Rookie Lightsaber Builder - what do i need for it to be fully functional

[Angelbolt]

Hi, i'm currently putting together a wish list of parts for my first light saber and would welcome anyone's opinion on what the shopping list is lacking to make the light saber functional, please and thank you, below is the contents of my wish list.

LED "Corbin style" Show blade 1" OD , length 40" double wrapped , standard tip

Rebel Star LED & MHSV1 Heatsink Module Royal Blue

MPS Pommel Style 8 , MPS Insert style 12,

Hilt Style 2 with Machine recessed 16mm AV switch hole

MHS choke style 3 Long, double male with slots,

MHSV1 Blade Holder Style 9, 16mm Anti Vandal Momentary Stainless Switch

BuckPuck 1000mA 4-wire, MPS clip, JST Extension Red/Black 24 AWG (2)

11389

[Miraluka]

The way that is organized is somewhat confusing but you don't have batteries or chargers, blade retention screw or 8/32 hole drilling service, covertec wheel (assuming you want one) another 8/32 hole for the covertec wheel, a screw for the covertec wheel, a covertec clip (if you don't already have one,) blade plug (if you want one) wire, heat shrink...

If you don't want to pay for 8/32 holes, you could buy an 8/32 drill & tap set, assuming you have a power drill.

Depending on what battery you go with, you may be ditching the buckpuck and getting resistors instead...

Also, in your diagram, you have the male end of your choke connecting to your double male extension piece, so that wouldn't work.

[Angelbolt]

ok, I will make those changes, I live in Ireland so I'll have to buy a plug adapter for the charger, a youtube video showing a person who bought their light-saber from the shop, suggested a buckpuck due to better battery consumption in connection to the current, below is a description of the led kit I've selected

Rebel Star Pre-Wired LED & MHS Heatsink Module in Royal blue

These will only work with MHSv1 parts and will not fit MHSv2 or FX conversion kits.

Pricing starts at $22.60

Includes the following parts

•MHS Heat sink V3
•Rebel Star LED
•Rebels Star lens holder
•8.7 Deg Optics
•Thermal tape pad
•JST male connector Blue- White+ 24AWG

All reds and amber should be ran at 700mA and all other colors should be ran at 1000mA.

[minamus]

You will also want to get a short switch because the current one wont fit in the hilt, the posts will contact the inside of the hilt and most likely break. Options you can do is choose a regular switch hole with a bezel (this option comes with the art of cramfu) or just get a short switch.

Other thing about the switch is you need a momentary to latching switch converter or just get a latching switch. The momentary only works by it self for some sound boards.

[Angelbolt]

Thank you so far, I'm not wanting a saber with sounds, just a royal blue saber at the moment, I added to the list a tall bezel & red ring 16mm anti vandal latching switch, the retention screw & drill hole service for the blade holder, under the hilt order I picked the 16mm recessed hole and removed the double male with slots, any suggestions further suggestions are welcome thanks

[minamus]

Thank you so far, I'm not wanting a saber with sounds, just a royal blue saber at the moment, I added to the list a tall bezel & red ring 16mm anti vandal latching switch, the retention screw & drill hole service for the blade holder, under the hilt order I picked the 16mm recessed hole and removed the double male with slots, any suggestions further suggestions are welcome thanks

Did you choose the short or long switch? Also you just need the regular 16mm switch hole becasue the bezel is curved to match the hilt curve. With a short switch you dont need the the bezel and can keep the recessed hole. Your choice lol

[Silver Serpent]

Change the recessed 16mm hole to the standard 16mm hole, since you're using the bezel.

You're not in the US, you you'll need to source your own li-ion cells if you go that route. I believe JQ Sabers handles them in and around the UK. The buckpuck will require a minimum of 5v to operate, so a 7.4v li-ion pack is ideal.

Don't forget a resistor (the DynaOhm resistor works) for your illuminated switch.

[Angelbolt]

Hi, silver serpent here's my current wish list build, http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Members/MyWishlist.aspx your opinion or any one reading this message is welcome to give input

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Hi, silver serpent here's my current wish list build, http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Members/MyWishlist.aspx your opinion or any one reading this message is welcome to give input

The wishlist comes up as empty for me. YOU may want to post a screen shot of the hilt itself, and then a list of the electronics so we can review them.

