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The S.A.B.E.R. GUILD: Saber Manufacturers => LDMCustomSabers => Topic started by: GENERAL GRIEVOUS on March 27, 2009, 12:51:05 AM

Title: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: GENERAL GRIEVOUS on March 27, 2009, 12:51:05 AM
This is the "Ultrasabers" Vader that I bought on eBay about a year ago.  It worked so I never messed with it, but I have been trying to sell it because I have a "few" Vaders.

I took this one apart to "spice it up" and HOLY $$@&, if I ever found out who converted this abortion and tried to pass it off as an ultraFX I will give Darth Tyrannus their address! 

DISCLAIMER:  I have no doubt that this is indeed an UltraFx conversion kit that some idiot FUBARed.

DO NOT EVER convert a saber like these first few pictures!

Check this out!:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0826.jpg&hash=3f3e86cc95a07ba0a4713c8506ee220c69baeea7) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0826.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0827.jpg&hash=42f2d08e97d5cf181d7df52b2551c49793d3be8a) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0827.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0830.jpg&hash=c4e0bc4ca34de0259253f9d7caf2c6ee1c6330bd) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0830.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0831.jpg&hash=0070fdf31a8099219d267083c4b8cdb095499e84) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0831.jpg)

YES, that is scotch tape!  So I take the scotch tape off and I find this!:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0834.jpg&hash=98ebc6fd38f3a89577742b5c49b4186af64046a1) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0834.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0835.jpg&hash=658b8b1c44fc234326d362b1da80bc20daa1199b) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0835.jpg)

Not an ounce of solder any where near this thing!  But hey, at least the wires are twisted together! :rolleyes:

So I redo everything and peel off about 12 tons of scotch tape and end up with this:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0846.jpg&hash=d0c56356eb686a600efcfc81435a37c28c287e37) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0846.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0847.jpg&hash=f6a0916ab225a73cb540e253c7698298c44ce72f) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0847.jpg)

On to the specifics:

Lux III BIN 1 Cyan
Ultrasabers UltraFX conversion kit
Vader ESB MR
RGB 5mm LED
100Ohm resistor
Windowed emitter (with brass mesh inlays)
LDM blade

The Video of the cool RGB:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0864.jpg&hash=ce61ca28ed170a0cfe93f64688bfb1ec34551a26) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0864.flv)

The pix:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0861.jpg&hash=d57fd8c7b4f613a246ce92e3ce8be716a71cd69b) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0861.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0859.jpg&hash=e9d166147f5e9a2be256efaac686f838344d22a6) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0859.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0866.jpg&hash=562ed77d87700c7024032ccabd6952936fe69cbe) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0866.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0868.jpg&hash=758f5b5a36c35128736cbe4d40c4aeed1c373647) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0868.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0873.jpg&hash=161b1253efa77c711bf2a45d8faa15a5c93256bf) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0873.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi291.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll317%2Fdrdicarlo%2FCyan%2520Vader%2Fth_100_0876.jpg&hash=165c74ae199197d4f0ed30ed1957803e15f68a16) (http://s291.photobucket.com/albums/ll317/drdicarlo/Cyan%20Vader/?action=view&current=100_0876.jpg)

Okay it is safe to actually turn it on now...
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Jasher Kain on March 27, 2009, 01:37:02 AM
YES, that is scotch tape! 
Guess the poor schlepp never heard of heatshrink...

BTW, the Vader saber looks absolutely awesome with cyan. Great work!
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: GENERAL GRIEVOUS on March 27, 2009, 03:11:31 AM
YES, that is scotch tape! 
Guess the poor schlepp never heard of heatshrink...

BTW, the Vader saber looks absolutely awesome with cyan. Great work!

Cyan is my fave in Vaders.  It looks even better now (those batteries were old too!)... ;D
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: arm on fire on March 27, 2009, 05:25:44 AM
Go get 'em LDM
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Master Jedye on March 27, 2009, 05:59:35 AM
Well....you can never have enough tape in a hilt  ::)
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: QUI-GON JINN on March 27, 2009, 06:51:51 AM
Wow.....that's just sad.....
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: darthmorbius on March 27, 2009, 07:12:12 AM
:-\

Not that I haven't seen worse... but HOLY COW! :o

It's reasons like this that there is no warranty for DIY kit installations by the end user.

