First timer here, question about building first LED blade

[xl97]

First timer here, question about building first LED blade..


I am in the middle of building my own hilts/handles out of hardware parts and other machines/tooled pieces I find/create.

I want to make sure i do things correctly in the end.. so I construct them to be able to utilize an "LED" blade.

I have looked into both..and while I dont know much.. Ive narrowed it down to an LED 'corbin' style blade in which I would like..

I like 'thin white line' and diffused look it produces....

however I like 'stereo plug' design of the EL blades.. (makes for quick changes of colors/blade between hilts..etc..

I guess I have some basic questions.. I cant seem to find answers to ..

before I pick a 'tube' or tubes.... I want to be clear on how I am doing this.

in my hilt.. I need the basic electronics..

battery, wires, button & resistor (size/type based on LED I purchase..correct?)

my confusion comes in when I try to find out the bare minimum I need for the BLADE (outside of the tube/fill)

I need to buy an LED K2 of III o other models I have seen...

now..all this needs is to be mounted at the top of the hilt? and it goes under the 'BLADE'? is there a space that is needed? (heat/melting?)

I see hilts, holders, screw on adaptors..etc...etc..

the blade needs to go into a 'barrel/holder' and be able to go 3-4 inches INTO the hilt...correct? is tis in addition to whatever 'blade holder' length you have?

can a 'blade holder' be anything? as long as it has a certain 'inner diameter'?? and a set screw to hold the 'blade/tubes'?

What about securing the LED? How does that normally work.. I cant seem to get the idea from pics of just the blade holder..or just the LED component..

was thinking of getting this package;
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/pc...t-3wgreen.aspx

however Im still uncertain how the LED mounts at the top? do I "NEED" a heatsink to mount it?

Ideally Id liek to get it set up where I can mount the LED in the top of the HILT...and interchange blades and/or blade holders without changing out the LED portion..

is the typical way it works.??

I can always go back and add a 'driver board' to the set-up as I see fit..correct? or is it something you need to do right away?? I just add it into the resistor/battery set-up correct??

what size INNER diameter does a blade holder need to be?

the LED needs to be mounted at least 4 inches form the top/end of the saber.. to allow for the blade to 'slide in/connect'..correct?

I also dont understand the quick change LED part....

If anyone can clear some simple questions.. Id appreciate it..

thanks.

[Novastar]

You will absolutely need a heatsink for your LED.

Also, please refer to the tutorials, and "welcome" threads that Tim has been so awesome to have put together.

Many of your questions will be answered by reading, and others--just come with experience.

In essence, you're wiring up a simple circuit, housing the electronics inside the hilt--and focusing the LED's light into an empty tube with a diffuser coating/film, etc.

The polycarbonate "blade" tube will be completely removable... unlike the MR sabers you'd find in corporate stores.

[Jedi-Loreen]

Welcome, and like Nova said, please read through the tutorials and the "New to the saber scene? Start Here" thread. Most of the information you want is already here. Do a little research. We are here to help, but you need to do some of the footwork yourself, first.

Then if you still have unanswered questions, ask them again.

[vortextwist]

The easiest woudl be to get this, http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/pc...de-holder.aspx as it will hold the led,optics, blade and heatsink all in one.

If you like corbins blades? just get the complete corbin style blade.

you can start simple and then add things later. it is not set in stone.
The quick change system is more for the MHS components. although you can do it with homemade stuff but will take some time.
You have basically answered most of your own questions. hope this helps a bit. Sometimes reading makes you more confused when you don't know. (I know I was) lol

[Lord Maul]

as others have said, read the FAQ, Thread Index, and the "new to the saber scene" threads

[Novastar]

P.S. absolute new guiness world record for most questions asked in the very FIRST post, huh?? I think something like... 20+ ?

[vortextwist]

Well I know when I first got here I didn't know jack about sabers. (not that I do now) The more I read the more I seemed to get confused.

[Jedi-Loreen]

I guess I had a bit of an advantage, I'd been building EL sabers for a few years before this place came into existance.

[Firebird21]

A couple of pics that may help you understand how it all works...


This is what the inside of every LED blade holder looks like...


This is the end that screws into the hilt. (ignore the arrows, they are from something else)



This is where the LED mounts. (it's sitting on a plate that is placed inside the hilt. The plate is called the Heatsink) This is where the Blade Holder screws into, holding the Heatsink in place.



This is the Lens and how it sits on the led...




This shows you the heatsink, (the plate the LED is mounted to.)




Well that's all the pics I have in stock that may help clear the air. Hope it helps.