Aside from the obvious requirement of bringing your own PC and monitor, there is a specific type of power plug required to use the dedicated power circuits provided. This plug is usually red, but the important bit is the flattened earth pin, which you can see below. This plug is required for both PC’s and monitors, which will be tested at the door to see if they are likely to trip the power.<\/p>\n
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Among the list of things that won’t be tolerated are speakers, UPS’s, multiplugs, personal switches, or additional power draining devices. Because of the flat earth pin plug scenario, two pin plugs won’t find a home, so external drive users should bear this in mind. One brings and uses their own adapters at risk of raising the ire of event organizers.<\/p>\n
It just makes sense to ensure your rig is up to scratch before arriving at rAge. It might seem obvious, but guaranteed, every year, there will be someone reinstalling their OS and missing out on the fun because they picked up a virus that got through their out of date protection. Bring all your software, games and serial numbers with just in case – it’s best to leave these things locked in a car however.<\/p>\n
Desktop speakers aren’t allowed for obvious noisy reasons. A good set of comfortable headphones are a must. In-ear headphones will quickly become a painful irritant. A noise cancelling microphone is recommended, as many games feature VOIP, and it is likely that TeamSpeak servers will be running.<\/p>\n
Make sure you have plenty of free HDD space because you are likely to find a whole range of legal, public license software and media on share. There will be a DC++ server set up for sharing purposes, and this is the preferred method, as the LAN organisers can ensure that network bandwidth is utilised optimally. If you don’t know what DC++ is, there will usually be help on hand, in the form of a LAN organiser or helpful participant.<\/p>\n
Exercise some common sense, and unshare anything you don’t want out in public, and if you do share, make sure things are set to ‘read only.’ Nothing worse than having your 1TB anime collection cut, forever to be pasted on a strangers HDD.<\/p>\n
Rest and recuperation<\/strong><\/p>\n The official word is that the Coca-cola Dome won’t allow people to set up shanty towns inside the venue, but it is unlikely that anyone will complain if you have a snooze in one of the chill areas or at your gaming station. A pillow, eye shades, ear plugs and some warm clothes will augment your downtime. Sleeping in a car for a few hours isn’t a bad idea, but try to do this during the cool evening hours, or you’ll be rudely awakened by the African sun. <\/p>\n Other practices can help reduce your fatigue for the duration. A wrist wrest goes a long way – if you don’t have one, a small folded towel or a roll of socks can substitute. The usual advice about taking frequent breaks has never been more poignant. Perhaps setting a cell phone alarm for every couple of hours is a good idea. Get up, stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and refill water bottles. Don’t become another statistic<\/a>. Headache pills are a must-have item.<\/p>\n Hygiene usually suffers at rAge, but there’s nothing stopping you from using deodorant, washing your face, brushing your teeth, and changing your socks. On this last point, some foot powder might not be a bad idea, even if it isn’t for yourself. My nasal passages have previously been assaulted by a malevolent odour whose source was the sweaty feet of a fellow gamer who decided to air out his shoes. Let’s maintain standards people. <\/p>\n Those lucky enough to have a Virgin Active gym contract that grants them access to gyms countrywide can capitalise and take a shower at the nearby Virgin Active across the parking lot. <\/p>\n Food and drink<\/strong><\/p>\n Whilst LANning, gamers are undoubtedly going to consume a large amount of energy boosting drinks. Bear in mind that these types of beverages will also dehydrate and fatigue – nothing can substitute for good ol’ H2O. A plastic squeezy bottle can probably be snuck in amongst LAN kits and often exhibitors hand them out for free. An empty soft drink bottle is also a fine substitute – it pays to keep your water bottle refreshed and at hand throughout the event.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, LAN attendees are usually not allowed to bring in their own food and beverages, since the venue wishes to flog their own foodstuffs. Fair enough, but over the course of three days, the same old burger, chips, pizza and hotdog offerings become unpalatable. <\/p>\n Luckily, the North Gate shopping centre has a number of restaurants and a supermarket to offer variety. Gamers will have to consume their food outside of the venue, but a short break to refuel is never a bad idea. Delivery services have also been known to bring food to the Dome.<\/p>\n Safety and security <\/strong><\/p>\n There have never been any major incidents at the rAge LAN, but human nature is unpredictable and petty theft has been known to occur. This is usually due to absent minded gamers leaving their money laden wallets, flashy cell phones and 500GB portable HDD’s laying about whilst they cruise the expo floor or step outside for a break. Don’t be a fool – take it with you.<\/p>\n Mice and keyboards are usually safe, as they cannot be removed from the venue before passing through a security check. Still, I personally wouldn’t leave my gaming mouse at my station if I were going to be away for a prolonged period of time. To this end, it’s advisable to make friends with the gamers in your immediate area. Aside from being the point of a social LAN event, making friends will ensure that no vandals mess with your stuff.<\/p>\n Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n PC equipment (everything installed and up to date). Do you have any other tips? Discuss the rAge NAG LAN<\/a> in the MyGaming forums.<\/p>\n\n\t\t
Red power plug with flat earth pin (for monitor and PC).
rAge LAN ticket.
Lots of HDD space.
Accommodation details (if staying at a hotel).
Plenty of money.
Headache pills.
Eye drops.
Eye shades and ear plugs (for catching 40 winks).
Warm clothes.
Pillow.
Basic toiletries (will go a long way to keeping nearby LANners on your good side).
Breath mints.
Itchy mouse finger.
Happy gaming attitude.<\/p>\n