Custom build

[Tireyyol]

Hello everyone.  For christmas, as a gift, I am building a lightsaber.  I have already constructed a handmade hilt of my own design, but I am interested in attaching a functioning blade (one that lights up, nothing fancy).  I have a general idea of how do it, but I'm wondering if anyone could provide a parts/tools list, instructions, or tips on how to do this.  It's my first time trying something like this and it's for someone very special, so any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you

[Master Nero Attoru]

Well luckily there's a "build your own saber" section on the Ultrasabers site!  I know how overwhelming it can be though, so I'll try to get you started.

The sabers they sell here operate on a single LED system.  There's one super bright LED hooked up to a switch and a power source (for instance alkaline batteries) and this LED sends light up through the diffused polypropylene blade.  This is unlike the Force FX sabers, as they have an LED string inside the blade itself.  The advantage of the single LED is that you can use it to duel with and not be afraid of damaging any electronics!

Long story short, the "build your own saber" section has a lot of parts that you might need in doing this.  As a preliminary list (everyone feel free to add stuff that I might forget) I would say apart from the hilt you need an LED module, battery pack, switch, soldering iron (and solder), and heat shrink.  That said, if you aren't familiar with electronics work (soldering, etc) I wouldn't recommend jumping right in - be sure to take your time in stepping into the saberbuilding world!  Many of us experienced folks haven't even built a saber from scratch yet, myself included.

[Manroon]

Hey! Well, I'm doing something similar myself, so I'll see how much help I can be. Assuming you don't put sound in it....

You'll need an MLS unit, the color of your choice.
Some Wire.
Some Heat Shrink.
A Latching Switch.
A Battery Pack.
Batteries.

Oh, and a soldering iron and some solder.


Others may be able to give you more specific information, but as far as I know.... this is what you'll need. You'll also want to pick up a polycarb blade, and drill and tap a hole for a retention bolt about 2 inches down your emitter to hold the blade in.

[Tireyyol]

Both of you have mentioned a heat shrink, but what is it exactly?

[Manroon]

It's little rubber tubes you buy in a pack at an electronics store. I think even Radioshack has them. You slide it over the wire, then solder that wire to the one it connects to. Then you slide the heat shrink over the spot you soldered, and heat it up. It will shrink to fit tightly over the soldered spot in the wire and keeps it from touching anything, shorting out, coming apart, etc. Basically, it's like electrical tape, only a heck of a lot more effective and durable. It's not expensive for a small pack either, only a couple bucks I think.

[Tireyyol]

Okay, thanks, that's really useful to know   As far as the wiring, I'm a little unsure, but here is what I think is necessary:  I run the P and N wires from the battery pack, one directly to the LED module, the other to the switch, then from the switch to the LED module?

[Shami Pemas]

yes, with a resistor between the battery pack and the LED on the + side. you also don't NEED heatshrink, you can just use electrical tape if you've already got it.

[Darth Eyece]

I *HIGHLY* recommend the LED Modules that Ultrasabers has to offer.  They come in two sizes, and the smallest is 1" in diameter (a quarter) and 1" in height (a stack of quarters worth $2.50).  Those are what I purchased 2 of, and so I now have three.  They allow for simple installation and uninstall options later, if desired.  They offer free quick-releases for them if you wish (so you setup the wiring for the quick release, instead of LED).  Plus, they sell them in every color they offer, which is like 11 or 12, and they are super simplified versions of the DIY kits which would be a hassle for a first timer compared to these guys...

1" Module (mentioned above):
http://www.ultrasabers.com/product-p/led%20module.htm

MLS Unit (For MHS compatible sabers, i.e. the v3 line, or most of the named models, save a few (like the Prophecy, usually ones without sound).
http://www.ultrasabers.com/product-p/mls.htm

Hope this helps, dont be afraid of soldering, it's fun and simple.  I recommend a 40 watt soldering iron, myself, because I used a 30 watt for a while and hated it, took too long.  Plus, you can practice on those cheapy flashlights you can get at checkout stands in stores, same concept.

Beware, or addicted you will become, and turn you will to the force....

Welcome to the forums, you rock to be doing this for a present for someone.

[Tireyyol]

What exactly is a resister? Where can I buy one?  And, is it difficult to install/wire? 

[Master Nero Attoru]

What exactly is a resister? Where can I buy one?  And, is it difficult to install/wire? 

You can get them from various places, but let me state my opinion here - if you don't know what a resistor is, you should NOT be trying to tinker with this stuff.  At least not right away.  Please don't misunderstand, this is not me mocking you at all, I just don't want you ruining your equipment and/or harming yourself in the process of tinkering.  That's just my two cents.

I say read up on this stuff, electonics especially, and then start in on saberbuilding.  I can point you in the right direction for parts, but I just figured I'd warn you.

[Tireyyol]

I appreciate the concern, but relax Besides, I prefer learning on the job I read up some information on wiring and electrical components, and I'm feeling rather confident.  Thank you all very much for you help, I'll let you know how it turns out