PLI (power level indicator)

[Big_Furry_Oaf]

The PLI would be (pretty much) for decorative purposes only and would sit inside the hilt. I'm working on a "reveal" style saber and just wanted something that looked "neat" inside. It's for my girlfriend and I thought it would look nice and serve a bit of a practical purpose in telling her if the battery is about to die, even if it's not 100% accurate.
The White Rebel Star says it's 700mA 3.2v. How would my battery not work? It worked with a Green Rebel Star. There must be something I don't understand, then. The only difference is the lm, which I thought was the brightness, and the white is 180 as opposed to green which is 166.
The chart in the store doesn't list the Rebel unless I'm misreading or overlooking it.

[Sunrider]

When you turn it on after charge the rebel may get 700ma but it will quickly drop in voltage. Like after 2 min 600ma another 2 min 500ma ect.

[Skottsaber]

I think you'll find Lithium Ion batteries are a bit more efficient than that. We're not talking about an SSR-90
That will happen, but its more down to capacity and current draw than voltage drawn. Well... think more in terms of voltage given.

Heck, if you can run a PC off of a single 18650 you should be fine with a PLI and an economy board (those things can survive for years on alkalines). Add in the fact that you are using a largish cell should make up for that.

[Big_Furry_Oaf]

When you turn it on after charge the rebel may get 700ma but it will quickly drop in voltage. Like after 2 min 600ma another 2 min 500ma ect.

Sorry, I'm a bit thick. Are you basically saying the Rebel will drain that battery very quickly or cause inconsistent voltage and a PLI wouldn't matter?
I run a Green Rebel and economy board with that battery and it has at least a 20 minute runtime with no obvious dimming. That's just the longest I've had it on at one time so i'm not sure of the actual runtime. I've had it for about a month and never really HAD to recharge it. Is this just for the white led?

[Skottsaber]

I'm saying you're fine.

[Big_Furry_Oaf]

I hadn't seen your post when I replied. I believe you are right. Thanks for your help.

I believe the measurements you mention may be found here:
http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...EVEL+INDICATOR
Unfortunately a lot of it is a bit over my head but it looks like they are saying you need to craft a 75k or 82K ohm resistor to put in the PLI to get it to read the 3.6 properly, and even then it may not be completely accurate.

[Sunrider]

You guys are right. One 16340 should run an amp load for at least 10 min.

[Big_Furry_Oaf]

Yeah, it's certainly at least 10 minutes.
I've had the LED setup (minus the soundboard) for about 2 months and I've never actually had the battery die. Well, the exception is when I was wiring the soundboard I'd accidentally crossed a few wires and left the led running for a long time (I'd left it alone for hours so I don't actually know how long it lasted) and the battery drained.
I've tried to drain the battery to no avail. I once had it on for least 25 minutes (the length of an episode of 30 Rock, I think) and it never died or dimmed.
I don't duel, only use it a few seconds at a time and recharge often so it's not a problem. My GF on the other hand has plans to wear hers to cons and show it off anywhere and everywhere she can. There will probably be prolonged periods of non-use, which is why I want to be able to shut off the PLI, but on the days it IS in use I'd like her to be able to see about how much longer she has before it dies.

[Sunrider]

Just watch the battery it can get hot if you go over it's current rating for long. Too hot and they can go plody.

[Azmaria Dei]

ok everyone. 3.6V Li-Ion batteries NORMALLY have a PCB that caps them out at 600-800mA. that means that 3.6V CAMERA batteries, like the one in question, do NOT have the needed power outputs to drive ANY 3W LED. you CAN however do it if you wire 4 of them into a series/parallel pack and have a VERY basic stunt. that'll give you 7.2V @ 1.2A to play with before the PCBs trip and cut power on you. STILL not recommended though. great for cameras, bad for sabers.