your eyes open. Learn to look below the surface and see what you can make out of something or it's parts.

Besides, it's good for the environment to recycle.

[beaky]

I've started to learn that building a simpit is much like becoming a cleptomaniac!

Everywhere I go I stay on the lookout for bits and pieces that might ease the financial burden of building the 'pit. You might be surprised by just how much of the required parts can be found discarded!

Recently I've found a 19" monitor that's in perfect working condition, I've also found several dozen switches that all work. The most effort required was to remove the switches from the broken appliances they were mounted in...less the 15 minutes total. I have most of the LEDS I required, free from trashed items.

If you want a pit on the cheap, keep your eyes open. Learn to look below the surface and see what you can make out of something or it's parts.

Besides, it's good for the environment to recycle.

Oh yes!!
I'm a "gleaner" (nice word for "dumpster-diver") from way back... currently looking for a serviceable car seat for my modest pit (decided I had to go that route when my rudder-pedal design clashed with my existing chair).
 The desk I modified for my simpit/workstation was found (here at the loft when I moved in), most of the materials for the rudder pedals were free leftovers, and consider this:  in the last 20 years, I have yet to pay for a TV or a stereo. People set things like that out when they upgrade...nine out of ten TVs or stereos on the street are perfectly OK... and computer stuff!! Good Lord, I work in corporate buildings in Manhattan all the time; sometimes they just toss a whole floor's worth of PCs, monitors, etc. in the trash... never, it seems, when I have my car with me...or never when I'm in a building where Security won't hassle you for taking stuff (yes, even from the trash). I get bits and pieces that way, but have yet to score any LCDs or anything...

but I'm always looking.    

[SilverFox441]

I'm gettin my 'pit eat from a guy I know who was going to toss it...and it's barely worn! He got a new one that is brand new (for free from a junker he bought for other parts) and was going to discard this very nice seat...now he's going to drop it off at my place.

I've got the monitor for my instruments out of the trash...with no problems with security. Security gets called and I answer the phone.  ;D

Today I got a 17" LCD monitor...the only thing wrong seems to be a broken pin...on the monitor cable! Going to grab a new cable and see if she fires up.

A note to "gleaners": Security will often hassle you for removing items from the trash for a few reasons

• They have a contract for trash removal that requires all trash be removed by the contractors (who makes money on the salvage
• They are concerned about you trashing the area and leaving a mess
• They do not want to set a pattern wherby it looks like dumpster diving is acceptable

Approach the on-duty guard and ask to remove specific pieces, if you are up front us guards will often agree...it's easier than the hassle of driving you off.

[JBaymore]

Yup... this is the key Steve.  That's why in my threads I have been saying that the pit does not have to cost what you think it does.  Except for the "primary machine", all the computer firepower in my pit maybe cost me $100 total.  

I like to think of it a working as an "Environmental Pollution and Waste Control Specialist"  ;D.

One of the issues with security and "dumpster diving",  at least in the litigation happy USA, is the problem that you might hurt yourself while doing it... and then sue the company for letting you DO it.  :P

Another USA issue is that for companies, computer monitors are EPA listed items that have to be disposed of under very specific regulations.  So,...... it you remove them from their official "waste stream"...... you are screwing up Federal paperwork.  Or conversely... if they ARE just tossing them in the trash.... they don't want anyone to notice that fact.

best,

....................john