[Angelbolt]

Hi, Forgetful Jedi Knight, I've read all three links and already sent a query message to JQ Sabers as Sliver Serpent suggested about requesting they building it for me, since I live in IRELAND and lack the equipment / workspace and know nothing about electronics. here's links to my parts wishlist from the shop that I've selected so far.

http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/LED-Corbin-style-Show-blade-1-OD--P227.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Rebel-Star-LED-MHSV1-Heatsink-Module-P653.aspx in Royal blue
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Pommel-style-8-P424.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-insert-style-12-P535.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Hilt-style-2-P869.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-choke-style-3-P313.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHSV1-Blade-Holder-Style-9-P287.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Clip-P72.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Drill-Tap-Hole-P193.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-32-x-12-thumb-screw--P111.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Double-ended-male-threaded-connector-style-1-P127.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Tall-bezel-for-illuminated-switches-P587.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/16mm-Anti-Vandal-Latching-Red-Ring-Switch-P413.aspx

I'm undecided all the other required parts, for example power source & charger, Speaker and soundboard , belt attachments. I await your reply and anyone else's input thank you

[Miraluka]

You need to make a decision on your power source here sometime. SS covered it, but if you want to use a buckpuck, you need >5V power source. I personally prefer using single 18650 3.7V batteries and resistors. Part of that is that I like short hilts. But that's just me. Whatever you prefer to do, but you need to figure out which route you want to go.

And yeah, if you're using an illuminated switch, you'll want that dynaohm resistor. Just make sure you don't install it backwards. The resistor itself has a + and - side. Also make sure it goes on your LED +. Normal resistors can usually go on the + or - but that dynaohm needs +.
Of course, you only need to know that part if you build it yourself. If JQ does it, you needn't worry about it.

[Angelbolt]

Hi' Miraluka , I've got in contact with JQ sabers enquiring about their services / P&P and sent them my current wish list,
Q) Does hilt & blade size matter in relation to a person's height? I'm 6Ft 1" and selected the 40" blade combined with a 16" hilt
11394 11395
11396
11397
11398

[Silver Serpent]

You're not going to be able to add in that double male section without another double female somewhere. With saber parts, every male needs a female, and every female needs a male. No extras. Right now you have 5 male ends and only 3 female.

[Miraluka]

The size I most often see people using is 32" but it's all a matter of preference. I'm 5'9" and prefer the 30-32" range. I've had blades up into the 35-37" and found them a little uncomfortable. I know you're taller than me but even so, I've seen people your height and taller that prefer 32". I also prefer shorter hilts for the most part but hilt and blade length depend on you. Are you a practiced swordsman? If you are, depending on you and your style, you probably have a good idea of how long your hilt and blade should be. But the balance will probably be different with a lightsaber. If you're not actually fighting with the thing, I suppose it just depends on whatever you think looks best.

I say I mostly prefer smaller hilts because I do have a saber with about a 29" hilt and a 32" blade. I love it.

And yeah, in that first comment I mentioned that your configuration is off. Your choke and windowed extension are set up to be male/male. You'd need to change something or use the double female adapter between them.

[Angelbolt]

if i add some adapters would that help to connect the parts better?

[Quixotic Jedi]

I say I mostly prefer smaller hilts because I do have a saber with about a 29" hilt and a 32" blade. I love it.


You have a saber with a 29" hilt? That's huge!

[Quixotic Jedi]

if i add some adapters would that help to connect the parts better?

From looking at your current build parts I'd say you need one double female adapter between your windowed extension and your choke.

[Angelbolt]

From looking at your current build parts I'd say you need one double female adapter between your windowed extension and your choke.

Ok! Quixotic Jedi, I've added the double female adaptor between the window extension and my choke, do people typically stick the speaker in the window extension. and is my choice of pommel suitable for connecting to my hilt, please and thank you

[Miraluka]

The pommel is fine. Typically people put the speaker at the bottom of the hilt, facing out the pommel. You could have sound come out of the window extension, although I think those were originally developed to be used as exposed crystal chambers. Thing about building lightsabers, though... you can kinda use anything for anything, as long as it works.

