Erv, our french connection [Archive] - The Custom Saber Shop Forums

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xwingband

06-23-2006, 02:49 PM

Erv, your machining skills have certainly progressed. Can you detail the new sound system?

It seemed like there was the end of an RF antenna sticking out of the pommel there.[:p] Are these going to be available in the US? (*crossing fingers* I, and many others I'm sure, want your sound system so bad)

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erv

06-24-2006, 01:38 AM

Hi Xwing !
Thanks for the feedback, machinning has been my first target for the past 3 weeks, trying to learn more and more. Not so bad I would say considering I've started the lathe 1 month and a half ago :)
Yep, you're right on the money, like I posted on TFN, this red-orange saber is currently used for the final testing of my wireless sound module I've made for some profesionnal stunt sworders. I will soon detail the functions and features ! About being available in the US, I'll start in July a modified version of my device to be able to export it ! (both in-the-hilt or wireless versions)
News soon !
Erv'

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

xwingband

06-24-2006, 06:22 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by erv
I'll start in July a modified version of my device to be able to export it ! (both in-the-hilt or wireless versions)

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!![:D] This is what I wanted to hear. Now the hitch is I'll have to have a saber to put the sound in...

<center>Read the FAQ (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=552) or x-wing won't be happy. :(
Before posting did you check the Thread Index (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/sabers/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=577)?.

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Do-Clo

06-24-2006, 07:58 AM

Erv that saber is very nice and that is good news on the sound board as we all have been waiting for this day to come.

<center>http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/Do-Clo/DoCloSig.jpg</center>
<center>Darth Technous Sith Lord</center>
<center>Give yourself to the Dark Side</center>

erv

06-30-2006, 01:05 AM

Hi guys,
Hi guess I missed some parts of the forum, I'm not spending enough time reading the post.... [:D]
Anyway, quick answers :
- yes my sound module infringes Hyper's Patent. I'm actually pretty well aware of patent stuff, I even applied for one at work, but I was not sure at the beginning how it works exactly in the US, so I got some advice, talked with people in worldwide compagnies about legal issue etc.
- Even if I can't proove it, I built this module on my own, not using the patent of hyper, which I don't care about. I'm an electronic engineer, I work for live performance events and I design electronics for this purpose, I think that the first wireless sensor digitizer I built was achieved in 1997, for measuring the pressure of the cello player bow.
- the results talk by themselfves : videos hypers showed about 3 months ago (testing the hyperblade in the garage) displays some high latency especially about shock detection (average 300ms). He says that it is possible to change the setup, but basically, the system needs a long time to measure the shock or swing detection. Being a specialist about gesture analysis, I can tell you that the algorithm used in his patent is definitly not the right one for this purpose. I'm using a microcontroler, not a fast computer, and my systems reacts in 70ms, even faster I think with my new wireless version.
- the main point is the sensor/detector I use, but I'm working on something else so that my module can be compliant with the US. After all the modules from hasbro or MR does not seem to be a problem with this patent.

- forget the term 'high CPU power' for talking about the hum variation with the tilt, since it is only the direct output of the sensor lowpass filtered and applied to frequency shifter. I don't know if it is actually some freq shift or pitch shifter (totally different). Altetring the sound is as simple as changing the reading speed of an analog tape player, it can be done in realtime on a intel i486. It is actually a cool feature, I respect this, I just don't like the way it is presented. I'm probably going to add this as well in my in the hilt version, I will take me.... 1/2h (I take the bet)... using a 10 MHz 8 bit microcontroler which already does sound playback, that's not BIG cpu power, hu ?

- yes I'm respecting the rules, I'm too honnest, it's probably going to kill me one day, but this is the way I go [:)]
So I wont' sell in the US except if I find a proper way to :
- not infringe the patent anymore
- keep some high quality features (I don't want to make an MRFX board, they exist, work well etc)

- technology melek taus is talking about is probably BTC, binary Time Constant, a way to produce sound with a single I/O and low memory storage space. Sound is a bit ugly, requieres some tricky filtering and cannot be "easily" reprogrammed without a chip programmer, except with a really good bootloader and a special software on the PC to make and export the soundfont. NOTE that it is neither a criticism nor a way to push my product, just an explanation, no offense.

