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CET
02-20-2016, 02:49 PM
I've been looking at doing a string blade for a couple of months now. I don't entirely understand how the electrical part works yet, but that's part of what this process is about.

I found some straw hat LEDs on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/microtivity-IL335-4-8mm-Angle-Resistors/dp/B007DS5JI0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1456003511&sr=8-7&keywords=microtivity+straw+hat+leds) that have a nearly 180 degree viewing angle. Since the light is shining out instead of just up, it should maximize blade effect.

I got some cheap little 3mm LEDs at my local electronics supply store to practice the bending technique. As you can see on the first couple of LEDs, my technique wasn't so good, but starts to become more consistent towards the bottom. I put a dot of solder at each joint and cut off the extra leg length. Is it recommended to keep the extra length of leg? I just figured they would get in the way, so I trimmed them.

I'm not sure how the resistance math will work, so I just put a beefy 2 watt resistor on there to keep things from burning out. If anyone can help me with how the resistor math works with string blades, it would be much appreciated.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Lbd8JD-kEzd81jIyYe8VkkrLklIqLFLbFzTe8sBjBW2HE0aL-C5Yzjq38QaJxedVNb242vIcSdtNM-pS6tecLdkHX0NmDxe6d-s4Prvo3Gjo5eytNZ8p2TFQkp0wn7-ZxueNhtIK3Ok49ry-kJqOZfMmPEsHUazQygZepuwYAHtgwOgeKWrHn2stHtehesM1o1 iJrzckQkDyoieh4rj3GIJH-2zq4vng_SvcKNXaTiDfvaThnn_Gka5X0fM_W92H4f8G_gqKMjK FML8GG-1fiicZHMQ1LRp3seCoIQBuE-0t2M3oTJxUlY3pF2_XIXFwOnCMGZs54R31T4uSixf8hxRBmIJQ QU-RjBDw-smz51H4A5670wnZtnUGXLF50BwB-6J_WQqVDRIk5XvwxRtqJFV0ESdMMWoEQH0kpEbiUkaqfZifk-XIemBRUJK7uocqFTsWT53uRwmokeDKwrNOfmZtloLG5Z7zxkk8-s_1QR4NYWW2gPyv_XwgggyWP2k-DftvLFcCK-klD8h_CSrv6_MtL-VdpYwvZtxhuYCivDSwXNxkxtkUXFLQZgbfoM-bA7h0cg=w376-h667-nohttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/DdSPMNZAlHJ6mButG-bx_5Za3BKqhPe6dz57Tz9Vom2P3dB7IKsogP9Z8LSnDqgdPRQ1 N9cDXLrSsN6YRYsiXD14kxutY01D2IKI3uoXhEJdLzsptC6YRR 22sUc8OJ0Qp5K82BgJjddwdBRjNy03fjAKb4kyz6jGJ-zpPZDyuJvi7ugGfIu5_DxEOBKvQ0wyGLtnmF8oi2zOCZpAhInY pyC97KsYE41kVCZ9HqYZj5c9GkaKFxDg7UqKAcNIrirnqX4k89 ydc665BpfIjQcHkrX0aApnamRVGBL2XNKFG3bgqod8Au2aZQ6C u20HtFA6Vis_PdYEv9H-Lph816Hbu2omFX5sCo6DNtrnPKGuCilOwfrVRLXd3i4mt0qwut DB797XQ-LG-cOLWorvEVobxkTjwADyAK8XnXEaUqzb3asvVj5T35KZ1u79hjz e0S_38YKdFgGRzo5GPbYDiN3z-jru2pQRIuasYb_uTwVGnKjRutlJeBiueBM9QgK4RPkoRUyF7fj SN53n3vgsXTB7juoxlPwtnAxlm6a00cl8X3_mY3G6rHZ0-mocMDQ6sXBQTlalJQ=w376-h667-no

Silver Serpent
02-21-2016, 07:03 PM
If your LEDs are wired in parallel (all positives connected to each other, all negative connected to each other), then you will use the forward voltage of a single LED, and add up all the current values for each LED. Typically those LEDs are 20mA each, so 10 of them together would be 200mA as an example.

Calculate your resistor based on the forward voltage and the combined current.

