Since I got some experience with large redstone builds like my paint and chess system. I am going to share some helpful tips with YOU I got when building those things.

The idea:
Okay you got an awesome idea, for example, a chess system so let's start...

Wait.
What kind of parts does it need?
What kind of functions needs to be implanted?
What size is it going to be?

So have you thought about these questions before starting a redstone build?
My guess is not.

My advise:
Let your grand idea flew thorough your head for a couple of nights or days.
Think about, visualize it in your head. Work your idea out in your head.

Small parts working out:
Since you got a better idea what is needed to build. Build the needed parts of upcoming system of yours.

Build some parts, in my case of the chess: screen unit, decoder, combined stuff (don't know a correct name for it).
Take some space for it like this:



Okay you got the parts running, ask yourself the following:
o Is it doing something?
o Does it do what I wanted?
o Is it stable, for piston uses this is important! Believe me.
o Is it the size I thought it will be?
o Are the inputs at a place I want, and the outputs?
- Is it easy stackable?

My advise:
Pick a flat big place and build the parts you think you will need. Try to get them working, if not happy change it! These parts are we going to use in the next step. Also it is easier to work with coloured lines.

Small version:
You might wonder; Why not directly big? Simply you don't know if it works.
I suggest you make it hand built. I recommend this because of the following:
- You will learn your system better.
- You will notice earlier troubles like:
- Does it connect?
- Is this part bug free? This will later help you fix bugs more easier.
- Debugging



After your small build ask yourself:
- Does it work the way I wanted?
- Are all functions properly working?
- Are their missing functions?

So does it miss something?
o yes, build it apart and try to implant it.
o no, let's make the giant one!

My advise:
Hand built all parts connected to each other in the way it is a small working version. Use some extra space in case of something unexpected which need more space than you thought.

The real deal:
First build the basis, build it so you can easily mc-edit it.
I mean you are not going to build it by hand?

(left one)


After the basis is edited, build the basis of the connecting parts. If possible mc-edit it. If a part is hard to mc-edit it DON'T. It gives a large chance of trouble . By hand you can customize the needed things and make sure they work.

My advise:
Use mc-edit a lot when possible and don't be afraid of some hand building.
Have patience!

I have finished it, what now?
Test it! Make sure all functions works. Try to find ways to improve it.
Or just upload it to PMC, don't forget the presentation. Uhm yeah I don't like that part and well I can only give tips looking to other works.
o Youtube video.
o Make it understandable for others.

Summary:
- Get an idea and work it out in your head.
- Build the needed parts, make sure to be happy with them.
- Build a small version of your upcoming giant system.
- Build the giant one you intended.
- Upload it to PMC,


One last piece of advice to other redstoners:
You made a awesome complex redstone device, you upload and got far less than you expected. You got 3 diamonds and 100 views, disappointed?
Look who gave the diamonds if it are redstoners it is a good redstone device.
They understand it where others don't and find peace in it. Be proud of your work don't let others decide if it is or not.

Thanks for reading and if you have any question ask away.
Improvement to this blog? be constructive.