[Angelbolt]

The pommel is fine. Typically people put the speaker at the bottom of the hilt, facing out the pommel. You could have sound come out of the window extension, although I think those were originally developed to be used as exposed crystal chambers. Thing about building lightsabers, though... you can kinda use anything for anything, as long as it works.

I'll keep that in mind when finalising my build with JQ'sabers, when its fully built my saber will be carried in a holster on my back within my boba fett jetpack that I'm building for my Boba fett merge with Zero the assassin from borderlands 2 Cosplay, are the belt attaching parts necessary or is it cosmetic for general jedi's

[Miraluka]

If you're not carrying it on your belt, you don't need belt attaching pieces.

[Angelbolt]

Ok, thanks you miraluka, can you or anyone reading this thread. Recommend a basic sound board & speaker that will accomadate the basic sounds (on/off & the other sounds that a lightsaber is expected to make) please & thank you

[Miraluka]

The Nano Biscotte is a good, inexpensive entry level board. The problem with them is that everyone loves them so they have been selling out pretty quickly, lately. I thiiiiiink TCSS will have them for sale when they re-open their store but I'm not sure.

For speakers, lots of people like the premium 28mm speaker but the one I see used most often is the 2W base speaker. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either one. But you should think about what sound font you're going to put on your saber. If it's a deeper sounding font, I'd say get the 2W base speaker.

[Angelbolt]

Thank you, I added the nano biscotti & premium 28mm speaker accompanied by aaa battery holder that also houses the speaker

[Angelbolt]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/219732778/katana-style-lightsaber-hilt Could this hilt be modified to accept parts from the custom saber shop? Please & thank you to any one reading this thread

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

https://www.etsy.com/listing/219732778/katana-style-lightsaber-hilt Could this hilt be modified to accept parts from the custom saber shop? Please & thank you to any one reading this thread

I highly doubt it. And to answer your other question regarding sound cards the Nano Biscotti is a good "entry level" sound card.

[Angelbolt]

Ok, someone informed me that Darth ryo makes cradles for internals would it make sense to purchase his nano biscotte cradle/part?

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Ok, someone informed me that Darth ryo makes cradles for internals would it make sense to purchase his nano biscotte cradle/part?

That is a viable option.

[Angelbolt]

I've enquiried with Darth ryo about one of his all in one chassis but for the nano biscotte & will await his reply

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

I've enquiried with Darth ryo about one of his all in one chassis but for the nano biscotte & will await his reply

We do sell chassis parts here in the store as well.

[Angelbolt]

I know�� but he'll build an all in one that can be inserted into a mhs hilt style 2, that you guys sell, not being rude

[Angelbolt]

Would it be possible for the charger cable be a usb one like I use for my iPhone?

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Would it be possible for the charger cable be a usb one like I use for my iPhone?

No. You need to use a regular battery recharger.

[Angelbolt]

Ok? So I'll bookmark a purchase for USA to Ireland plug adaptor , thanks

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Ok? So I'll bookmark a purchase for USA to Ireland plug adaptor , thanks

You could check with JQ Sabers (in the UK) They may have the batteries and chargers you may require.

[Angelbolt]

I'll do that when they get in contact with me about my build

[Angelbolt]

To all who read this thread, I’m a rookie Jedi from Dublin Ireland and I welcome your input and can you tell me what parts are still missing and I’ll adjust the build as necessary. Thank y’ll very much

After much browsing of the various builders I discovered that my design for a lightsaber already exists on the American website ultra sabers, I’m going to find out if they sell the hilt disassembled and would it accept parts from TCSS to make it more personalised .

http://www.ultrasabers.com/product-p/sound-catalyst.htm

Nano-Biscotte Build:
• Recharge Port, Single Cell battery, charger from JQSabers
• Nano Board, - on/off, hum , flash on clash , boot up noise – the basics
• Main Switch - momentary or latching - tbc
• LED with optics –Rebel Star LED & MHSV1 Heat-sink Module: Royal Blue for main colour and Green for the Flash on Clash effect.