CET
02-22-2016, 04:46 PM
I got the straw hat LEDs today, but I'm honestly not impressed with their brightness. 100 of them at 20 mA each are putting out 2 amps. I calculated that I needed a 1ohm resistor (which I have plenty of), so I would imagine that it's just that these LEDs are not that bright. :-/

Any suggestions for LEDs that will give a bright blade?

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HcvFPzZlMTa1_BnfSgm-YSkJtI1VtVS2FhTSiEJtmzEE1m85UFTKUsnMjD2q97SiKBBhhB IxlZP67J8YKOAj6P9wywb8a9QZDb9EJ1h0ZE3g86xbE-lwio8R-64rwVTrOZtoNhNqW0PnlYcOR2kP7VndWN1aFxg1lop6wGfoc0v NbLeC7iDXV4T6oZkVTD180X2JQP2VDYNPBvIn59R5FC10iqH6R XwNQXvFh_IYcZALXboUohS5cygI2SLPl96nwvJxPwuZk9ioXIz FN31LTcb3EbtxUWkEINQcArK3pHoACXDBFqirs1ptr0RbT2ExW kxPLym0ewtFNBPoAT6_BGHgJNfg-8knc-uvsYBo5fII_TxiQQ7Nx12corvJA3Zr9a_WK3_khH0SqXlD4bZu 7hl9Ife_AvGugqhfXzye8Zlt9sqzKPgByLaf14J0hlY4l14G-czYMDGGtgWitDPd7gHoctOwl3kMyS9raikSp5hc3xLo5eLdgm2 7pywXFImWL_FdMjxkoUPotE5cK-UHG04gG32jaM7KsWwbW3LsyinFG4PGpAcC9qwhy4m1Q06RmXYk xA=w376-h667-no

NanoRex
02-22-2016, 05:10 PM
Have you tried just running one LED at 20mA? Maybe there was an error in your calculation.

CET
02-22-2016, 05:13 PM
I pulled off the resistor and it looked just as bright to me. Maybe once I wrap it up it'll look better.

NanoRex
02-22-2016, 05:50 PM
That stinks. It doesn't look too bright in the picture. What was the millicandela rating on the LEDs?

mikesibe1
02-22-2016, 11:38 PM
Super bright clear LEDS in the color of your choice. Then wrap the LEDS in packing foam. Then buy a blade and a blade diffuser from the customsabershop

CET
02-25-2016, 04:13 PM
I created an adapter so that I can just plug my blade can be removable.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lgmG2q356xRxXekxxaYfF3P9noqS__Wrfg6HKxyoab8S23y8QG ogR6EBRKnb-wNePLB6kNEYGMj9lqshgKYWRkk8Ku_4qSrxAsGu4jv31uLllyZ IhOM5LLfr8Spi723H0wk1AAeG-h-NwPZvmVcj-YM9-99Q4HKZ185h1UJHNgCPnPt-N9AUBXxfNsGfX3reBtRPJZpX9m_LOVcfzIHDc-PD4SiRhLiTDSUE-QhX_5H62Ze1td7BhYgu8I0afQ8YqqaiMzQrjGZUGlVaLevajNw y6xJzgavVZJZn25YOMGTJwBz9BkjOT4QEmiosbOHVYDHrd7RND p43GCFHzFJn3S1QkRAu1u1vA1_DCt9SJP69tfs0WnqRg7r5fQQ MqjTPxPZ2NRPViSYZkvUmiyZDjAmZ9PkOXYsYeQkQ8C6_Gml8G DZ2Qn1v5KLHNrsrT_98vzwdY2Sr-T5SK-NiRtGhr5f9L2YhMk-S4Br9w0oqwnNwTo3X8S468lc8owagqiSiNFLkAj2IVvuSqH6Sn 3bDBkcgg9-runyFpEehFqQbNVWMT2mn9x1ELrZL8hocOin4YHVu2A=w376-h667-no

I got some thin packing foam today and wrapped my LED string and stuffed it into my blade. Problem is, I kept breaking solder joints, so I had to remove the string, unwrap it, resolder and rewrap. After the 5th attempt I felt the bogans build up, so I walked away. Any blade stuffing tips that might prevent solder joint breakage?

TeeBeutel
02-26-2016, 06:01 AM
Stick the whole string in a proper shrink tube before diffusing

CET
02-27-2016, 01:05 AM
Stick the whole string in a proper shrink tube before diffusing

Do you mean like heat shrink?

