Saber Forum

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I've been on here. In fact, it's been a while since I bought anything from Ultrasabers. In fact, I couldn't remember my password for the main site when I went to order, so I had to reset it.  :-[

Anywho, what brought me back to the US side is a saber I've been wanting for a long time, the Prophecy. I just happened to be on the site recently, and it just happened to be the deal of the day. Without even thinking about it, I had an empty in my cart, and it was bought and paid for (after the password thing, of course.) It arrived a short while later, thanks to the usual quick shipping from Ultrasabers. While I was waiting, I got my electronics, chassis, etc. ordered so that I could build this bad boy. Anyway, here's my video review of my brand new Prophecy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXgYpzOjpmA

Hey right on man!

Great snag there, and super job.  I dig the switch...

Nicely done SFD. :)

+1

Great review, scifi.  Love the different sound fonts that you went into detail about.  It's a sign now, I have to order a Prochecy V3 in the silver hilt. It's so beautiful.  Have a point

Nice for sure =] Makes me want one even more now :P I don't have the tools to do my own electronics installs nor am I good either x.x Like you said never a such thing as enough blue lightsabers :P Or red

Great job! I too appreciate the in depth nature of the review in regard to the sound fonts. My sabers don’t have the ability to change, and it really illustrates why I NEED that function!! Super clean saber!!!!!!

Thanks a lot for the replies, everyone. It's a fantastic saber.  :)


There's nothing wrong with that, that's why Ultrasabers has so many ordering options.  8)

Making me seriously consider getting one of these

Do it! It's a great hilt. Get a 36" midgrade blade. The balance is perfect with that blade. :)

Everybody should have a Prophecy! Great looking saber and a really nice blue! Great video too, thanks for sharing.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Yeah, the Prophecy is one of those essential hilts.


Thanks for watching.  ;D

I don't have one of these yet, but I'm seriously thinking about getting one. Thanks for the video review.

No problem. Thanks for watching. :) I highly recommend this saber.

Great video. I’ve eyed this one as a future purchase simply because it’s modeled after the graflex and could easily be customized with rubber grips and whatever other details I took a liking to. Super nice and streamlined hilt. Just another way US gives us choices and designs that looks great and can be individualized.

I also understood what you meant by the machined textured finish. My Liberator has the same feel when I run my finger along the surface. Like finely brushed metal.

For sure, the Prophecy lends itself very well to modding. I've seen them done in Graflex and MPP style. You can even get a replica MPP clamp that will fit nicely over the 1.45" outer diameter MHS parts, like the Prophecy body, but I'm not allowed to say where. (it's a place that sells MHSV1 parts)

Shhh..😅😅

Good to know, I was wondering which clamp would fit the Prophecy. Point

I know the place. I’ve done a lot of research in recent weeks into the sabers I want and comparisons. Ultrasabers will be pleased to know that they have most of the saber designs I want.  And a Graflex is right behind the Electrum Wind.

Suffice to say, I buy parts from elsewhere, but this is my favorite place for complete sabers and hilts.

US is my go to for sabers and it's between them and their MHS counterpart that I buy parts from.  I love the ability to buy between the two and swap parts out unlike the other guys where you have to buy their parts only.

I like the pommels here better. The pommel I have on the Prophecy isn't the one I bought for it. I bought a pommel from that other supplier, but it was thinner aluminum and lighter. I also didn't like the sound vents on it, they were too small. So, I grabbed the Manticore Low Profile pommel off of my Aeon LE V4. One of these days, I need to get another one of those. For black sabers where I want a low profile pommel, I love the Emperor's Hand black pommel. That's what's on my Dark Sentinel.

Isn’t the EH pommel aow profile one, either way, I’ve been looking at them for quite some time. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll have to order one.   An you show me pictures? Side, pommel end, and full saber view if possible?

Unfortunately, it's not so good news with this saber. I had to disassemble it last night. The board I use requires 3.4v to 5.5v power. I like to use 18650 Lithium Ion batteries. Due to their size, they last really long in these single cell setups. Unfortunately, due to their size, they also require more internal space, and the Prophecy is very limited on internal space. The entire electronics chamber stops just short of the choke point forward of the rear grip area. Add to that that the speaker holder goes down inside that area, and you're left with only a few precious inches to cram everything into. This is why the Prophecy and other V3 sabers can't have Obsidian and Emerald. There's just not enough space.

