Project Reality Forums

Make sure you are right next to the FO before you try shoveling. What always works is go prone, go as close to the dirt pile of the FO as you can, take out your shovel and instead of clicking, keep the button pressed.

The object you are trying to build has to be within the reach of the shovel, which is fairly short. Going crouch or prone on top of the object is usually close enough.

Here is a tutorial video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWwA-Or5s44
It is from a previous version so the hud is different and engineers can't build anymore, but the mechanics are the same.

Posted a video up in my other post too, from the current version (not too shiny looking, but you'll understand I guess).

You must hold the left mouse button while shovelling, as Bufl4x said

"SL" and "officer" are redundant names for the same function/kit (unless you are commander who also requires an officer kit).

The radio option "build" is not enough. You will need to press and hold "T". Choose build asset (the center option) by left clicking. A submenu will be displayed with asset options for your fighting force. Start with the firebase option. Make sure you retreat a small distance to avoid getting crushed by the asset you are placing.

You may get error messages in gold on the lower left side of the screen. Sometimes it will complain about the location. In that case, you may have chosen terrain that is not level. Slanted terrain is difficult to work with, so use flat terrain for starters.

If it deploys in the wrong place (on the other side of walls, too high, etc.), delete it using the same first steps listed above but right click the center (build asset) option while standing near and looking at the asset you just placed. It will not work if the asset is already fully constructed.

Once the asset is down, you can progress into building it using a shovel. You will need to request a kit that has one. Get in up close to the asset and hold the left mouse button down. Do not move around too much or you may lose contact with the asset and stop digging which may cause it to come crashing down around you. If, after some time, the shovel no longer has any digging effect, you have completed your asset.

Be warned, just because the shovel no longer digs, it doesn't always mean that the asset has been fully built. Press your shovel into the asset and try again to make sure. (the medic's healing satchel has similar mechanics as far as losing contact with the object ahead)