- I'm still in the worry about mywebsite, I'm probably going to go full english, cause limbo is not in the way of proposing the multilanguage version of the site, and I don't want to go rebuilding all the stuff. I'll decide this in september. In the meanwhile, check the documents I've written, like do-clo said, they are in english too.

back to work ! Thanks to all for evocating all this, I hope I'm responding properly !
Best to all of you,
Erv'

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

Do-Clo

06-30-2006, 05:32 AM

Erv, thanks for the update. Your new sound module will be a step forward for saber sound and we be waiting for the release of it. I have seen videos of your sound module and the other one which I will not even mention, and yours is better sounding and responds much faster to change in motion. Keep up the good work.

<center>http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/Do-Clo/DoCloSig.jpg</center>
<center>Darth Technous Sith Lord</center>
<center>Give yourself to the Dark Side</center>

Madcow

06-30-2006, 02:25 PM

Thanks Erv!

Do me a favor and make the new module small!

Keep us posted.

MC

http://rpetkau.photosite.com/~photos/tn/88_348.ts1141004694072.jpg
You want to go home and re-think your life

erv

06-30-2006, 02:51 PM

small ??? the module is already 28x56x10 mm... not small enough ?
(or maybe this is 2nd degree humor?)

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

xwingband

06-30-2006, 06:31 PM

I believe this is because Madcow like 1"... or needs it[?] 28mm is pretty darn close so I have no issues with it.[:D]

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Allium Sativa

06-30-2006, 08:41 PM

I am DEFINITELY looking forward to seeing your product available Stateside. I can say without a doubt that as soon as it IS, whatever saber project I have current will be including your in-hilt setup.

GFORCE13

06-30-2006, 11:11 PM

28mm works for me, great work Erv.[:)]

<center>
" I am a Jedi like my Father before me"
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c237/G-FORCE13/th_DCP_1240.jpg
</center>

erv

06-30-2006, 11:43 PM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by xwingband

I believe this is because Madcow like 1"... or needs it[?]<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

mmm, would be logical, but and SD card holder (the smallest on the market) is 28mm wide [:0]
I guess I have to make a microSD version of my module ! I had this in mind from the beginning, but I could not find a cheap source of microSD cards (too recent technology, not available in small storage size).

[EDIT&ADD]
I lost my bet, guys, it took me... sh$t... 32 minutes... to implement the pitchshifting option for the sound playback [8D]. I lost a few minutes implementing a new setting in the SD card : as usual who can do a lot can also to less, therefore this option can be activated/disabled thru the SD card config file, plus the range of the effect can be chosen

Frequency shifting was actually kindof there since january cause the sample rate playback is also changeable in the SD card config file and this, even in the very first version of my sound mod, but it was static. Now it is dynamic and sensitive to the orientation of the saber. Note that this is Jim/Hyper's Idea, not mine, but that was cool to implement in such a short time on a 10 MHz microcontroller [:D]
I also spent another 1/2h to make a new soundfont for my saber, I'm going to release it with audio examples on my website.
[/EDIT&ADD]

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

Melek Taus

07-01-2006, 10:41 PM

I am not offended. I actually like your way of doing it better...which is why I pm'd you. I can do the hardware no problem...it's the software that I lack exp with. I haven't programmed in C or assembly in a long time. I will figure it out...just need to jog my memory. Nothing as in depth as you...and it's for me and my daughter. I don't have any intention of selling the setup. I got all the parts to make a prototype test unit..just need to put it together. I am a procrastinator...LOL Anyway...the only reason I even decided to try it is because my philosophy is when things you want aren't available...you have to take matters in your own hands.

Raw deal about the patent.

Best wishes,
Melek Ta'us

There is no light or dark...there is only the Force....knowing this...who dares to challenge me?