I had everything in a chassis I bought on Shapeways. The designer claimed he had used it in an Intitiate V3, but I call shenanigans on that one. (perhaps he meant V4) I had to modify it extensively and it still didn't fit well. I had to cram everything in there and force the pommel on. It was a pain in the hand. Anyway, I disassembled it last night to try another setup, and it was worse. So, it's just disassembled. I may at least put in a battery, switch and LED so that I can do my Prophecy staff idea that I have with my new one. (I tried it last night before I disassembled the saber, and it's cool)

Moving forward with electronics, I'm looking into a smaller battery configuration. With 3.4v to 5.5v to play with, I can use either a single cell Li-Ion, or 4 AAA Ni-Mh setup, which would come to 4.8v. (alkaline AAAs are too powerful) I'm actually liking the idea of getting two each of these:

https://ultrasabers.com/product/dummy-cell-14500-size/

https://ultrasabers.com/product/2x-14500-li-ion-battery-holder-speaker-combo/

That will allow me to do the board setup I want with a single 14500 battery. I'll buy two because I'll want both Prophecies to have sound, eventually. I'll have shorter battery life with the 14500, but such is life. It shouldn't be any worse than an Obsidian saber running two of those. Anyway, those are my plans moving forward with this saber.

Also, will one of the moderators please move this to the Customization sub forum? This has become an ongoing project, more than a review at this point.

I’m looking forward to your new setup, SFD. Keep me posted

Oh, there will be updates, my friend. That's why I would like a moderator to move this to the project area. 8)

I look forward to it

Done.  :)

Just watched your video... really like what you installed so it's a shame to have to gut this saber.  :-\

point  8)

Thanks as always, D7.


It's just one of those things that happens in saber building. Things never go as planned. I didn't realize when I decided to do my usual battery setup that it would be an issue in the hilt, because I've only done installs on V4 Ultrasabers, which have more room, and one MHS Ultrasaber, which has lots of room. But, live and learn. Like I said, I have a plan for the sabers, I just need funds. In the meantime, I have a plan for the gutted electronics. The board, battery and speaker are going to find a home in my Dominix LE V4. It's primed and ready to go, and I have a momentary guarded switch and and LED, so it's go time. I'm probably going to grab some food first, though. I also have a headache I'm wanting to get rid of.

In the meantime: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a... stunt saber!

(https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0363.jpg?w=600) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0363.jpg)

(https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0364.jpg?w=600) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0364.jpg)

The LED is still wired for FoC, so I twisted the FoC and main wires together and soldered them to a common negative going back to the battery. The result is kind of a frost blue. It's not quite Arctic blue, because there's no green in it, so it's even more pale. But, I like it. Fortunately, I had a couple 16mm silver latching AV switches laying around, and a black one. I messed up one of the silver ones, so I had to switch to the other. But, it's all good. The battery is an 18650 in a simple holder I got off of Ebay. Ironically, it's the holder that the chassis I ordered was designed to work with. And, I slapped an Aeon V3 pommel on it since the pommel that came with it is on my Dark Standard issue, and has been appropriately scuffed to match the treatment I gave the hilt.

And, I have twins, almost:

(https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0365.jpg?w=600) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0365.jpg)

Aside from one being light blue and the other being green, the other main difference is the pommel. However, there's an interesting difference as well, that was done long before either saber went to assembly. Note the differences in the lower shine through hole locations:

(https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0366.jpg?w=600) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/img_0366.jpg)

Anyway, I found that interesting. That's all I have for now.

Very nice setup with the pair. I have only had one prophecy and ended up melting most of it in acid trying to etch it. Oh well live and learn, I will get a new one in the future.

Lovey Prophecies you have there, SFD. I Do like what you did to the blue one and the two emitter windows on it looks great while the green one only has one which is interesting.  I’ve always wanted 2 Prophecies as well and I look forward to seeing what your new plans are going to be for them. Point

Have you considered snipping off the legs of some green or red 3mm LEDs and glueing the LED bodies into those window holes?
Especially as you main LED contains white, such 'dead' LEDs should still light up quite nice...

Nope, I haven't considered it. The color configuration on the blue one is temporary. When I put sound back in it, it will be straight blue again.

I'm actually thinking more and more about this idea, and how I have 7 of the T-track grips and a D-ring from a Luke kit. I'm thinking I can do the blue one AOTC style and get it pretty close. I know where I can score a replica clamp that will fit nicely over the MHS body size.

