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Thread: First LED-String Lightsaber - Brightness problem

  1. #1

    Default First LED-String Lightsaber - Brightness problem

    Hello,

    I`m currently working on my first LED String Lightsaber.
    I used 120 of 5mm Nichia red-LED`s , drilled a cone in the head to increase the angle and put them together. I don`t want a scrolling effect on the blade (i use the spark 2 board later) so i thought i don`t need to put the LED`s into segments like many other people do it.
    However, when i light it up, the LED`s at the point where I supply the power are the brightest - decreasing going through the ladder. If i do the power-input at the middle of the string, it`s better.

    So my question: Am i doing something wrong or has there to be segments?

    Thanks in advance

    im from Germany btw - sorry for my english
    Last edited by TeeBeutel; 01-24-2016 at 03:12 PM.

  2. #2

    Default

    Go for the segments. It will allow the power to be distributed more evenly. You can still light them all up at one time if you don't want the scrolling effect.
    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

    Okay,
    so i tried to wire it up with segments like its shown here :http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=13567.0
    However - same outcome.

    I guess i need a "Seriallel"-wiring?
    I took a bit research on that and because of red LED`s i need the "Seriallel class III"-wiring(not sure why)?!
    I read the instructions on the plecter labs website (http://www.plecterlabs.com/Media/CF-...P-V6.50-GB.pdf) - Page 27

    I understand the Seriallel II class but, dumb as i am, i don`t quite get the class III.

    A little drawing of a full segment like at page 27 but for serial III would be incredibly helpful!

    Thanks

    EDIT: Nevermind - got it!
    Last edited by TeeBeutel; 01-27-2016 at 03:03 AM.

  4. #4

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TeeBeutel View Post
    Hello,

    I`m currently working on my first LED String Lightsaber.
    I used 120 of 5mm Nichia red-LED`s , drilled a cone in the head to increase the angle and put them together. I don`t want a scrolling effect on the blade (i use the spark 2 board later) so i thought i don`t need to put the LED`s into segments like many other people do it.
    However, when i light it up, the LED`s at the point where I supply the power are the brightest - decreasing going through the ladder. If i do the power-input at the middle of the string, it`s better.

    So my question: Am i doing something wrong or has there to be segments?

    Thanks in advance

    im from Germany btw - sorry for my english

    What type of battery(s) are you using?

  5. #5

    Default

    i use 2 18650 Li-Ions wired in paralell so i get 3,7V with capacity of 2 Batteries.
    My soundboard (Spark 2) needs 3,7 V so i cant go for the serial setup.

  6. #6
    Tyrant's Avatar
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    Location
    The United States of America
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    15

    Default

    What's the voltage and ma usage for the leds you are using? What's the forward voltage? decent leds will have the same forward voltage as recommended and your only issue is ma used by each led there are a few tricks that you can use to be able to only use 1 segment
    Last edited by Tyrant; 02-20-2016 at 11:31 PM.

  7. #7
    Board Lurker
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    england
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    23

    Default

    try connecting one lead to the bottom led (hilt end) + and the other to the top led (tip end) - this may help

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