Do-Clo

07-02-2006, 06:53 AM

The patent deal really stinks because one person is so afraid of anyone being able to sell another product like his, so he tries to control the market. Erv we are really looking forward to your new design that can be shipped to the US. Being able to have full control over the sound by programing it, that will make it possible to custom taylor the sound to each person's liking.

<center>http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/Do-Clo/DoCloSig.jpg</center>
<center>Darth Technous Sith Lord</center>
<center>Give yourself to the Dark Side</center>

erv

07-02-2006, 11:57 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Melek Taus

I haven't programmed in C or assembly in a long time. I will figure it out...just need to jog my memory.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Melek, challenges are always good to balance with your skills, I really encourage you experimenting with your sound project ! It's been so fun and interesting for my own stuff that I understand what it is, and I like it !
In assembler, it will be faster, but it will require so good knowledge of the MCU you are using. C compiler are now good enough to make some appropriate code efficiency/size compromise, and if C language is fresher in your memory, you might use this option instead of struggling with ASM.
Good luck, and let us know about your results !
Erv'

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

james3

07-02-2006, 07:54 PM

I hope that it all works out so that there is an option.

<center>http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/Dadof3/Hatteras_new_spot.jpg
This pic ain't mine but the shooter did a damn fine better job then me.</center>

Melek Taus

07-03-2006, 09:53 PM

Now I wish I had saved some of my programs I wrote in college....LOL I kept them for awhile, and when I didn't use C...I tossed them....:O( Oh well.....I like learning.

Best wishes
Melek

There is no light or dark...there is only the Force....knowing this...who dares to challenge me?

erv

07-28-2006, 04:17 AM

Hi Guys,
some new stuff I've made... for ME !! [:D] Till now, I haven't had the time to make my own sabers, busy for customers.
Here are my two first : vader EpV (MR Fx) and vader ANH (stock MPP)

Vader EpV : luxeon dimmer v2 (flickering effect) + in the hilt evolutive sound module. Red 3W Luxeon, 31" long blade, 1" OD.
Custom machined blade mount with my new "cap" design + 2 lateral hex screws (no head). Scratches on the mount are due to some agressive metal to metal abrasion since the blade mount is tightly adapted to the hilt.
http://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorEpV001.jpghttp://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorEpV002.jpg

Threads are not metric, I had to re thread a few screws and holes, no big deal. Imperial threading you said ? logical for Vader, isn't it ? [:D]
http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/DetailEmetteurVadorEpV.jpg

The soft dished screw was to short to be a blade lock, so I threaded it to fit an M3 steel screw and secure the tip in the head with some super glue.

Then come my modules + battery pack (4xAA 2500 mAh NiMH) which replace the original 3 AA setup of the MR Fx, not enough for the autonomy I basically expect (close to 2 hours constant running).
- SD carte remains accessible, easy to change setup and sounds.
- the motion sensor works better when at the back of the hilt.

http://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorEpV007.jpg

Note the general power off switch with the custom machined safety key. I now make them myself in order not to sacrifice a regular plug.
Recharging is done by simply unscrewing the loudspeaker cap / pommel.
Quick connector for easy operations on the sabers were made out of IC holders (tulip ones)

http://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorEpV005.jpghttp://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/CoupeContact.jpg

The saber almost finished, only the blade is missing.
http://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorEpV_Finished.jpghttp://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorAndBlade001.jpg
http://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/VadorAndBlade002.jpg

The fake "cables" in the BESE holes of the hilt were sanded and made thinner to be glued only on their edges and to the thickness of the main tube. Hence, no need to unmount them again to remove the blade mount.

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

Do-Clo

07-28-2006, 05:07 AM

Very nicley done Erv, most of us would have just used the the stock MR sound board to drive the led, but you have just set the bar a little higher.

<center>http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f217/Do-Clo/DoCloSig.jpg</center>
<center>Darth Technous Sith Lord</center>
<center>Give yourself to the Dark Side</center>

james3

07-28-2006, 07:09 AM

Sweet! I think Do-Clo has summed it up pretty well.

