1. Beginner’s Patience

If you have never touched a soldering iron or you’re already familiar with microcontrollers, the MACE Project is designed for everyone.

From the very first step to a fully functioning alarm, our goal is to make the process simple, clear — and hopefully fun.

Whether you’re assembling one of our MACE modules, browsing a resource page, or watching one of our how-to videos on YouTube, you’ll find that the journey is crafted with simplicity in mind.

We use:

• Plain language
• Step-by-step breakdowns
• Clear visuals and diagrams

Our goal is to meet you at your level and build from there. All we ask is that you bring a bit of patience, a willingness to learn by doing, and a sense of curiosity. Mistakes are part of the journey — and we’re here to guide you through every one.

2. Skills

Experience Level: From Total Beginner to Pro Installer

The MACE Project is built for everyone — from those with no hands-on experience to seasoned professionals in electronics, fabrication, or automotive installs.

You do not need a background in electronics, car wiring, fabrication, or have ton of or expensive tools to complete this project.

If a specific skill isn’t explained in detail in a MACE guide or module assembly, it’s because it’s already covered extensively in places like YouTube — and we’d rather point you to quality resources than reinvent the wheel.

For Example:

When it comes to soldering, we cover the basics and include a few of our favorite beginner-friendly tips. But instead of creating video #301 on “How to Solder,” we encourage you to check out any of the excellent tutorials already available.

Minimum Basic Skills

Don’t worry — these are easier than you think, and most people pick them up quickly. If not, someone you know probably can help.

• Basic soldering
• Using and reading a voltmeter set to 12V DC

We walk you through these skills with clear steps. And if you want to go deeper, there’s probably a YouTube video for that — possibly even one narrated by someone soldering with performing brain surgery with the other.

Helpful (But Not Required) Skills

These advance skills can help make the process smoother.

• Stripping wires
• Removing interior car panels or trim
• Routing wires through a vehicle
• Using common hand tools like screwdrivers, wire cutters, and socket wrenches
• Using wire crimpers

Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list — just the basics. Each MACE Module Assembly will include:

• Required tools
• Suggested and optional tools
• Step-by-step instructions

The idea is simple: We meet you where you are, and help you go as far as you want to take it.

3. Tools

One of the great things about the MACE project is that you don’t need expensive or specialized tools to get started.

Each MACE Module Assembly includes a detailed list of essential, recommended, and “nice to have” tools.

You don’t need a $100 soldering station when a $10 one from Amazon works just fine. Instead of a $35 heat gun, a hair dryer will do. And a $5 wire stripper from Harbor Freight can replace a $20 pair of Kleins.

Essential Tools

• 60W soldering iron – $10–15
• Wire strippers – $6–8
• Micro screwdriver set – Sizes #x, #x, #x – $5–10
• Multimeter – Must support 12VDC and continuity testing – $15
• DuPont/JST terminal crimpers – $8
• Scissors – $2
• Desoldering vacuum pump – $4

If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend about $50–$65 to purchase everything you need.

We also have a video called “What’s On the Workbench” that walks through all the tools used in the MACE Module Assembly videos—including optional tools that are just nice to have.