TeeBeutel
02-27-2016, 03:40 AM
yes exactly! sorry :)

CET
02-27-2016, 10:59 AM
Es tut mir leid. I just noticed you're in Germany, so names for things are probably a little different.

I got some low gage copper wire the other day and tried using that as reinforcement. So far so good.

13436

Now I have to get different foam wrap, because the stuff I got is too thick. I'm trying to get stuff that's 1/32" thick, but it's turning out to be a little bit of a challenge. I don't need 1,000 feet of it. :shock:

TeeBeutel
02-27-2016, 04:32 PM
what i did:

-make led string
-wire thin copper through the ladder (up and down), solder every 3-5 led
-get 1 long heatshrink for the whole strip (trust me, it?s super good and also diffuses light a little bit!)
-get 1mm packing foam (yes, i got like 50m^2 for 25€.. whatever i`ll make plenty) and wrap it around the string

Works perfectly for me. It even withstands some light dueling (didn`t try harder)
also: i noticed your string still contains the (great english strikes again) "overlapping led leads" - you need to trimm them down when soldered because it will create shadows

Tyrant
03-03-2016, 08:45 PM
Es tut mir leid. I just noticed you're in Germany, so names for things are probably a little different.

I got some low gage copper wire the other day and tried using that as reinforcement. So far so good.

13436

Now I have to get different foam wrap, because the stuff I got is too thick. I'm trying to get stuff that's 1/32" thick, but it's turning out to be a little bit of a challenge. I don't need 1,000 feet of it. :shock:

i use 1/16 foam in mine, and dont seem to have issues, what issues are you running into where you need that thin of foam?

CET
03-03-2016, 08:58 PM
It wants to unroll, so I need at least a second pair of hands to help with the rolling.

mikesibe1
03-04-2016, 09:35 AM
Here is a link to only 100 ft of 1/32 foam

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1-32-Micro-Foam-Cushion-Wrap-2x50-ft-foot-Fast-Free-SHIPPING-Perforated-12-/171701468264?nav=SEARCH

CET
03-04-2016, 10:36 AM
Here is a link to only 100 ft of 1/32 foam

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1-32-Micro-Foam-Cushion-Wrap-2x50-ft-foot-Fast-Free-SHIPPING-Perforated-12-/171701468264?nav=SEARCH

DONE! If you're ever in San Diego, I'm buying you a microbrew beer.

Sincenatic
03-04-2016, 06:31 PM
I have just finished my first string blade and I didn?t experience that problem. I saw a recommendation from Ken Hampton that when you attach each LED it is very important to press the joint firmly. He explained that without this step you run the risk to use too much solder which causes shadows on the blade. I followed that recommendation and my string was quite ?stiff? even before soldering. Hence, it is more the legs of the LEDs that holds the string together, rather than solder. Of course I cannot know if this is the reason for your problems, but it could be. My recommendation is that before soldering; make sure that the LEDs are not dancing around.

CET
03-04-2016, 07:37 PM
I saw that video too. I did give each pseudo hinge a good squeeze. Although I did also add solder to the joint as well. Probably shouldn't have done that. :?

Sincenatic
03-05-2016, 05:09 PM
Well, I also added solder to each joint of the LEDs and that’s how it is explained in the tutorials. I guess the problem must be somewhere else. Just to clarify, it is the solder that loosens, or is it the leg of the LEDs that break?

CET
03-05-2016, 07:17 PM
The legs themselves break, at the second bend, when they go from horizontal to vertical. I've made at least a half dozen repairs.

Yesterday I encased the entire string in heat shrink. I should get the 1/32" wrap I ordered early next week. Hopefully all goes well on the next attempt.

Sincenatic
03-07-2016, 03:43 PM
I understand. In two cases I broke a leg of a LED when I pressed them to fix the joint, i.e. before soldering. I used 3/32” packaging foam and I initially included too much and tried quite hard to press it into the tube. Eventually I had to cut away some foam. In one case I had to take the LED string out of the blade and then I also broke one of the legs on one LED. Apart from these case I have not had any problem. My guess now is that the LEDs could be of different quality.
I have also ordered much thinner packaging foam. My problem is that the edge of the foam is visible. I hope it will work better for you with the 1/32” foam.