Hilt Parts that I like:

http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/LE...-OD--P227.aspx - 38" double wrap standard tip – Corbin style
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Re...dule-P653.aspx - in Royal blue & Green

Pommel
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Clip-P72.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MP...le-8-P424.aspx
MPS Pommel style 8 unless the catalyst has the same part

http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MP...e-12-P535.aspx
Optional unless there’s a similar part on the hilt

Hilt
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Hi...le-2-P869.aspx
Optional unless ultra sabers, don’t have a prepped catalyst hilt for sale.

Choke options
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-choke-style-3-Long-P525.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MH...le-3-P313.aspx

Blade
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MH...le-9-P287.aspx I prefer this blade holder
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Dr...Hole-P193.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-...rew--P111.aspx

Adapters for parts if necessary
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Male-MHSV2-to-Female-MHSV1-Adapter-P931.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Do...le-1-P127.aspx

Other Necessary parts:
Kill switch or Blade plug, preferably plastic.
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Covertec-Clip-P117.aspx
Does it come with belt holster? Or just the part for the hilt

[Miraluka]

I saw someone on facebook asking about that hilt from US a while ago. You can get very similar to that with MHS parts. But as far as I know, most (if not all) US hilts are MHS compatible. Some of them have removable blade holders but not all of them. I think all of them I looked at have MHS compatible pommels.

I don't know if you've looked around their website but they have a section where they sell some of their hilt pieces. You could see if any of that is what you're looking for, but as I said, you can get something close to that hilt from this store. =]

[Angelbolt]

miraluka, thanks for the input, Darth Ryo has taken an interest in building my saber and made a similar comment about the US catalyst model, he even agreed to modify one of his all in one designs for the electronics cradle which will be a nano bisocette build accompanied by the rebel or cree preassembled leds part that the shop sells. the main colours will be royal blue and my secondary colour led will be green, resulting in a CYAN (FOC) and I like that because it relates to my cosplaying as zer0 the assassin from borderlands 2.

[Angelbolt]

Good Evening my fellow Jedi & Sith

here is todays updated build via chat's with Darth Ryo

Blade:
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/LED-Corbin-style-Show-blade-1-OD--P227.aspx

Double wrapped in 38” or 40”

Body – without internals: according to the MHS builder the hilt is 15 inches long
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHSV1-Blade-Holder-Style-9-P287.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-choke-style-3-Long-P525.aspx - out of stock
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Hilt-style-3-P868.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Pommel-style-8-P424.aspx - out of stock
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MPS-Insert-style-6-P263.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/8-32-x-12-thumb-screw--P111.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Copper-machined-button-for-covertec-clip-P992.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Switchcraft-21mm-Power-Jack-P822.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/12mm-Anti-Vandal-Momentary-Blue-Ring-Switch-P921.aspx

Electronics:
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Power-Xtender-20-P652.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Custom-Tri-Cree-LED-P1035.aspx
- Royal blue/Royal blue/Green

http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MHS-Heat-Sink-V4-Flat-Style-P841.aspx - out of stock
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/18deg-Tri-RebelCree-Star-Lens-P778.aspx - our of stock
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/2W-28mm-Bass-Speaker-P662.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Nano-Biscotte-Sound-Module-V2-P806.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/18650-Single-Cell-Holder-P886.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Panasonic-Protected-18650-37V-3400mAh-P855.aspx

Other:
- Kill key / Blade plug / All – in – one chassis (To be Confirmed)

[Angelbolt]

That's kind of a harsh response, don't you think? I didn't see what Miraluka posted as being negative. What he says is true, btw. It's easier for you to get help with your build if you have your own thread, rather than adding to someone else's. Also, Anglebot may come back to this topic thinking there's a response for his/her build and find your posts instead, and things can get confusing.

Thank you, Jay - Gon Jinn and Miraluka , davil3ns1 you've been foolish and should follow their advice ,
I've only left my topic in standby mode because I'm saving for my build. etiquette does apply, I'm not being rude or angry.

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Thread cleaned - FJK

[Angelbolt]

Um? Thank you & what does thread cleaned mean ?

[Jay-gon Jinn]

FJK removed the extra posts.