[project] Led strings blade with arduino

[TK8177]

i wish to setup a saber with 4 strings of 16 parallel linked round leds, for a total of 64 leds controlled by arduino and powered each with a 320-350mA led driver.

this is the actual part list:

arduino nano 328
http://www.ebay.it/itm/200964325858?...84.m1497.l2649

blue leds with 25-30 angle degree 5mm 20mA 3.0-3.4v (couldn't find with 45?, the best choice for sabers)
http://www.ebay.it/itm/121159310865?...84.m1497.l2649

4 x Constant Current Regulated LED Driver 320~350mA (8~30V Input but with minor modifications even lower)
MR16 1*1W 320~350mA (8~30V Input)
http://www.dx.com/p/mr16-1-1w-320-35...3#.U0lP_1cXJ7Q

4 x transistors PN2222A (0.8A - 40V max)

4 x 220 ohm resistors

1x WT5001M02-28P mp3 sound board
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-...135016430.html

1 X ADXL335 3-axis Analog Output Accelerometer Module
http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=130748423701
or probably the better gyroscope MPU-6050
http://www.ebay.it/itm/MPU-6050-3-Ax...item1e6f487b61

1 x mini amp PAM8403
http://www.ebay.it/itm/181303482967?...84.m1497.l2649

this is the scheme


what i can't find is a reseller for the polycarbonate tube in Europe!
i would avoid to buy from U.S. because long time shipping and extra custom tax to pay ... someone know any online shop tha sells polycarbonate tubes in EU?
edit: found italian e-shop 10 euro for 2 meters long 25/21 polycarbonate tubes

[Silver Serpent]

Check on FX-Sabers for sabersmiths in the EU. There are a few that are willing to sell complete blades.

Also, you might consider using the Plecter board CF-LS. It's the Crystal Focus for LED Strings. It'll do everything you're trying to do, and save a bunch of space and time inside your hilt.

[Sevinzol]

I don't have any experience with string blades so please keep that in mind.
I see 16 LEDs /color, assuming a 32" blade, that means each LED (of the same color ) will be about 2" apart. At that distance would you get a smooth distribution of light or would it look like 16 bright spots going up the blade? Is there enough room to fit 4 separate strings inside a 1" blade? Would you use a common ground? i see the scematic but I'm trying to visualize it physicaly.

Also I kind of agree with SilverSerpent it looks like your re-inventing the wheel. Between the arudino, 4 current regulators, MP3 player (could not find dimensions listed) and the battery, it looks like you're going to have a big hilt.

[TK8177]

Check on FX-Sabers for sabersmiths in the EU. There are a few that are willing to sell complete blades.

ok i will try there too..

Also, you might consider using the Plecter board CF-LS. It's the Crystal Focus for LED Strings. It'll do everything you're trying to do, and save a bunch of space and time inside your hilt.

my project is very low budget..
completed electronic project (sound and light effect), included leds and drivers will cost only 22,50 euro.. (for now)

[TK8177]

I don't have any experience with string blades so please keep that in mind.
I see 16 LEDs /color, assuming a 32" blade, that means each LED (of the same color ) will be about 2" apart. At that distance would you get a smooth distribution of light or would it look like 16 bright spots going up the blade? Is there enough room to fit 4 separate strings inside a 1" blade? Would you use a common ground? i see the scematic but I'm trying to visualize it physicaly.

oh that was just a scheme, the strings will be installed along the blade; they are linked in parallel as 4 big 1watt leds with common ground of course.
i will buy 1 meter long blade (39") and will cut as much as needed to keep the leds distance same as makoto blades

it looks like you're going to have a big hilt.

that will be the challenge =)

[JakeSoft]

Interesting project idea. I'm an DIY and Arduino fan myself. Check back when it's finished, I think we'd all love to see how it turns out.

[Silver Serpent]

I agree. I'd also love to see how it turns out. You're going to have an interesting time fitting all those components inside the hilt. Best of luck to you!

[xedar]

Hello!

You can some get realy nice results with https://github.com/TMRh20/TMRpcm/wiki
Ditch WT5001M02-28P and replace the PAM8403 with an npn bjt it will save you some space and €
I have a almost working prototype but i have not yet implemented the MPU-6050.
But i think i will order an NB when i order all the hilt parts and only use an Attiny85 for controlling leds in the crystal chamber.

[TK8177]

i dont understand what u linke is a code
but anyway i liketo use the WT5001M02-28P because it's very easy to control with one pin of arduino (serial tx); it is also already amplified 1 watt so i still dont know if i will use the mini amp

the arduino code that i will release will include the control of dimming refreshing of the 4 strings (giving the saber powering effect) thanks to the dimmer input of the led drivers =)

this is the scheme updated with the 2 switches (one main power switch and one with led included to turn on the saber) and gyro MPU-6050

[elrond.406]

Hello!

You can some get realy nice results with https://github.com/TMRh20/TMRpcm/wiki
Ditch WT5001M02-28P and replace the PAM8403 with an npn bjt it will save you some space and €
I have a almost working prototype but i have not yet implemented the MPU-6050.
But i think i will order an NB when i order all the hilt parts and only use an Attiny85 for controlling leds in the crystal chamber.

Thanks for the suggestions, xedar.