<center>http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e370/Dadof3/kotor2.jpg</center>

erv

07-28-2006, 08:56 AM

thanks for your kind answers ! I'll be posting soon a vador ANH + wireless sound board. I still have to make a video out of it, but I'm surrounded by work, just right now. News soons !

Saber supplies in France
http://www.plecterlabs.com

erv

01-16-2007, 12:54 PM

Hi ! I'm posting here since this is current but not finished work :D
Conversion of 3 MR Fx to luxeon : luke ep VI and 2 anakin.
The Luke is a basic conversion, just a custom machined blade mount with an extension, like JSS did, luxeon is in direct driver, hence not at nominal current, not regulated, but well, this is just a practice / spare saber.
I'll add some copped stickers from fx sabers soon, to hide the minor scratch on this ugly paint (the MR fx is a recent edition, impossible to unscrew the emitter, got to go the hard way).
http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/Luke01.jpg
http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/Luke02.jpg

Anakin's are total retrofit with my new board, hidden recharge port (inside), easy access to the SD carte, and blade lockup / blaster blocking button on the activator plate. I still have to machine the blademouts (good for completing my training ;-) )
http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/Anakin1.jpg
http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/Anakin2.jpg
http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/Anakin3.jpg

Erv'

Firebird21

01-16-2007, 03:20 PM

http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/Anakin3.jpg

Erv'

OOoooooo..........

Buttered Toast.....

It's so beautiful.....
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_mouthwater.gif

xwingband

01-16-2007, 03:33 PM

I like the Hero Luke... I may have to talk to you about that some time if Tim doesn't offer it. JSS hasn't always been the most reliable.

I can see the board is down pretty tight there. Do you always out of habit put the board at the bottom for the gesture recognition? I always liked the ability to be like: "Nana boo, you can't tell I changed anything!" AND/OR "Look mom, no wires!" :lol:

erv

01-16-2007, 10:24 PM

yep, since the board is 27 mm wide (just like the previous one), it just fits, especially because I use a craddle that reduces a bit the ID. But it's so pratical ! The craddle acts as a spring that naturally stop the whole electronics + batteries to move, then it's just secured by the covertec knob.
I like you sense of humor ! :lol: yep, I can imagine myself putting this last saber on the table and say "look what I've created, so nice, almost no mods". héhéhé... ok, to get it right, I just need to slide the craddle inside and screw the pommel.
More seriously, about sensitivity, it's true that it's better to have the sensor at the bottom, but it could to be at the top as well, as soon as it's not on the center of rotation of the saber. But at the top would be more difficult with the blade mount, and it would make an access to the SD pretty difficult.
The blade mount of the luke was not difficult to make, except that since I couldn't unscrew the emitter, it was a real pain to take the measurements. So I used the flexible plastic of the original blade mount to get it raw, then I spent some time getting it at the right dimension. It has to pass thru 3 differents diameters. I did not successfully get the exact measurements, accuracy is about 1/10 mm, so I thought that it will be floating a bit, but once the Fx board/holder was in place, plus the thumb screw it was impossible to move even half a mm. 2 additionnal set screw might be added to secure it even harder.

Ryma Mara

01-17-2007, 07:32 AM

Question...will your board run a 5 watter?

erv

01-17-2007, 08:34 AM

Yep, the board handles 5W luxeon, but be aware that a 5W requires a high power supply voltage to get to the proper operating current (and therefore really be used as a 5W). My last experiment show that 7.2 V will only make the lux V run at .6 A, which makes about 4.3W. And therefore, at 7.2V there is no current regulation. Powering the board at 9 or 10V (the limit) will make possible to light the Lux V at the real current, with a bit of current regulation, but except a 9V battery (that won't last for very long), I don't see another solution. Maybe a 11V li-ion pack with a diode in serie.
Erv'

