I currently own two Ultrasabers:
- Liberator: Fire Orange LED, Resistor, ObsidianUSB, 2x14500
- Initiate v3: Guardian Blue LED, Resistor, no soundboard, 4xAAA
First Task:I'd like to change over the Liberator to a PC Amber LED (V
f=3.28V, I
f=1000mA). From my understanding of the ObsidianUSB board, plus a helping of circuit knowledge from my Computer Engineering degree, I believe if I replace the resistor with a 1000mA BuckPuck, I should be able to do a swap replacement of the Fire Orange LED star with my PC Amber LED star (NOTE: I've verified physical fitment specs on the PC Amber LED/optics vs. the Liberator LED Module). Does this work out in the expert sabersmiths' eyes?
Second Task:Additionally (sorry for making this a compound post), my oldest has taken a liking to my Initiate stunt saber, but would like it to be purple/violet instead of blue. I've researched a Violet LED (V
f=2.83V, I
f=1225mA). I've got a few paths in front of me:
- Commit to using alkalines-only (costly): this gets me 6V, allowing me to use a 1000mA BuckPuck (steps down 2.5V) without dipping under the Violet LED Vf
- Commit to using NiMH-only (economical): this gets me 4.8V, forcing me to current limit via resistor to stay equal to the Violet LED Vf, dissipating lots more extra power via heat compared to a BuckPuck circuit
- Commit to flexibility (flexible): like the second bullet, but calculate the resistor based on 6V (for safety of the power dissipation and LED forward current); my 4.8V NiMH setup will just have a dimmer blade (not ideal)
Are there other options I should be considering to easily convert my Initiate to violet? Haven't looked too deeply into Li-ion, though it seems possible a 2x18650 (in series) would permit usage of a BuckPuck in the Initiate.
I should also note that soldering irons and Ohm's Law are old friends of mine, and I'm not shy about using them (for good or for evil).
Thank you in advance for your brain power!