I am confused about something that should be very simple

[msy]

I can build generators and I can build things that require a generator to run. How do I connect a generator to something that needs it? I am on a PC.

[Arcanix]

In build mode there is an "attach cable" function.

[Skurcey]

press V to enter build mode
press tab
aim generator press space aim target press space

[THAC0]

as the above stated you can just attach cables to stuff i guess you never played FO4 or such...

[ronr42]

Some items use passive power. They don't need a wire connected to them. They just need to be within range of the available power.

Other items require a direct connection/wire.

So, place a generator where you want it. Then, in most cases you will need to place a power pylon and or connectors to string the wires within range of the item that needs power. Each wire will only stretch about 20 ft from one connection to the next. To place a wire be in Edit mode, focus on the generator, hit Spacebar and stretch the wire from the generator to the pylon, connector or item that needs it. Then hit E to place the wire. If it lights up red you're too far between connections for it to place. Move them closer together. Or, you have something blocking the wire, like a wall or other object. Place more connectors to go around the object blocking the wire.

For items that work with passive power, like lights for example, you need to have the last connector in the line within about 25 ft for the light to be on.

To remove a wire be in Edit mode. focus on the wire AND ONLY the wire, it lights up blue, then hit R to scrap it. Sometimes it is difficult to get your cursor focused on just the wire to remove it. You will have to move around a little to find the right angle to highlight the wire and not an object that is next to it. If needed you can scrap the connector(s) when you can't get your cursor to focus just on the wire. That will auto scrap the wire.

Oh yeah, when it comes to passive power there's no vertical distance in the game. If you have a powered connection downstairs and a light upstairs, the light will work. Only the horizontal distance has to be within the 25 ft or so from the powered connector for the passive power to work. In other words, you can have the connectors on the roof of a two story building and any light placed directly below it on the first floor will work.

[msy]

Originally posted by THAC0:

as the above stated you can just attach cables to stuff i guess you never played FO4 or such...

Attaching the cable is the problem. I have not found a means to do that. Can't do that straight from the CAMP menu, you have to be in a particular screen. Finding that screen has been the problem. The other answers have told me how to do it.

[SerialGamer]

Only devices that have a power connector (the pointy thingy in this picture: https://i.imgur.com/Fsk8RlJ.jpg ) require a cable connection. Other powered items that don't have the pointy thingy, like desk lamps, wall lamps, and such, only need to be placed near (within a square tile or so) a "power conduit" that is connected by cable to a power source. Those power conduits emit power wirelessly in 360 degrees in all directions including up and down (but within the length of a square tile or so).

[msy]

What I was looking for was how to run a wire. That is done by opening the CAMP build page then pressing TAB to get to the edit menu. On that page is the option to run a wire at the bottom of the page. This is the step I was missing.

[THAC0]

Originally posted by msy:

What I was looking for was how to run a wire. That is done by opening the CAMP build page then pressing TAB to get to the edit menu. On that page is the option to run a wire at the bottom of the page. This is the step I was missing.

ppl told you allready how to do so

Originally posted by Skurcey:

press V to enter build mode
press tab
aim generator press space aim target press space

aka go up to generator push space for the attach cable or w.e key you put it on the game will tell you then run it to where you need it to go
mind you if its to far or 2 many objects in the way you will need power cables / pylons or such to attach to then run from to the next part.