Replace Electronics?

[Furi0usGeorgeX]

Hi, I'm new here. I got an Ultrasaber for Christmas. It's a basic Sentinel V4 model with an orange LED inside. I got an Ultrasaber because my friend had one, and I loved how rugged the blade was as I don't strike very lightly.

It wasn't long before I noticed that the blade isn't very bright where there is pretty much any ambient light, such as from a window or a lamp, and it hardly illuminates outside (in the day, but I suppose that's to be expected). Also, it starts relatively bright and even throughout the blade, but quickly dims and loses its intensity and evenness. Also I've seen (heard) on Youtube videos that Ultrasabers' "Obsidian" sound is very flat and quiet compared to TCSS sabers.

After many videos of TCSS sabers and reviews of Ultrasabers, I concluded that Ultrasabers have inferior electronics, plus constructing a TCSS saber seems like it would be much more personal than simply buying an Ultrasaber. I would very much like to construct a TCSS saber with a yellow LED (orange was the closest Ultrasabers has so that's why I picked it in the first place) and perhaps sound.

However, I'd like to be able to actually try putting the electronics together correctly before just assembling a lightsaber without any prior experience. Could I tear out (or gently remove) the electronics from my Ultrasabers hilt, and then install components from TCSS and/or an electronics store? Ultrasabers claims MHS compatibility, and many of the TCSS parts are MHS pieces, so I'm assuming they'd be the same size and I'm assuming this would work, but I just want to be sure.

TL;DR - Can I replace the electronics in my Ultrasaber with TCSS bought electronics, and would it be feasible? This is for experimental purposes and the experience will help me with my eventual purchase and construction of a TCSS saber.

[Silver Serpent]

Those parts are "compatible," more or less. You may run into quality issues (parts binding up, not screwing down all the way) if you try to use real MHS with them.

That being said, you can upgrade the electronics inside without too much trouble. My concern would be the heatsink/LED assembly. I don't know if the TCSS modules will fit properly in your saber, and the ones in your saber definitely need to be replaced.

[Furi0usGeorgeX]

Those parts are "compatible," more or less. You may run into quality issues (parts binding up, not screwing down all the way) if you try to use real MHS with them.

That being said, you can upgrade the electronics inside without too much trouble. My concern would be the heatsink/LED assembly. I don't know if the TCSS modules will fit properly in your saber, and the ones in your saber definitely need to be replaced.

Ah okay, thank you! I'll proceed with my experimentation cautiously

[Furi0usGeorgeX]

Actually, what is the size of the LED unit? That's probably a little bit important!

[Silver Serpent]

The store page for the v3 heatsink has the measurements in the 3rd picture:
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MH...k-V3-P782.aspx

[Furi0usGeorgeX]

The store page for the v3 heatsink has the measurements in the 3rd picture:
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/MH...k-V3-P782.aspx

Thanks a bunch!

[cvsickle]

For something like that... You'll probably want one of these.
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/He...bes-P1011.aspx

I think you'll find a 1" aluminum cylinder with a small aluminum heatsink screwed into it when you take your saber apart. The copper one will fit in place of that and will work much better as a heatsink.

Also, you'll probably find that your heatsink is just floating in the hilt, with only the wires keeping it in place. You may want to drill&tap a hole, and use a set screw to hold it in place.

Just some thoughts.

[Darth Obi Don]

There can also be some space issues inside. From the pommel end, the interior diameter is the same as TCSS tubes, ie the speaker holders will fit. But after about 2.5 inches it narrows down to 1 inch diameter all the way out to the blade holder. Any electronics you use will need to fit the tighter space. A Nano Biscotti will fit just fine. and you could use V2 chassis parts. I tried fitting a Hasbro cheapie card in and it was just a tad too tight.
That was an older model though . Newer ones might have more space to play with.
Don