Tyrant
03-08-2016, 01:26 AM
Are you using clear packing tape and rolling it once with that really tight? That should mostly hide the edge, then the additional nylon diffusion tube should definitely hide the rest

Sincenatic
03-08-2016, 10:02 AM
I used 3/32” packaging foam and I pressed it as tight as possible and I was rolling it once. On the edge I used a transparent tape to fix the foam, which I also pressed as tight as possible. I sanded the transparent polycarbonate tube, but the edge is still visible.

I thought about buying a thin walled trans-white polycarbonate tube from TCSS ($10.25), but shipping to Spain is ($44.25). Also, any order above €22 has fixed cost (for importing) of about €19 AND VAT of 21% is added (to the price, including shipping cost). That gives a final cost of about $85!

I hope that using thinner packaging foam would be enough to solve the problem. I have not considered a nylon tube, and I might try that if my first option fails. Btw, searching “nylon tube” in Google gave … ahh…quite a lot of sites that I was not looking for…;).

Tyrant
03-09-2016, 02:43 AM
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/40-LED-blade-diffuser-for-1-thin-walled-blades-P449.aspx
Is what I was referring to

How wide was your clear packaging tape?

Sincenatic
03-09-2016, 10:47 AM
Thanks for the clarification on the diffuser that you referred to. The tape is almost 2” wide. I found an old discussion on diffuser in this forum and a suggestion was “Plastizote foam tubing” which is used for “handle build ups”. I have made a search and it seems to be a promising alternative too, but without trying, it is difficult to know if too much light is diffused away. The forum member suggesting this, had made some test, but not yet (at that time) on the complete LED-string. If the thinner packaging foam gives unsatisfactory results I will try this option too. In that case I will make close-up photos and start another discussion on that topic. I should clarify that the edge is visible to the eye, but on a descent camera I will have go <15” to be able to capture the effect.

CET
03-09-2016, 02:09 PM
Finished! Using the 1/32" packing foam was the trick. Got it wrapped and stuffed.

I'm loving the evenness of the blade. This isn't the final destination saber (thus the dark spots at the top and bottom), but I just stuffed it in this one to see how it looks and works. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed that it's not any brighter than just having a tri-cree. I'm using 20mA LEDs, so I'm wondering if I should find some with higher amperage. Still, I'm pretty happy with this first go.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J7Yx8OMiqxa9FIVpszWJspEqhpVyPCH_cNLX5HZZAvS4dDmaeG fi95MvJbvuEt0CB4pVTQYNo47UEWBxEEy10EoqnEoV2hZjHbB5 C4SieC0Cfwf2I3Og_IZ7oIiLmAhAigssjbkozwcYsisULVlUgn H_sh5d9I_MrUgl5ZLRlclhbmNuExk5bWqDgG1a8b3Rdc904XCs qXwZrDIZ3uyoN7ZNJAJyuLHarg-lObNBkYo6GpE1-URO5SZtebQPKvJ7Lv740L3GlFn2C1Mc2bF-d7Hwy1IV76UjM-ePGWwcfudwj3Qg3y7zA3BVTLqqzvdoFxR1iJKeSHhntbC7Igpk GpYlCmKDUrOT0nW2otV1iAnhizXwPDGftBQO0BWS5IgAmYajQ0 adWath5kZDdgUdGaLGE4RUtnQq4aKepJ-4pMRJhdH-4MhzKePSkBUbMUpE2mV596buHizauxlE3CiXU5Ik3r8dXuFV3J 0YuYguVscxOuZMW6zJZq3fny9dPdjEOJ1uPBtUUJtfTbp3ceh8 ugKs9mAEWoiEuhkxbHDNLK7-JbOAzHauawpvpJNrxF8KKtEcuA=w1366-h543-no

CET
03-09-2016, 02:13 PM
Btw, searching “nylon tube” in Google gave … ahh…quite a lot of sites that I was not looking for…;).

