DIY Moonboard Kit Build Guide - Standard and Mini MoonBoard
The following guide highlights the basic structural requirements of the MoonBoard DIY kit. Please download the PDF guides in the following steps to also view the instructions for Mini MoonBoard, Self-Build and LED Installation . You will need basic carpentry skills, tools, and a minimum of two people.
If you have any doubts regarding the construction of your MoonBoard, please seek professional advice.
Step 1: Build your frame
The structural requirements of your MoonBoard frame may differ from those suggested in this document, however it is essential that your MoonBoard is built to the exact height, width and angles as those specified below.
Upright supports x 4, set 813 mm (2’ 8”) apart. Fix your supports above the kickboard at the appropriate angle for your MoonBoard (40-degrees or 25-degrees). The kickboard height should measure 370 mm (1’ 21⁄2”).
Step 2: Attach the panels in your DIY Kit to the frame
The DIY MoonBoard Kit includes eight panels: Two kickboard panels and six square panels for the main body of the board. Align and attach each of the panels to the frame. The DIY Kit panels are pre-painted with the classic MoonBoard design, so allocating each panel to the correct spot on the board is very easy. To ensure your MoonBoard remains rigid, brace horizontally across the joints of the panels.
If you have not purchased one of our DIY Kits and are making your own panels, it is essential that you space and drill the hold and LED holes exactly to the specifications outlined in our self-build instruction guide, otherwise you do not have a MoonBoard!
You can download our panel specifications here:
Standard MoonBoard Panel Specifications - Metric
Standard Moonboard Panel Specifications - Imperial
Mini MoonBoard Panel Specifications - Metric
Mini MoonBoard Panel Specifications - Imperial
Complete your MoonBoard using the following artwork specifications: MoonBoard Panel Artwork PDF
The paint colour references for the MoonBoard artwork are as follows. Orange RAL1023 and Grey RAL 7012
Step 3: Install your LED System on the MoonBoard
Installation of The Moonboard LED System requires the following tools:
- Drill
- 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) drill bit
- Wire Strippers
- Measuring Tape
- Chalk Line
- Sandpaper
LED System Components
- 1 x MoonBoard control box
- 2 x strings of MoonBoard LED lights (100 LEDs per string) or 3 or 4 x strings (50 LEDs per string) with push fit connectors (Mini MoonBoard uses 3 and Standard MoonBoard 4). Each LED pack includes a control box cable extender and power boost cable
- 1 x 5VDC Mains Power Adaptor with multi regional plug adaptor
- Spare LEDs (at the end of the last string)
If you have purchased a Freestanding MoonBoard Kit or DIY MoonBoard Kit, skip to #2 - Installing the LEDs
Starting from the top of the Moonboard place a mark every 8 inches (20cm) down each side of the board (half way between your pre-existing bolt holes).
Use the chalk line to snap a horizontal line between the marks from one side to the other. Each LED light is designed to be installed below the hold it lights-up.
For example, the LED for hold B3 will be installed below the B3 t-nut. Drill 1⁄2 inch (13mm) holes on the chalk line below each t-nut. If necessary, use sandpaper to remove any sharp edges.
Prior to installation, we recommend that you test the LED bulbs. This can be done by connecting the LED strings to the Control Box, connecting the Control Box to the power supply and switching the Control Box on. The LEDs will illuminate and run through a start-up sequence. Once this is completed, switch off the power and disconnect the LEDs from the Control Box.
Please take extra care when handling the LED strings to avoid causing damage.
If you have strings of 100 LEDs:
Carefully unravel LED String A. The first LED will be labelled A1 (the first LED on the green wire). This LED will illuminate hold A1 on the MoonBoard. From the back of your Moonboard, start at A1 and push the first LED into the LED hole until the bulb is flush with the climbing side of the wall. The next LED on the string is A2, and so forth.
Install the LEDs in a zig-zag pattern going up one column and down the next. Once you have installed all the LEDs in String A, connect String B to String A using the push fit connector, and continue installing the LEDs in the zig-zag pattern.
If you have strings of 50 LEDS:
Carefully unravel a string of LED lights. The first LED has a single 3-pin push fit connector attached to the red, green and white cable. This LED will illuminate hold A1 on the MoonBoard. From the back of your Moonboard, start at A1 and push the first LED into the LED hole until the bulb is flush with the climbing side of the wall. The next LED on the string is A2, and so forth.
Install the LEDs in a zig-zag pattern going up one column and down the next. Once you have installed all the LEDs, connect the next string using the 3-pin push fit connector, and continue installing the LEDs in the zig-zag pattern.
Tools needed:
Wire Strippers
Wire Cutters
Electrical Tape
6 Butt Splice Wire Connectors
Connector Crimping Tool
Locating Your Spare LEDs
Mount the Moonboard control box to the back of your MoonBoard. There is an on/off switch on the side of the box that you may need access so take this into consideration when choosing a mounting point.
If the LED string come as packs A and B strip the wire insulation ¼ inch (0.5mm) from the end and insert directly into the quick lock terminal adaptors to JST connector provided with the control box. Push down on the top tab exposing the terminal contact plate and insert the cable so that each wire is held firmly and has good contact. The A string connects to LED1 on the control box (RED to RED, GREEN to GREEN and WHITE to WHITE). The supplementary power feed cable connects to string B and PWR1 on the control box (RED to RED, and WHITE/BLACK to WHITE).
If the LED string comes with only JST SM connectors, remove the quick lock terminal adaptors from the control box. Then connect the first LED string to LED1 and the supplementary power feed from the end of the first LED string to PWR1 using the push and lock JST SM connectors on the control box.
Attach the appropriate regional adapter to the power supply, connect the power supply to the control box, and then plug into the mains. Do not use any other power supply other than the one provided in your kit.
For more info download one of the PDF guides below:
MoonBoard LED systems with strings of 50 LEDs - Installation and Trouble-Shooting
MoonBoard LED systems with strings of 100 LEDs - Installation and Trouble-Shooting
Step 4: Fix your holds to your MoonBoard
Download and install the MoonBoard App or log into MoonBoard.com to find the hold positions. Make sure you have selected the correct MoonBoard setup: Settings>Board Setup. Then Settings>Hold Positions. Each hold can be fixed in 8 different compass directions: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW. Each hold has an arrow indicator which must be pointing in the direction indicated. Use the surrounding t-nuts/holds to align the arrow indicator in the correct direction. Ensure you set each hold to the correct grid reference and orientation.
Step 5: Climb!
FREESTANDING MOONBOARD ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS