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xwingband
03-06-2006, 09:22 AM
All posters are welcome to contribute. If there's a weak spot you notice point it out, and veteran posters tell what you see popping up constantly.

Where can I get part X cheaper? OR How can I build part X?
This is the forum of a store. It is somewhat disrespectful to ask that. Please, buy from the shop. The majority of parts you will need are there. If not you can make a suggestion of parts to carry here:
Store wish list (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=153)

When is part X coming in? What happened to part X, I can't find it in the store anymore? Tim, when is part X going to be made? etc...
Read the threads here:
Official store news (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21)
And this thread
Flame On !!! / Store stock question (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=2002)

How do I post pictures?
How to post pictures (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=126&highlight=post+pictures)

Which is better, EL or LED?
It's up to your opinion. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Read this for more detail: http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...ead.php?t=2087 (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=2087)
and this
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...=blade+options (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=515&highlight=blade+options)

What does color so and so look like?
LED Colors / Blades (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27)
EL Colors / Blades (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=10)

How do I get that up/down blade action?
This is not possible with EL. It is possible with an LED if you use the 3W driver offered in the store.

What tools will I need to make my hilt?
There are many tools. This topic is applicable to EL and LED for any hilt:
Tools of the Trade (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=330&highlight=tools+trade)

How do I solder the electronics?
A messy but working way is to buy solder tape. You wrap it around the wires to be soldered and heat it until it melts with a heat gun or lighter. If you plan on doing many sabers investing in a proper soldering iron/gun is best.

With a soldering iron wait for it to heat up. Once it's hot enough melt some solder on the tip to "tin" it. This helps solder melt easier on the tip for later. The ideal method for soldering is to bring the iron up to the wires and melt the solder there. This however may be too difficult if you are new to it. An alternate is to melt some solder on the tip of the iron and bring it to the wire. If you are soldering to a board you can drop the solder on the board and remelt it to push the wire in.

For soldering the EL wire please read this:
EL blade tutorial (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=12)

How do I tap a hole for my thumbscrew?
Basics of thread tapping (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=5724)

How do I glue the tip on?
Tim uses Weld-on #3 and if you can find that available use it. Always follow the directions for proper bonds. Any glue that chemically bonds the two should work well. Non-bonding glues like epoxy and superglue are not the best option as they can break and will produce a visible glue seam.

LED blade options-
For good overall pictures of options view this:
Blade Comparison Pictures (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=5737)

Also use the search feature and browse the LED blade forum. Each blade has it's own unique features. We often refer to a blade by the "first" person to use this type.


Tim's blade diffuser- A milky white diffuser that is similar to the MR
Gelu's film (polypropylene)
Vadeblade's film (mylar)
Ultra's film (Acetate)- extremely similar to the above two
Corbin's film (polycarbonate substrate)- Gives a distinct coring affect and is used mostly in conjunction with his driver board available in the store.
Erv's- A combo of Corbin's and another blade film like listed above.
Dual Tube- labor intensive, but gives a look similar to Corbin's and seperates filtered colors very well.

What's all the heatsink talk, and do I need one?
A heatsink is a piece (usually a type of metal) that dissipates the heat of the LED. It prevents burnouts and lowering of brightness.

You will not need one if you use the blade holder sold here at TCSS. If for some reason you aren't using the blade holder then read this topic:
heat sinking (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=300&highlight=homemade+heatsink)

What is the difference between a 5 and 10 degree lens?
Not much. You must decide for yourself.
Understanding lens degrees (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=2744&highlight=degree+lens+difference)

If I convert my MR to a Luxeon LED will it retain that up/down blade action?
Unfortunatly it won't. It will fade in and out, but won't be a pure ladder effect. Some will prefer it and others not. All other MR functions remain intact though.

Will the blade be removable?
Yes, both EL and LED feature removable blades for display or costuming.

How is it removable and secure at the same time?
You need to drill and tap a hole in the blade holder for a screw. See above.

I'd like to convert a saber other that those in the tutorials, how do I do it?
It is possible to convert all of the MRs (even the EL ones) to a Luxeon LED, but at the the moment there are various obstacles to offering a kit for those others. Usually it's space for a quality aluminum blade holder. Tim will be looking into offering a solution for these sabers later. If you must go ahead check the Thread Index for threads on disassemblimg the other sabers.

What are all the parts I'll need to do this?
Just about everything you'd need to know has been discussed, check the Thread Index (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=553). Read the tutorials first. These tutorials will have all the basic parts in their directions. It would do you good to read them until you understand them, and by then it should be apparent what you'll need.

How do I install decorative or accent LEDs to my saber?
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=4957&highlight=accent+LEDs

It is very similar to wiring the luxeon LED with a different resistor.

