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Thread: Help!

  1. #1

    Exclamation Help!

    Hello I'm having trouble with my main LED, i don't know which resistor to buy, I tried using the calculator, but it gave me a resistor that is not on the website. I am using the Blue Cree XP-E2 Copper Nova, with 4 AAA batteries, I was also talking to a customer service rep, who told me that my momentary switch won't work for my circuit, so I'm going to order a latching switch. Also, how would i wire this? Will the resistor that i need be attached to the LED from the battery pack, or from the switch? As you guys can tell, i am very new to the Light saber scene, so any help will be much appreciated!!
    kperch

  2. #2

    Default

    If it's a stunt saber (no sound) you will need a latching SW, or a momentary to latching converter. The resistors sold here are the most commonly used. Round up your calculated resistance to the next available value.

    Greenie

  3. #3

    Default

    See here for a basic tutorial on wiring up your saber: http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com...istor-variant) A latching switch will be needed for a simple saber without sound.

    AAA batteries will drain pretty quickly. Li-ion is much better. But if you're not comfortable with those, you should consider bumping up to AA alkalines if space permits. 3 alkaline batteries is sufficient for your needs, the 4th doesn't do anything for you.

    If you can find a 3x battery holder, you can calculate your resistor value using 4.5v as the source voltage. Otherwise, the 4x battery holder will use 6v as the source voltage. I like to take the cheap 3xAAA LED flashlights apart and use their battery holder for some budget builds. They fit fine in MHS parts.

    Once you've calculated your resistor values (see the links in my signature!) you just need to round up the Ohms to the next standard size, and make sure you don't go under the required wattage.

    If you have 6v source, and a 3.4v LED at 1000mA, you'll need a (6 - 3.4) / 1 = 2.6 ohm resistor @ 2.6 watts. That rounds up to 2.7 ohm, 3 watt or higher.
    If you have 4.5v source, and a 3.4v LED at 1000mA, you'll need a (4.5 - 3.4) / 1 = 1.1 ohm resistor. That rounds up to 1.2 ohm, 2 watt or higher.
    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!

  4. #4

    Default

    Thank you! I think i understand now

  5. #5

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    Alright I think im safe going with a 2.7 ohm 10 watt resistor

  6. #6

    Default

    That will work fine. Those are pretty good sized resistors. I hope you're not making a tiny saber.
    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!

  7. #7

    Default

    Ok, Silver, You rock!

    I've been working the last couple of days trying to figure out my Tri Cree resistor situation, and used a bunch of Ohm's Law calculators. None of them giving me conclusive results. Other than I was doing it wrong! LOL But that like to the calculator in your signature was awesome! Thank you!
    Hmmmmmmmm Pie.

  8. #8

    Default

    Look around the forums on even youtube under TCSS. There are several resistor tutorials that should be helpful to you

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