Glad to see that you got it sorted out though. ;) HEY! We have the same precision screwdrivers! ;D
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Tifosi on March 27, 2009, 07:31:30 AM
The sad thing is that had you not taken it apart, no one will never know about the terrible conversion job. And had it been passed to another owner and to another, eventually it will magically "become" an UltraFx saber with Ultra Sabers, LLC ending up with the bad rap. I wonder if it will be wise for companies such as Ultra Sabers and TCSS, to start engraving "DIY Kit" on the aluminum blade holder in the near future or to start issuing some type of "Certificate of Authenticity" with the real UltraFX and the TCSS converted sabers.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: darthmorbius on March 27, 2009, 07:43:10 AM
The sad thing is that had you not taken it apart, no one will never know about the terrible conversion job. And had it been passed to another owner and to another, eventually it will magically "become" an UltraFx saber with Ultra Sabers, LLC ending up with the bad rap. I wonder if it will be wise for companies such as Ultra Sabers and TCSS, to start engraving "DIY Kit" on the aluminum blade holder in the near future or to start issuing some type of "Certificate of Authenticity" with the real UltraFX and the TCSS converted sabers.

That really would not be necessary.

Those of us that do warranty service know what an Ultra converted saber looks like on the inside.  Basically, if you follow the instructions that are supplied with the DIY kit to the letter.  You will see EXACTLY how the conversions are done at Ultra Sabers.

Basically, we know our own work, and the work of the others that provide the service.

Conversions like the one above are VERY easy to tell that they were not done by Ultra Sabers Techs.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Kyp Durron on March 27, 2009, 07:53:02 AM
Kinda reminds me of what the inside of my ESB Vader (That I too got off Ebay) in my sig looked like on the inside...right Jango? ;D

Of course, it didn't have scotch tape that I know of. :P



-Kyp
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: darthmorbius on March 27, 2009, 08:00:41 AM
I use scotch tape...  But only to help hold the blade holder to the sound module housing on PPlastic Stock Blade holders in the Anakin and the Vader Sabers.

Masking tape or Scotch tape were BOTH used by MR...
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: JANGO FETT on March 27, 2009, 08:03:59 AM
Yeah, I probably should have taken pictures. :D

After you have taken apart a few, you get to know their work.
Derek says he can usually tell which tech did the conversion.

Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: darth_call on March 27, 2009, 08:36:11 AM
Interestingly, ....my converted Obi-Wan that I bought off of Ebay had similar "modifications". It wasn't untill I also took it apart that I discovered what was holding it all together.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Kyp Durron on March 27, 2009, 08:38:36 AM
I use scotch tape...  But only to help hold the blade holder to the sound module housing on PPlastic Stock Blade holders in the Anakin and the Vader Sabers.

Masking tape or Scotch tape were BOTH used by MR...

Well, yes, I know that you can use scotch tape for THAT...but the other things that it was used on in LDM's pictures on the other hand...:P

Jango, I took pictures, and Derek seems to think that mine was originally done by Darth Vader USA on Ebay.



-Kyp
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Sol Nexus on March 27, 2009, 08:50:13 AM
Wow, I suck at soldering and when I converted my Luke ROTJ I made sure to solder the wires - after practicing for a while.  One question LDM, was it scotch tape or possibly that clear electrical tape?
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Tifosi on March 27, 2009, 09:13:10 AM
That really would not be necessary.

Those of us that do warranty service know what an Ultra converted saber looks like on the inside.  Basically, if you follow the instructions that are supplied with the DIY kit to the letter.  You will see EXACTLY how the conversions are done at Ultra Sabers.

Basically, we know our own work, and the work of the others that provide the service.

Conversions like the one above are VERY easy to tell that they were not done by Ultra Sabers Techs.

IMHO, what you said only applys to those who are familiar with Ultra Sabers and to those sabers that were send to Ultra Sabers and its associates for repairs. But if you try to look at it through the eyes of an average consumer, it can be viewed from an entirely different POV and with a very different conclusion. Just because it is clearly indicated in the instructions, it doesn't necessary translates to the actual work being performed. In other words, you are assuming that the re-sellers of these sabers are all honest and honorable about these sabers, which IMO, is a real leap of faith. Case in point, the multiple posts here already about bad conversions.  just look at how many threads are here on the forum about : 1) Where is my Ultrasaber ? 2) Can't get a reply from Ultra Sabers ..... and 3) Where is my Allen wrench and crystal ? etc. And that's just from the people on this forum. Just imagine what's being circulated out there, especially with Ultra Sabers, LLC running its ad on national television. It is easier to tear down a hard build reputation than it is to build one.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: GENERAL GRIEVOUS on March 27, 2009, 01:58:52 PM
I use scotch tape...  But only to help hold the blade holder to the sound module housing on PPlastic Stock Blade holders in the Anakin and the Vader Sabers.

