Upgrade to Emerald

[LordDavon]

I have always wanted an Ultra Saber, but the one I want to buy is almost $500.  So, I purchased a Dark Initiate v3 with Obsidian Sound V3 on eBay.  It will be here next week.  I'd like to slowly upgrade it to using the Emerald LED 4 Channel driver, or Emerald LED 2 Channel (R & B).  But, I have no idea where to get the boards.  Is this something I am going to have to send in or is it something I can do myself?  I can solder, so that isn't an issue.

Also, where do I get the Emerald driver, and do I also need to replace the Obsidian Sound Board?  It is okay if I do, because I will get a V4. :-)

Thank you.

[Inzane]

I could be wrong but if I understand the US site correctly the v3 cannot have sound and emerald installed simultaneously.

[Groovidad]

I could be wrong but if I understand the US site correctly the v3 cannot have sound and emerald installed simultaneously.

Yes, that's what I see as well.  You can either have "sound" or "Emerald", just not both.

[LordDavon]

That will teach me!  That really sucks.  Thank you for the answer though.  There was one that I had my eye on with a 2 Channel (red and white) Emerald LED driver.  I probably could have just switched out the white LED.  Now I wish I got the other.  Still, I'm going to have an Ultra Saber, and that's great in itself. :-)

Thank you again.

[Racona Nova]

No way, in the v3 you can't have both the Emerald board and Obsidian sound. Only the v4 can accommodate both boards.

If you want to upgrade a v4 yourself, you need to ask the US staff at [email protected] if they can send you an Emerald Driver - they're not sold seperately via the webshop...also, you need a special LED module which is available in the shop. It has the tag [Emerald] behind it.
The sound board doesn't need to be replaced unless you want the new Obsidian v4 sound board, then you have to request it through email, too. It's not available in the shop yet, only during the saber configuration process.

[Noctis]

Sounds like your best bet might be to save up for what you DO want in the future, as far as the Emerald driver goes.

I would always recommend sending any future sabers (obviously not this one) into US for upgrades unless you really, really know what you're doing.  I've just seen too many stories of "I thought I knew, but I was WRONG!" on here.     Now, this is coming from someone who is not versed in the building of sabers, so my opinion may be a moot point.  However, if you send your saber into US for repair or upgrades, they ship it back VERY quickly and the work will be done to your specs. 

I hope you're able to save up for the saber you DO want!  I dig my Emerald drivers for sure.