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Thread: Help!! Diagnosing a defective ROTJ 2005 MR Luke

  1. #1

    Exclamation Help!! Diagnosing a defective ROTJ 2005 MR Luke

    Hey everyone,

    I'm brand new here, but I've lurked for a couple years. I've finally gotten my hands on some Force FX sabers, but my most recent purchase has proved to be quite a challenge. I have a defective ROTJ MR 2005 Luke Force FX saber that will not turn on. Connections in the battery terminals look fine, and I'll be doing some more tests tonight when I get home; but as of right now it simply will not turn on at all.

    I have read through the forums some and looked for posts similar to my predicament; however the best thread* I found quickly became a discussion about returning the saber to MR for a replacement. Having studied basic circuitry and the way of the soldering iron, I really want to fix this saber myself.

    I have a multimeter, have looked at the basic wiring schematics posted here for various FX blades, and know how to take it apart if need be, but was hoping for a little guidance as to how I should diagnose the problem. I also found this thread about troubleshooting lightsabers**, but it seems to be only talking about custom built sabers, and I was hoping to find more MR and Hasbro FX specific guidance.

    ALSO, I don't have the funds right now to convert it. I've seen that as a common "solution" as well. I'm talking about truly finding the problem and fixing it. (replace a switch, fix a solder joint, replace an LED, etc.)



    Anybody out there willing to help me out or provide some guidance?


    My main question right now is if I am going to test out the LED strip in the blade using a power supply, how many volts does the blade need to light up? I would assume 9v, because its a 6 AA saber; but I also know there are other components. I really don't want to fry the LEDs if I can help it.


    Thank you for all your help!

    ~Aaron


    * http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...light=powering

    **http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...y-of-Operation

  2. #2

    Default

    If I'm not mistaken, the battery setup for that saber is 4.5v. It should be 3 alkalines in series, parallel to another 3 alkalines in series. I'd definitely try 4.5v first.

    I'm assuming you've tryed fresh batteries. Check the wires and solder joints first. Over the years, solder joints can work themselves loose. If those come up clean, then try removing the switch and manually connecting the two switch wires. It's possible you have a broken switch.
    We all have to start somewhere. The journey is all the more impressive by our humble beginnings.

    http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz for the lazy man's resistor calculator!
    http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...e-to-Ohm-s-Law for getting resistor values the right way!

  3. #3

    Default

    Thanks for the input! If it gets to that point I'll certainly start with a 4.5v supply first.

    I should have thought of manually jumping the switch with a bit of wire or something! That's something I could easily have tested last night when I was first fiddling with it and will be the first thing I try tonight. Considering the saber is now seven years old I wouldn't be surprised if some of the solder joints have worked themselves loose.

    Thanks for the help! I'll see what I can do with it tonight.

  4. #4

    Default

    Sounds to me like a good reason to upgrade to a PC


    "You are a Jedi who never knew what life was until it ran out in a big gush over your lips."

    <ARKM> "May you come to the attention of those in authority"

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