I look forward to seeing this if you’re going to do it

It's more a question of when than if. :)

Since this is the new plan, I'm just going to leave the green Prophecy how it is, as a stunt with the Tri CG setup. It will be my spinner and just plain fun Prophecy, while the blue one will be the display (and still fun) Prophecy. It's going to get sound, of course.

Can’t wait!

Yay, I made it! I infected you with an idea I'm pondering about for years ;D

Looking forward to see the results ;)

Point for you, Greywolf for doing so.  I too can't wait to see the outcome

I can't believe that I'm just now seeing/reading this thread.  SFD, you do incredible work!  Like everyone else has said: looking forward to future mods!

So, I did a thing.

(https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0582.jpg?w=400) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0582.jpg) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0583.jpg?w=400) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0583.jpg) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0584.jpg?w=400) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0584.jpg) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0586.jpg?w=400) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0586.jpg) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0588.jpg?w=400) (https://evilgenius180.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/img_0588.jpg)

If people are interested, I'll do a video later. If not, that's less work for me. ;)

It's installed with the GGW Tri Cree it always had, but now it has an Obsidian V4 installed as well. The fonts are all purchased Graflex inspired fonts.

That AV and d-ring are new to my eye as well, and nice one with the grips. I suppose it looks odd with those beside the concave points and you went over them instead(?)

I like what you did with the Prophecy. Point to you. Inspiring.

I just think the emitter shroud should be reversed, or the switch in line with the blade retention thumb screws.

Thanks guys. :) Now that I'm not super tired, I'll go into detail about what I did.

You're right, Haz. I added the grips over the concave parts of the hilt. The grips are the hard plastic ones, and they had pegs on the back that go into holes on the hilt kit they came with. In order for them to sit flush to the hilt, I had to remove said pegs. Fortunately, I had an extra grip, so I experimented on how best to do this. After some false starts, I changed tips on my soldering iron and melted the pegs, then trimmed off what was left with a razor. After that, they sat flush. I eyeballed the alignment, so a couple of them are a bit crooked, but that's OK. They're adhesive backed and, once you get them down, they're pretty permanent.

The grips are too close together to get the Covertec on without further modifying them, but that's OK because I also had the D-ring with that kit, (these were spare parts for different configurations) and a pommel with an insert with round holes in it, as well as some machine screws, nuts and washers I bought at work. I drilled the center hole out to fit the screw, then put on the D-ring with a screw and backed it with a washer and two nuts, to make sure it's secure. The D-Ring does mostly cover the sound holes, but it's OK. I can still hear the sound, it's just not my loudest saber by any means.

The switch is one I bought elsewhere. It's a little domed AV. Since it's domed, it's easier to accidentally hit it than the flat ones that Ultrasabers uses (and I use) but that's OK. I like how it looks. I considered putting the blue one I had originally back in, but that just didn't look right to me with the camera flash inspiration.

The alignment would indeed be cool if the switch was at a 90 degree angle to the shroud, but it's currently in Anakin AOTC style, which I actually like. One of these days, I need to get myself an Ultrasabers Graflex. My buddy Haz told me a good way to remove the buttons without melting them (like I did on my Lost Gray) so I'm no longer worried about disassembling the hilt and messing those up.

Grips might be a bit thick for my taste, but the look definitely works

Thanks Therion. Yeah, they're definitely thick. I have long fingers, and my thumb barely overlaps the fingernail on my forefinger when I hold it around the grips.

SOunds almost like my grip on a Butcher

Yeah, similar. It's probably also similar to the grip on the "Skinny Flex" from ROTJ. A regular Graflex with the grips is a bit thicker than this.

Well, nobody said whether or not they wanted a video, so I did one anyway. Stuff is easier to explain this way, plus you can hear how the saber sounds in the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHvVOdgGQaY

Hi SFD,

Just watched your video. Sometimes the simplest details can make the biggest differences! That Prophecy is beginning to look more handmade than factory fresh from Ultrasabers.

point for simple elegance. (at top of the hour)

Thanks For. :) Simple mods are my thing, as I lack a lot of space for certain things. And, I have to think about stuff like smelling chemicals while something is etching, and stuff like that. It was bad enough when I was burning off the pegs on those grips. I got a noseful of burnt plastic smoke (probably toxic) that was very unpleasant. So, stuff that sticks on (with or without glue) or can be added with a little drilling, sanding, etc. is right up my alley. ;)

Hi SFD,

I totally get the space limitation thing, I live on the top floor of a tower block and I'm fairly certain Mrs Tyeth is going to banish me out onto the balcony when I start using my soldering iron for my install later this year. But seriously take care with those melting plastic fumes as I'm not sure what they would contain either!