Firebird21

01-17-2007, 03:31 PM

Does that metal holder thingy come with Buttered Toast or did you make that specifically for that application?

erv

01-17-2007, 11:21 PM

mmm no, the metal thing (what I call the craddle, right ?) is just made out of vacuum cleaner chromed tube (you guys in the US use sink stuff, our source is much around this cause plumbing is now using ONLY PVC tube).
When I make a saber, I save the extra tube, make ring with them, and cut it over its length to have something that "springs" and adapt itself to various diameter. I glued one ring at the end of the batt pack, the other a the other end, partially covering the board. To maintain access to the board for soldering wires etc, I cut a window on the ring (I cut it before I glue it to the batt pack of course). Using a dremmel is too slow for me now, I'm using that kind of tool
http://www.mat-loc.com/images/disqueuse%20650w.jpg
and it's done in 1 min.
Then with just one set screw (as I said before : the covertec know screw for instance) it secures the whole thing inside to avoid having the batt pack/module moving up or down, since the sensor must be fixed to a mechanical reference to work properly, and it's no good to have a batt pack floating anyway.

erv

01-28-2007, 11:00 AM

Couldn't resist to put together the 2 anakins ep III MR Fx I've converted. One being color changeable (not in 10 sec, but quite easy), I put one in red-orange, the other in blue, both at 1A.
Enjoy !
http://www.plecterlabs.com/images/gallery/GoodAndEvil.jpg

Jonitus

01-28-2007, 11:42 AM

Erv, I am most impressed. Not only with the fact that you designed and built this module yourself, taking into account all of our wants and needs, but also that it is obviously so versatile.

I realize you've got a handful of these for sale right now, but any word when you'll have sufficient stock that certain people (me) can order en masse and not screw other people over by depleting your stock right away?

I've yet to purchase a single one myself for testing and evaluation, but if this is as good as it appears to be, I do believe this module will be the only offered electronics package offered by my saber-building business.

xwingband

01-28-2007, 01:27 PM

en messe? Dang, how many are you going to buy?

hehe, I recognize the chair reference. :wink:

Firebird21

01-28-2007, 02:49 PM

erv, somewhere in one of these two topics you said that Buttered Toast is compatible with the wireless system...
Can you elaborate on that at all?

-Is there something else that you need to buy separately?

-Does it already transmit and you just need a receiver?

-Can this be tuned to work with your typical professional wireless microphone system that I just happen to have access to many?

erv

01-28-2007, 03:10 PM

so... about the wireless thing : An emitter can be attached to the board. It's a MIDI transmitter, to be connected to a MIDI wireless receiver. Can be added later. This is what I call "omnisabers" on my electronic page. Can handle at least 4 or 5 sabers, but the software is scalable. I've already made a couple of these, and the professionnal customers I'm making sabers for will use it for stage performance !
You can also attach a wireless transmitter to the in the hilt version without a problem. I used to put the schematic in the previous version of the sound board (at the end of the user's manual). Just 2 wires to hook up, ground and sound, just after the volume pot. Of course, if the transmitter is on the belt, it reduces the possibility to throw the saber from a hand to another, but it can be done. Attaching the transmitter to the hilt is also an option !

Novastar

05-09-2007, 01:34 PM

I definitely would like to know more about the omnisabers thing...

I think BOP III will be far too complex for me to try to do the sound effects "in the can" like the other two soundtracks.

Especially because we'll have about 10-14 total fighters (much like BOP I)...

erv

05-09-2007, 02:00 PM

novastar,
we will soon exchange about that ! I'm too busy this week processing orders, and soldering,
but by the WE that should be better ! I'll give you the details about omnisabers. Then you'll be able to translate that into normal saber geek language and post here,
it will save bunch of people from headaches due to my EE language :wink:
Need to rest,
Erv'

Novastar

05-09-2007, 04:00 PM

For the record, I think you communicate JUST fine with all of us... but hey, I'm here to help. :)

Marsupial

05-09-2007, 08:10 PM

but I like the EE language...