Crystal chambers

[samurai_rob]

I'm very new to this, but really want to learn so please take it easy on me...I just saw that some people use real crystals! How does this work? Is it just for looks or does it have a pratical use? Also, I've never done any kind of electrical work before, so can some one tell me if the wiring required is easy to learn? I would hate to invest in a led kit and screw it up. What can I do to practice? Thanks!

[xwingband]

The crystals are purely for looks. They provide no actual function. The artists of the visual dictionaries drew in focusing crystals above the power cells and it's been written in books that jedi and sith use crystals so people sometimes like to go the "extra mile" for realism.

For wiring: look at the tutorial forums below. Look for soldering videos online. If you want practice you're really just going to have to review those and play with some wire. Soldering is like the metal version of hot glue.

[samurai_rob]

Thanks for the quick reply! You guys are awesome!

[swear000]

It looks like you cut a hole in your hilt. I happen to have a few hole saws but square shaped chambers may require some dremel work. Then you can wire a LED under a quartz crystal or acrylic crystal (sold at TCSS shop). Install it in the hilt and throw a metal mesh and sink tube over it and..viola!

[Lord Dottore Matto]

There are some great soldering tutorials on utube (Erv has a great one!) Here is a link to his channel--->http://www.youtube.com/user/irvinplecter

P.s.- Practice and reading make perfect my brother!

[samurai_rob]

Again, I say you guys are great! Coolest, nicest, most helpful message board community I've ever used! What did you all do to all the A-holes that usually lurk on the internet! With you guys behind me, I believe I can do it! I hope to become a constant presence on the boards! My first order of MHS parts are due any day now, then I hope to order some electronics and go for my first build! Thanks again!

[Angelus Lupus]

What did you all do to all the A-holes that usually lurk on the internet!

Hit them with lightsabers, naturally
Welcome, enjoy your stay.

[Dark Navel]

I know easter57 has done a couple...well at least one I can think of that came out very well. I have made one as well just never wired it up...the parts are easily accessible at any hardware store and you can use a bright LED that would sit below the crystal and shine the light up and through it. Try and get a piece of crystal that is veined because the way the light from the LED hits it really makes it stand out.

My 2 cents anyway.

[Lord Maul]

I made a hilt with one. I ran a Star/O LED off 2AAAs direct drive. Worked very well and was super bright. Brighter than the blade, in fact, which was driven by a 5W LED.

[Count Malik]

crystal chambers are very cool IMO... BTW welcome to the forums!