Crystal chambers

**eastern57** · 10-22-2008, 10:11 PM

I think crystals add that element of coolness that suggests "there's a little more here than you thought"... I guess I'm a fan of saber elements that offer character... you know? story...

I've actually done quite a few - and as DN inadvertantly alluded to - not all have turned out display worthy

It's kind of like the weathering thing: there's a thousand ways to incorporate this, and if it's done right, then it's instant-awesome; there's no "wrong way" but many degrees of "not-quite-right"

**Novastar** · 10-23-2008, 03:33 AM

I agree, the crystals thing is a pretty cool touch of panache that makes a saber pretty unique. Another reason why I love the ones Yoda (of fx-sabers) makes. Cool.

Another way to go is to simply allow LEDs to shine from the inside via "cheese grater holes" in the hilt or a viewport/grate/screen... and let people's imaginations carry through the rest... AND allow you more space on the inside for other components. An example is here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2iaDEhfd4yo

Granted, this saber is nowhere near the complexity of something custom-machined, nor would someone have to use multiple-colored LEDs in separate places inside the hilt. You can do it any way ya like...

Imagination = sky is the limit.

**rdricks** · 10-23-2008, 03:57 AM

I like the crystals, but did not have space in my saber for one. I have too many LEDs on the hilt (Thanks CF for allowing me to get carried away). Since I could not fit a crystal, I added a "Crystal LED" as I call it. The LED is wired in with the main K2 LED so that it has the same effects - power up/down, clash, etc. My "Poor Man's" crystal.

-Ryan

**MoonDragn** · 10-23-2008, 09:58 AM

Of course if you get a real ruby and a helical flash tube... it would no longer be just for looks...

**swear000** · 10-23-2008, 11:30 AM

when I cracked open the hasbro vader, I took out the LED housing. It looks like the parts can be re-assembled into a crystal chamber but I am still working on a usable design.

**eastern57** · 10-23-2008, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by rdricks

The LED is wired in with the main K2 LED so that it has the same effects - power up/down, clash, etc....

That's called a Progressive Power-On LED or "PPO"

**samurai_rob** · 10-23-2008, 04:52 PM

Awesome! Once I get proficient at the wiring, I'm gonna try the crystal thing! That just looks too cool to pass up! Any good places online to get Cheap pre-cut clear quartz?

**eastern57** · 10-23-2008, 04:58 PM

I don't use real mineral crystals... never have...

I've used either the acrylic ones from the store or I carve out my own from acrylic cylinders. They're just easier to work with IMO.

**Silent_Jedi** · 10-23-2008, 06:12 PM

I've made a pretty effective crystal chamber using a quartz shard that I shaped with my dremel and lit with an simple LED and computer battery mount (a 2032 3w). The color comes out nice, and the small 'imperfections' give it a kinda sparkley look to the crystal.

have a looksie