How do I get that white core/how come my saber doesn't look like the ones in the gallery?

Well... it's a camera trick. The camera is getting over exposed and to compensate it makes the core white to keep the rest of the picture from being washed out. In person it's just a very bright color.

Neither technology offers a way to make it like the movies. There is a way to make a small white core with LEDs involving two tubes, filters and a white LED. If you are interested read the "improved dual tube" entry in Corbin's Saber Manual (http://www.corbinscomponents.com/manual21.pdf)

What does the 3W driver do? What is this Corbin board I hear of?

The 3W driver sold in the store is what we commonly in the forum's refer to as Corbin's driver for it's maker Corbin_Das (now a co-owner of TCSS).

It is meant for driving the LED only (no sound) and offers some unique features. Some of the saber specific features are: an extension/retraction (best with his blade film) and a shimmer effect on clash. More practically it offers some benifits over a resistored setup.

His board uses PWM (Peaked Wavelength Modulation) to alternate between overdriving and underdriving the LED faster than the eye can see. We only see the brightest yet electronically it runs as the median which conserves batteries.

While his board does not do sound it can easily interface with a soundboard. For diagrams on how to use this board view the Wiring forum (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13)and Sound forum (http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25)

How do I get ______ soundboard to work in my saber?
To be added...

What is a buck/micropuck?

The puck series is a driver. This goes in place of the resistor in an LED saber. It gets more out of your LED like all drivers, which saves batteries and gives a constant brightness over the use of the batteries. They are easier to work with because you don't need to worry about changing it with a new voltage.

Do I need a resistor with a driver?

NO! A driver always takes place of a resistor. This applies to pucks, Corbin's driver, Plecterlabs, Ultrasound, etc...

Do I NEED a driver?

Nope, a resistor is the most basic way of limiting the current to your Luxeon. There however benefits to drivers, such as: lighting effects, saves batteries and constant brightness.

Can I use a 9V?

If you are using it in an EL saber that is the standard. For Luxeon sabers though it's not recommended because especially with a resistor you are wasting a lot and runtimes will suck compared to other options.

Reflectors vs. Collimator Lens

There isn't a HUGE difference with them. IMO they are a BIT better, but not enough to go out of the way to use them when they aren't made for it. They don't fit in the MHS system so it's a lot of work to modify them.

The Modular Light System that Ultrasabers is meant for their sabers. They don't machine a lip in their emitters so when you use an MHS emitter meant for a collimnator the blade sits like 3/4" above the reflector. Any benefits are getting destroyed by that.

Strydur
03-07-2006, 10:06 PM
Lets do a index thread also when you get time.

Tim
The Custom Saber Shop

james3
03-07-2006, 10:30 PM
LOVE the sub-title[:D]

xwingband
03-07-2006, 10:34 PM
Yup, I'll get on that soon. I have a final presentation (quite the big deal) on Thursday. I'll be free after then to do it.[:D] SPRING BREAK!

<center>http://www.geocities.com/ghost_soldiers_unit/gs_banner_trans2.gif
www.dewbackwing.com</center>

scaarmor
03-08-2006, 09:07 AM
Questions I see asked alot-
-Conversion kits.
-Blade holders.
-Not knowing this is the forum to a STORE.
-ETA's.
-Tapping a hole.
-Blade color reference pics.

I'm sure there are many more. I will leave the posting of links to you X-wing, so they are all in one post and not scattered about.

Cain


***A man is known by the enemies he carries, so make the best ones you can.***

***Give me a decent foothold and I will move the world.***

***It is now that we battle.When you die, await my arrival in the afterlife where we will battle again.Perhaps there you may have the ability to defeat me,but not here,not now,not this day.So let us part with words and embrace the blade.***

Do-Clo
03-10-2006, 08:34 AM
Xwing how about some general descriptions of parts and dimensions. These type of questions seem to come up a lot.

Do-Clo
Don't make me destroy you...

Strydur
03-10-2006, 12:55 PM
good job so far guys

Tim
The Custom Saber Shop

james3
03-10-2006, 08:55 PM
What about basic tutorial on soldering? I know we pretty much have got the basics before we even come to this site but I am sure there are a few folks that come in and are interested in trying their own saber. I come from an electronics/construction background so the insides of these things are no big deal and I could build a display stand or room but the precision and artistry of a dremel is my weak point. Just random thoughts as I sit here and watch SG-1 and Atlantis.



