DarthGM's First MHS Build Thread

[Xevious]

That does look better, and you will have generous internal space. Though you might consider leaving the 4" grooved extension uncoated and maybe making the pommel green.

[DarthGM]

Progress! And parts acquired! I've been picking up parts over the past few months, as money allows. I'm almost ready to get the next round of parts, but I want to double check and see what I'm missing.

Here's what I've got thus far...

•1 of: 4" Double Female Grooved without holes
•1 of: Hilt style 4 with standard style switch hole
•1 of: 1/2" Aluminum 3/16" OD spacer (Black)
•10 of: Stainless Steel 4-40 Hex nut
•1 of: Chassis Disc style 1 with holes
•1 of: MHS speaker mount V4
•2 of: Stainless 4-40 all thread
•1 of: Acrylic Chassis Disc for NB and 18500/18650 pack (Blue)
•1 of: Premium Speaker
•1 of: Li-Ion 18650 3.7V 2600mAh PCB Protected Rechargeable Battery Module
•1 of: Nano Biscotte Sound Module V1
•1 of: Rebel Star LED & MHS Heatsink Module
•5 of: JST connectors

I'm using MWS parts.

Here's what I have left to order...

MPS Pommel style 10
Double ended male threaded connector style 1
Machined button for Covertec clip
Activation box style 4
NB MWS Header and Wiring Harness
Screw on LED blade holder style 22
8-32 x 3/8" socket head (3)
8-32 x 1/8" Set screw
16mm Anti Vandal Short Momentary Yellow Ring Switch
2.1mm Power Jack
2.1mm plug adapter for smart charger
3.7V-14.8V Li-Ion Smart charger


First question; should I pick up a buckpuck, since I'm using a NB sound card? I think I could splice in resistors where needed, but if I can save some soddering I think I'd like to go that route.

Second question; can anyone see anything I'm missing?

[Silver Serpent]

You can use a buckpuck, though you're not going to have less soldering if you go that route. You'll still need a resistor for the Yellow LED in your switch. The buckpuck will give you better battery life than a simple resistor, but it takes up more room. Either way is fine, just pick one.

I don't see a pommel insert or a c-clip. Everything else looks good.

[DarthGM]

You can use a buckpuck, though you're not going to have less soldering if you go that route. You'll still need a resistor for the Yellow LED in your switch. The buckpuck will give you better battery life than a simple resistor, but it takes up more room. Either way is fine, just pick one.

I don't see a pommel insert or a c-clip. Everything else looks good.

I don't think space will be too much of an issue; I think I've got some real-estate to spare between the activator switch and the blade holder. And I do like your comment about "extended battery life".

Which buckpuck do I need? 1000 mA or 700 mA?

Either case; resistor needed for the yellow LED; got it.

[Silver Serpent]

Which buckpuck you choose depends on the color of your blade. I see you intend to use a Rebel LED.

Rebel Amber, Red, Red/Orange, and Deep Red will need the 700mA buckpuck. All the other colors will use the 1000mA buckpuck.

[Xevious]

First question; should I pick up a buckpuck, since I'm using a NB sound card?

No. You're using a 3.7V battery. Buckpucks (at least the one's Tim sells, which are typical) are 5V min input -- they're for when you have higher battery voltages. You just need a resistor (if you're using red/yellow) or a slight tweak of the "drive" setting, if you prefer (for cyan/green/blue/white).

Again, your battery voltage is just slightly above the forward voltage of the LED, so a resistor works just fine. If you were running off a 4 alkaline pack (6V) or a 7.4V back, then a buckpuck would be way more efficient (and safer!) than just using a resistor to drop the voltage into the LED.

[DarthGM]

Blade Color is blue.

What is this "slight tweak of the "drive" setting" you mention? Something in the NB?

[Xevious]

Blade Color is blue.

What is this "slight tweak of the "drive" setting" you mention? Something in the NB?

Rebel Star Blue? Vf = 3.4. Vbatt = 3.7.

So, turn to page 17 of the NB manual: drive = 1023 * (3.4/3.7) = 940.

So in your config file, set "drive 940" and the voltage the NB delivers to the LED is now 3.4 instead of 3.7.

[Silver Serpent]

Ahh, Xev is right. I forgot about the 5v minimum for buckpucks.

[DarthGM]

Ah, gotcha! Thanks, Xev!

So adjust the setting on the NB for the blade, and still sodder in a resistor for the yellow AV switch?

Ahh, Xev is right. I forgot about the 5v minimum for buckpucks.

You have failed me for the last time!

*extends hand*

*nothing happens*

...okay, you get a pass today...