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View Full Version : Newbie help- MR and Parks Conversions



Silverwing
03-16-2008, 01:12 AM
Hey guys

Im a total newbie to the Saber Smith world, but I've been reading up on the forums while waiting for activation and I think I am ready to start my first project. I have some experience soldering electronics as I swapped out the pickups in my electric guitar recently. (By the way, Gibson uses LEAD SOLDER on their joints. I have a hi-wattage iron and it still wouldnt melt. It wasnt pretty.)

I just have yet to decide where to start. There are two projects I want to complete, the question is which project is better for someone who is new at this?

I know as first priority I want to convert my Parks Arc-Wave to Luxeon LED as it is a beautiful hilt but I was more than dissatisfied with its dim blade and its lack of sound. I have already dissassembled it and noticed that the hilt itself is two pieces epoxied together (or so it seems.)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/silverwing259/ArcWave4.jpg

The emitter side appears to be 3/4" ID throughout, (it's a standard EL 3/4" PolyC blade) with a machined OD that is sculpted wider as you move toward the pommel. My first question is this- will I have to drill out the interior to fit a Lux hex star module? I would think it would be near impossible to access it since the lower section is epoxied on.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/silverwing259/ArcWave2.jpg

That said, the lower section appears to have a diameter of 1.25". I havent measured these exactly yet, I'm estimating according to the polycarbonate blade on my MR stocks which I know measures 1" OD. As you can see, it also has a rectangular cut-away section where I can either mount a decoration and/or the switch.

I am going to try to drill as little as possible, there's already a retention bolt set up, as is there a small bolt set up in the foregrip to secure its previous EL internals. I figure this could be used to secure the heatsink.


http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/silverwing259/ArcWave3.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/silverwing259/ArcWave1.jpg

I have a friend who is a machinist so I might be able to get any applicable hardware from him, but I know I want a super bright Lux and a good sound system, but parts seem to be few and far between. I want to use a green LuxV (160 Lumens!:p) but TCSS is out of them so it seems. For sound, Ultra sound, Corbin boards, and my utmost desire, the Plecter Labs Crystal Focus driver, are all sold out!

Basically, I need help figuring out what I should get, where I can get it and how I should arrange it in order to make this saber wreak of awesome.

I am also interested in a Lux conversion kit for a ANH/ESB Luke, but I want a green LuxV (again) and I want to retain use of the MR Board. again, I checked TCSS and Ultrasabers, and they are not currently available.


Thanks in advance for any help you give!

Lord Maul
03-16-2008, 10:41 AM
Talk to Do Clo about converting that Parks. He's done 2 parks conversions.

A 5 watter on a MR board isn't worth the hassle. You will want to just go with a 3 watter or simply ditch the MR board and go with a US or CF.

Silverwing
03-16-2008, 11:01 AM
Thanks Maul, I think then I'll stick with a LuxIII for the FX Conversion since I looked at the Ultrasabers tutorial and that seems to make everything easier. Thanks also for the referral, experience will definitely help in this situation.

Although, since I need to get a new sound board for the Parks anyway, I'm going LuxV for that one.

(edit) however I do still need help on all the parts I will need as this is my first time. that includes the proper resistors, speakers, etc... I dont know what I need hah.