"Only a Sith deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

xwingband
03-11-2006, 01:01 PM
I'll be adding some today. Just got home.[:D]

<center>http://www.geocities.com/ghost_soldiers_unit/gs_banner_trans2.gif
www.dewbackwing.com</center>

UltraSWG
03-11-2006, 11:09 PM
Mind if I share some of the "ask the seller a question" messages I've gotten from my ebay auctions?

http://www.ultrasabers.com
Corbin|Strydur|Ultra
The Holy Luxeon Trinity

xwingband
03-12-2006, 01:17 AM
Nope.[:D] Share away.

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www.dewbackwing.com</center>

xwingband
08-19-2006, 12:43 PM
I'd like to update this again. Any help is appreciated. If you'd like to go ahead and make an entry just post it or PM it to me.

Ultra, if you could contribute that'd be awesome. I know you probably get a buttload of questions. I'll be looking at Corbin's FAQ too.

<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)?.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6703/xwing8az.gif</center>

james3
08-26-2006, 08:57 PM
Good call xwing, I was just about to mention putting that in and bam! your done[:D]

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

xwingband
08-26-2006, 09:02 PM
I keep thinking there is one other one I wanted to put in too...

Whatever, I'm hitting the sack. It'll probably come to me then.

I know I want to make a "How to not get flamed" post similar to the list that got started by What. I'll have fun with that.[:D]

<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)?.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6703/xwing8az.gif</center>

What
08-27-2006, 07:19 AM
WoooooooT!!!!!!!! I inspired a start to something! [:D]

Cant wait to read it. Must do the opposite of what each one says.... [}:)] [:o)]
[?] [?] [?] [?]

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/886/animation1cw1.gifhttp://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8465/dvadersigeq1.png
What, Jedi master, Sith Lord, Or COMPLETE IDIOT What will it take to get me to stop?

Nightwing
09-06-2006, 08:13 PM
Hey, you might wanna add my Movie Blade Color thread as an answer to the "Which LED color is closest to the movies" question. I only have Blue up, but that's really the only variation there is between the six films.

xwingband
09-06-2006, 08:39 PM
Ah... not a bad idea, but in the end it proves that matching color is pretty futile, lol.[;)]

<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)?.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6703/xwing8az.gif</center>

Nightwing
09-07-2006, 06:18 PM
It depends on the movie. After each movie pic collection, I give a final overall color for the movie. For instance, ESB is a mid-to-low-bin Blue, whereas the Prequel Trilogy is nearly all low-bin Blue or Royal Blue.

If you're talking about ANH, however, then I'm with ya. I mean, Luke's saber turns GREEN?!??!?!!

What
09-08-2006, 01:38 PM
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nightwing

It depends on the movie. After each movie pic collection, I give a final overall color for the movie. For instance, ESB is a mid-to-low-bin Blue, whereas the Prequel Trilogy is nearly all low-bin Blue or Royal Blue.

If you're talking about ANH, however, then I'm with ya. I mean, Luke's saber turns GREEN?!??!?!!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Maybe he has a "quick-change crystal kit" intstalled in his saber...... sorta like Tim's Quick-change kit.... [:)]

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/886/animation1cw1.gifhttp://img283.imageshack.us/img283/6678/stormtrooperca9.png
What, Jedi master, Sith Lord, Or COMPLETE IDIOT¿ What will it take to get me to stop?

Nightwing
09-08-2006, 03:23 PM
Yeah, or one of those crappy "Ultimate Lightsaber Kit" toys.

xwingband
08-21-2007, 10:36 AM
dang it's been a while... any ideas to add?

I'll be updating this. Like I definately need to add Erv's soldering video. that would help.

I probably need to drop that sound one I ever did... it's a lot of work just getting links for tons of options.

Lord Maul
08-21-2007, 12:06 PM
if you haven't already, 9 Volts suck for saber use.

Darth Morbius
10-12-2007, 10:19 AM
If I may be so bold.

You might add that resistored set-ups do generate a little more heat than a driver, because the current that is limited passes off as heat.

Especially when using Luxeon V's :)

xwingband
01-16-2008, 08:59 PM
Crap... have to fix those links again...

Push for more ideas people. I'm going to add one now.

Phiily Manyaan
02-05-2008, 11:32 AM
Could you give general shipping time estimates in here? I've been wanting to ask but don't want to get flamed as I am still searching the forums for it. So if I ask to have it put here, my question gets answered and I can't get flamed cuz its not in FAQ...yet. Thanks.

Darth_DevilGuy
02-05-2008, 11:38 AM
you might add something about momentary and latching switches and which setups they work with (hasbro = momentary MR = latching) I'm still trying to get that straitened out:cool:

DarthFender
02-05-2008, 12:53 PM
you might add something about momentary and latching switches and which setups they work with (hasbro = momentary MR = latching) I'm still trying to get that straitened out:cool:




Sounds like you got it right.