Some excellent info there, SFD

You do what you can do bubba!! Not everybody has a room especially built for projects!! Either way, your mods always come out cool. I’ve been fighting several projects recently where space have been an issue. Chopping down chassis and other parts has only partially worked for me. I didn’t have a spare Obsidian in my stable!! Love that FOC!!!

Really cool build man, lots of personal touches that definitely set it off.

Also I don't blame you on the smells related thing; I don't have a place to paint or use epoxy or stuff like that either so try to do it outside. It's winter right now though so it's too cold to paint, so some ideas are waiting.

Throw that d-ring away! :P  Very nice build with those custom touches and as Therion said, helpful info and tips as well.  Point!  :)

Wow, thanks a lot, everyone. :) I wasn't expecting this kind of response while I was at work. It was definitely a fun project.

I figured there were others with space issues too. I may try some etching and stuff when the weather warms up and I can take it outside. Of course, I say that but I have yet to do it. Painting is another option, but that also is best done outside. Soldering is OK inside as far as smells, but I literally almost drove myself out with that burnt plastic smell. That was terrible and it lingered for a while.

And, no Haz, I'm not throwing away the D-Ring. If anything, I may do more sabers with those. (I knew you wouldn't like that)

yeah burnt plastic is awful. I had a friend somehow drive over a Giant plastic shopping bag and it got stuck to his exhaust. for the next couple months his car had a burnt plastic aroma; it was pretty terrible lol

That sounds truly awful.

Well, you answered all my questions in the video...lol

Right on man.  That Bespin font is awesome. 

...and Haz gets a nervous disorder. :P

+1

Well, that's always good. :)

Looks and sounds great!! I used the t grips from TCSS and didn't have to burn anything off :) but I guess havuing to do that makes it more yours. Great job!

I sure as hell didn't ride with him LOL

Thanks bro. :) These aren't the ones TCSS sells, they came with a hilt kit and are specifically designed to work with that kit. It came with two sets of grips and two D-Rings, these are the parts I didn't use. I can't really say more than that, as it's a kit by the other guys.

Very Nice.

Thanks. :)

It’s funny, as I was replying to your post in my Project O thread I was thinking almost exclusively about this prophecy. I always liked this hilt, but I never really realized how much I like YOURS until recently. Although I really don’t NEED another hilt, I may have to consider how to get my hands on one...

Sure you do! ;D

I'd recommend getting one during a sale, either a DOTD or just one of the % off sales. That 15% seems to pop up somewhat regularly these days, which is always nice. You can always order and empty and do the install yourself. :)

At this point in the game I don’t think I’ll ever buy a completed saber ever again. My preferences have gotten to be too specific, and expensive!!!

I still buy them sometimes. Though, at least getting a stunt and not having them install it is a good choice. Once you factor in the price of all the parts, the blade is pretty much free. :) Plus, getting hilts with MLS units that way is a good deal too. Though, if memory serves, deevee2 was able to buy some of the MLS heat sinks recently.

Whoa!  It's beautiful, SFD!  Point incoming and I'm interested in seeing a video of it.  Always one for GGW Tri-Crees and a premium V4 with Graflex types of sound fonts.  Excited!

Thanks a lot, Infinit. Point back, and all that. 8)

I already did the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHvVOdgGQaY

My apologies, SFD. Haven't been on much this past week so I might of missed quite a bit.  Love your review on it man, I too like the two windows that are much further apart on your other one but I prefer both windows being illuminated like this one that you've showcased and reviewed.   All and all great build and review.  I'm surprised that you went with the hard plastic T-grips instead of the soft ones. I like the TCSS pommel and and insert along with the D-ring.

Thanks bro. :)


That's OK, dude. It happens.


I like the hard plastic ones. Also, they're what I had on hand.

I have a Force FX saber that has softer rubber-like grips and I don't like how they feel. Plus, when they collect dust it's a pain to get off.

Ah, so true with the dust thing. I like the soft grips for wielding it myself.