Masking tape or Scotch tape were BOTH used by MR...

I do too, in exactly the same way.

Wow, I suck at soldering and when I converted my Luke ROTJ I made sure to solder the wires - after practicing for a while.  One question LDM, was it scotch tape or possibly that clear electrical tape?

No it is clear thin scotch tape tape for sure.  It is easy to tell by feel.

:-\

Not that I haven't seen worse... but HOLY COW! :o

It's reasons like this that there is no warranty for DIY kit installations by the end user.

Glad to see that you got it sorted out though. ;) HEY! We have the same precision screwdrivers! ;D

DT, this is the one we discussed a while back and both thought most likely was an Ultrasabers saber.  The sad thing is that it was billed as such by an unscrupulous seller, and I would have passed it on as to another owner!  I have opened a number of ultrasabers (all of mine, and I have one in every style) and I can tell an ultrasaber's Ultra fx a mile off (from the inside anyways), but the sad thing is that had I not opened it, and it sold, I would have been guilty of selling bogus crap!  It really Pissed me off to find this because it very easily could have given not only Ultrasabers (who I have a great relationship with) but also LDMcustomsabers a bad name!  From now on , unless I get a saber from a well known smith, I am opening it and verifying quality before it leaves my shop.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Goodman on March 27, 2009, 03:02:53 PM
Yuck! Knock'em dead, LDM. I agree with you that Cyan Vaders look great.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: BEN KENOBI on March 27, 2009, 06:38:04 PM
 :o :o

wow great work LDM!! 8)
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: DarthMarek on March 27, 2009, 08:46:43 PM
Wow. Excellent work on this Vader saber LDM.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: GENERAL GRIEVOUS on March 27, 2009, 09:12:56 PM
Yuck! Knock'em dead, LDM. I agree with you that Cyan Vaders look great.
:o :o

wow great work LDM!! 8)

Wow. Excellent work on this Vader saber LDM.

Thanks boys! ;D
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Vosk on March 27, 2009, 09:18:44 PM
Very nice way to turn a piece of crap conversion to a fully working conversion.  I admit I suck at conversions...so that's why I am going to be letting the pros handle conversions.  Still I can't believe someone actually used scotch tape instead of solder.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: GENERAL GRIEVOUS on March 27, 2009, 09:40:52 PM
Very nice way to turn a piece of crap conversion to a fully working conversion.  I admit I suck at conversions...so that's why I am going to be letting the pros handle conversions.  Still I can't believe someone actually used scotch tape instead of solder.

I was completely shocked!  That is the whole reason I posted this saber here, so everyone could see what bad work truly is!
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: DarrynVarson on March 30, 2009, 09:15:25 AM
I don't know anything about electronics, okay I know at least to not use scotch tape!!!! Good grief.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: Simpi-Gon Sims on October 06, 2010, 04:33:27 PM
Wow. This is.....wow.  :o
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: nartules on October 06, 2010, 06:16:53 PM
bbbrraaaainnnnsss!!! But that was one ugly conversion.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: dynasty104 on October 06, 2010, 07:41:02 PM
in the second picture, is that heat shrink that hasnt been shrunk or an extra cut of wire
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: gchu149 on October 06, 2010, 07:48:28 PM
Haha, you guys realize this topic is over a year old?
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: LUMINARA UNDULI on October 06, 2010, 08:00:22 PM
That's why Nartules said "bbbrraaaainnnnsss" :D.
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: gchu149 on October 06, 2010, 08:07:52 PM
That's why Nartules said "bbbrraaaainnnnsss" :D.

Yummy... 8)
Title: Re: Never convert a saber this way! EVER! LDM to the rescue!
Post by: djobitwan7 on October 07, 2010, 07:59:44 AM
Meh, just sell it to Saberforge. Scratch that, he may resell it to another customer at a profit.