Draconis Magnus
06-08-2008, 06:54 PM
This FAQ needs to be updated. Links aren't working... and needs to be a STICKY on the Welcome forums linking back to here for newbies to read so the veteran members don't get irritated with questions being asked over and over. Thanks!

Donnovan Sunrider
08-04-2008, 06:23 AM
I agree, updated links would be a great help.
A link to the saber builder application would be useful too. I've seen reference to it in posts, but no actual links to it. I've been trying to find the thing on the site with no success.

The only other questions I have should be answered by the links in the FAQ once it's updated.

Thanks!

Hasid Lafre
08-04-2008, 08:54 AM
Dont forget there is the thread index with los of links that h ave to do with alot of the forum topics themselves.

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
08-04-2008, 09:08 AM
Here's the link to the builder:
http://dmstudios.net/demos/saberBuilder/

And here's the thread where it was discussed:
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=4645

It would be a good idea to read through the whole thread. There's some good info about what to do and not to do.

Donnovan Sunrider
08-04-2008, 06:43 PM
Many thanks.
That's a great tool. Makes the design process worlds easier.

I'll start digging around the index thread too. There are a ton of questions when you're new to this type of tech. My current saber is old school neon blade tech. Way too fragile and no blade removal. :(

Hasid Lafre
08-04-2008, 11:49 PM
But they light up excelent!

Xwing has one and it just lights up fantastic.

Banaticus
08-26-2008, 09:24 AM
The builder doesn't work when I follow that link. I get a 404, file not found when I try to visit http://dmstudios.net/demos/saberBuilder/

Obi-Dar Ke-Gnomie
08-26-2008, 09:33 AM
It's been moved here:

http://www.saberbuilder.com/

xl97
08-26-2008, 10:11 AM
that is correct, that is the new link/home (domain name) for the Saber Builder

just made these using it.. (its a fun little app.) ;)

http://dmstudios.net/misc/newLink.png

Just waiting on some kind soul to submit renders for the NEWER (EST) parts available in the store.. or even the ones that Tim gave us teaser picks for.. :)

(or the design contest saber parts as well) :)

thanks

Obi-Ben
03-01-2009, 04:59 PM
How do I install decorative or accent LEDs to my saber?
http://thecustomsa.web133.discountasp.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=163

It is very similar to wiring the luxeon LED with a different resistor.

This link isn't working--is there an updated url?

Lord Maul
03-01-2009, 05:00 PM
Hmmm, I thought I fixed those urls. I'll get on that ;)

EDIT: All the links should work now.

Darth Demens
03-01-2009, 07:22 PM
How do I install decorative or accent LEDs to my saber?
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=4957&highlight=accent+LEDs (http://thecustomsa.web133.discountasp.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=163)

It is very similar to wiring the luxeon LED with a different resistor.


It looks like the text was changed without changing the hyperlink. Clicking brings up a bad link, but C&Ping works

Lord Maul
03-01-2009, 07:43 PM
Okay, try it now.

Jedi-Loreen
03-01-2009, 07:48 PM
Nope, still, link doesn't work.

Lord Maul
03-01-2009, 07:51 PM
Bleh, try now. I wiped all the url codes so it should work.

Sairon
03-01-2009, 07:55 PM
*the page cannot be found*




:shock: yells "I think it's broken still!"

Jedi-Loreen
03-01-2009, 07:57 PM
Is there a new link to try? Clicking on the quoted links isn't working, for sure.

Lord Maul
03-01-2009, 07:59 PM
Were you guys clicking on the quoted link? That won't work no matter what. Quotes don't change when a post is edited. They are permanent. Try the one in the actual FAQ post.

Jedi-Loreen
03-01-2009, 08:02 PM
Yeah, it works.


Sorry, I was being dumb. :oops:

LordCyric
03-01-2009, 08:32 PM
I'm liking this custom Sabre Builder check my sig....

Thaxos
04-29-2009, 04:03 PM
I think it should be added to the FAQ that credit card gift cards can only pay up to their max value, and so on should contact Tim to set things up for that type of payment first!

xl97
04-29-2009, 04:54 PM
i think it should be added to the faq that credit card gift cards can only pay up to their max value, and so on should contact tim to set things up for that type of payment first!

huh?..........

Thaxos
04-29-2009, 05:06 PM
I had two Canadian gift card MasterCards, of which I used to pay for the saber parts. Tim had to split the payments on the order so that it wouldn't get denied. They will deny any charge if it's greater than the value on the card.

Tradeliphine
04-29-2009, 06:35 PM
people didnt know that?

Thaxos
04-29-2009, 06:37 PM
Well, considering it took Tim and I some time to get it to work, I'd say no.
I don't see how it can hurt if it's added to the FAQ