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

CET
03-23-2016, 02:22 PM
After 2 hour long dueling sessions, the blade is still lighting up perfectly! :D

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/q5_TUqw9Sco2muKKgQ4Iv0IEfV0HvprON0MIsXbtJ_3hO3gNZo olNuhqicmfdprIwn4XMsi9PcoBU9-WZLoTS0XuZ_fvvZ77SE994cwPfNfadMMGJn70OnKK9658mok0x rf_o4O5iYBmvbCHDCUrqEiTmmLrsU0krfjl0CwISm644EduN6d vq8mYPiH8r2t9HXelI0QXtQniZQRk0mgD7B_HPYMZxlhuBTGHc 9tx2WqDaCS66gkgRm6M9u8YbL7YZsww-ZiOntmD_SSGLnx_TZecw28wJY043JIfFEHA_-oMPThE2MxNhFyIAXjAiJKTMKzA--0bqjObMIfjnmB27YUEKITYvFT-v2Jb--fHzYuCnhWcqpM-OW8e51rryFSEBSBC69KN1HjLj8bEqdj_rIisUjGGnbstVmR1Oc ihFAuS8NLIKy4Fac220kv7UNBTrzxLGVqwj-XNEoq5-MBfd_O9PHDKyEAimoS7R-KAyNGJlrEhEH5ChyoZ2T1RP1EaSkQdGGjPPS10mt5ugjbB2PN1 gUq5EZ1TmnFQ_0lmBplRG1-Yx444sKiEhSGZN_jaElUDnQ=w376-h667-no

Forgetful Jedi Knight
03-23-2016, 02:32 PM
Finished! Using the 1/32" packing foam was the trick. Got it wrapped and stuffed.

I'm loving the evenness of the blade. This isn't the final destination saber (thus the dark spots at the top and bottom), but I just stuffed it in this one to see how it looks and works. Honestly, I'm a little disappointed that it's not any brighter than just having a tri-cree.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/J7Yx8OMiqxa9FIVpszWJspEqhpVyPCH_cNLX5HZZAvS4dDmaeG fi95MvJbvuEt0CB4pVTQYNo47UEWBxEEy10EoqnEoV2hZjHbB5 C4SieC0Cfwf2I3Og_IZ7oIiLmAhAigssjbkozwcYsisULVlUgn H_sh5d9I_MrUgl5ZLRlclhbmNuExk5bWqDgG1a8b3Rdc904XCs qXwZrDIZ3uyoN7ZNJAJyuLHarg-lObNBkYo6GpE1-URO5SZtebQPKvJ7Lv740L3GlFn2C1Mc2bF-d7Hwy1IV76UjM-ePGWwcfudwj3Qg3y7zA3BVTLqqzvdoFxR1iJKeSHhntbC7Igpk GpYlCmKDUrOT0nW2otV1iAnhizXwPDGftBQO0BWS5IgAmYajQ0 adWath5kZDdgUdGaLGE4RUtnQq4aKepJ-4pMRJhdH-4MhzKePSkBUbMUpE2mV596buHizauxlE3CiXU5Ik3r8dXuFV3J 0YuYguVscxOuZMW6zJZq3fny9dPdjEOJ1uPBtUUJtfTbp3ceh8 ugKs9mAEWoiEuhkxbHDNLK7-JbOAzHauawpvpJNrxF8KKtEcuA=w1366-h543-no

We tried to tell you....

CET
03-23-2016, 02:52 PM
We tried to tell you....

Tried to tell me what? :confused:

Forgetful Jedi Knight
03-23-2016, 03:14 PM
Tried to tell me what? :confused:

That a LED string wouldn't be that much brighter than a Tri-Cree LED setup.

NanoRex
03-23-2016, 03:26 PM
With a string blade, what you're getting is more even-ness plus an animation if you're using an MR or CF-LS board. I've heard that Tri-Crees are actually brighter.

Inf4mous
03-23-2016, 03:56 PM
my string blades are waaaaaay brighter than my tri-cree setups...but i build them differently than most...if i had the tool to test the lumens i would show the difference, the ones i just finished for some customers were hard to look at...i guess it depends on build process, what kind of component LED's, and diffusing method.

CET
03-23-2016, 04:39 PM
my string blades are waaaaaay brighter than my tri-cree setups...but i build them differently than most...if i had the tool to test the lumens i would show the difference, the ones i just finished for some customers were hard to look at...i guess it depends on build process, what kind of component LED's, and diffusing method.

Please share. :)

Inf4mous
03-23-2016, 06:11 PM
Please share. :)

I posted a thread right below this one of 2 recent builds ! :D its the Green and Blue 8mm builds.. i dont wanna highjack your thread lol