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FX-Sabers Discussion - Including a Gallery of custom sabers. => LED SABERS => Topic started by: SirRawThunderMan on March 30, 2021, 03:44:55 AM

Title: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on March 30, 2021, 03:44:55 AM
Ladies and gents, Jedi, Sith and Mandalorians! Following up from last year's successful Flashgun Challenge, the 2021 FX-Saber Forum build challenge!

Presenting, at long last:

The Golden Saber Challenge!

Inspired by the James Bond film of a similar name and Rebels' Kanan Jarrus, the idea behind this one is simple, but the execution difficult: to make a working saber that can be assembled and disassembled.

The Spirit of the Challenge:

-To make, in whatever way the contestants think possible, a working lightsaber that can be broken down in to multiple parts and reassembled, both internally and externally, with a minimum of tools. This is *not* just a matter of simply unscrewing an MHS saber, removing the chassis and calling it done.

-A finished saber should be made of multiple independent components. These parts should fit together in a way that requires no parts other than the independent components, and hold together as a functional saber.

-This can be accomplished in any way the contestants wish. If you want to make fifteen separate props so that you can take the barrel extension off your blaster and screw it into your droid caller’s frame and turn it on with your thermal detonator’s switch, then more power to you, but it isn’t a mandatory requirement. Conversely, Kanan Jarrus would also be accepted, but only if he broke his saber down even further.

-Corran Horn’s saber is an example of a halfway complete challenge saber: made from junk found lying around a cantina and scrapyard, and recognisable mostly as a swoop bike handle. Master Horn would be disqualified, however, as he meditated his saber’s internals into one solid piece that would be impossible to take apart.

Requirements:

1: Make a working custom saber, with or without sound.
2: That can be entirely assembled and disassembled with a minimum of tools
3: And incorporate multiple independent components


Eligible entries must:

1: Include a minimum of four independent sub-components
2: Light up, be disassembled, reassembled, and light up again
3: Be executed, to the highest extent possible, adhering to the spirit of these guidelines*


*What counts as a sub-component is entirely up to you, the builder. If you wish to claim that, say, your blade or blade retention screw is one of your four sub-components, that is entirely up to you as a builder. But remember, you'll be judged by our votes. If your fellow sabersmiths think that's a cheap move, they'll make that clear with their votes. :wink:


At it's core, the goal is a field strippable saber, but with enough artistic freedom that as long as it's field strippable, it's ok. if you want to make multiple props, go for it, if you want to make a saber where the 18650 is disguised as a Diatium Power Cell, that also, and anything in between. As long as it breaks down to  a minimum of four parts, reassembles, and lights up, it's acceptable. MHS parts, vintage flashgun parts, sink tube, anything goes.

To accept the challenge and enter, comment below saying that you're in. You can back out at any time.


Contest Dates:

The Challenge starts now, and final deadline Deadline is Thanksgiving (25th November 2021) At that time:

1. All contestants with a lightsaber that incorporates all of the above criteria will send a (yet undetermined, but) set amount of pictures, descriptive text and a short (5min max) video demonstrating disassembly and assembly, to FJK, who has graciously agreed to return as our Grand Adjudicator. FJK will provide some (as yet undetermined) guidelines on video hosting and anonymity, to ensure that the contest is fair.
2. Once material from all contestants has been received, FJK will create a voting poll that includes the received material
3. Voting will commence, open to all FX-Sabers members, for the voting period
4. Once voting is complete, and a winner declared, participants are free to post an all-inclusive, show-off thread


*as last year, don't post a Work-in-progress thread, this should be a surprise. 

As stated above, our guidelines for a final submission video are still in the works. However, as a general guideline, I'm going to include these suggestions by Eastern57 from the challenge discussion thread. Please be aware that they will most likely change/be overruled by whatever criteria our Grand Adjudicator comes up with.

Suggested video standard:

-Video submission must show the saber working, then must be visibly disassembled and reassembled to show continued functionality, with no video cuts.
-Video quality should be as high as possibly with good lighting and clear sight of the project with individual components clearly shown.  Video background should be as neutral as possible, recommend all white or mirrored surface with no additional background visible in the reflection.
-It is recommended that there be no dialog, video effects or additional sounds/music, the purpose of the submission video is to clearly show off your contest entry, NOT to entertain.
-Suggested format: <30 sec to show preliminary functionality, no more then 5 minutes to disassemble and reassemble (shoot for 2-3 minutes), <30 seconds to show continued functionality.



Final words:

As with  last year, this challenge is pretty much for fun. Your prize will be bragging rights over your fellow contestants, and another fine addition to your collection. No physical prizes or services will/shall be offered or bestowed by myself or any other member. This is for fun. And glory! :wink:

So, yeah. This isn't going to be an easy one. In fact, short of challenging y'all to come up with a working handheld plasma blade (with full RGBW),I'm struggling to think of a challenge that's that much tougher. The Flashgun challenge was a test of creativity, and this is going to be a test of sabersmithing ingenuity. It's a tall order, but I'm confident that we can rise to it, and I'm looking forward to see what everyone comes up with.

If anything's unclear, please don't hesitate to ask.

So, good luck, and may the Force be with us.


Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on March 30, 2021, 03:47:53 AM
It should go without saying that I'm in.

Now watch this space to see if I fail five minutes from the deadline again  :tongue:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Darth Brooks on March 30, 2021, 04:20:00 AM
I'm in!

I'm certainly not known as a builder or designer but I can do this
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: COUNT DOOKU on March 30, 2021, 05:42:02 AM
I’ll be tossing my hat in the ring for this one. Time to get these old sabering juices flowing again.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on March 30, 2021, 07:56:09 AM
I am in. This will be fun!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: eastern57 on March 30, 2021, 01:06:53 PM
In :cool:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: K-2SO on March 30, 2021, 02:17:58 PM
For a bunch of people who want to stay “contest anonymous”, you guys do a horrible job of being discreet.

Humans.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on March 31, 2021, 06:49:06 AM
For a bunch of people who want to stay “contest anonymous”, you guys do a horrible job of being discreet.

Humans.

 :cheesy:
I don't really care about anonymous. I am in this to make a really cool saber that comes apart. Most people seem to be able to identify each individual's style anyway. Some of the ones in the last contest surprised me but overall you could see people's style in their builds.

Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: jbkuma on March 31, 2021, 11:14:04 AM
I am definitely not building a lightsaber that is made of multiple pieces so that they can be concealed in plain sight and assembled when needed.  That would offend Imperial order.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: eastern57 on March 31, 2021, 01:24:08 PM
For a bunch of people who want to stay “contest anonymous”, you guys do a horrible job of being discreet.

Humans.

I am all for member's self-promoting their works... To heck with the anonymity.  All in favor of no anonymous voting say Aye!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on March 31, 2021, 02:01:01 PM
I have no problem with it being an open ballot, but I think the final decision will be that of the Grand Adjudicator.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on March 31, 2021, 05:19:13 PM
I’m in!  Remind me on 11/1 so I can do it in the final 3 weeks again...or maybe give me 2 months for this one. I bet eastern is finished already   :grin:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on April 01, 2021, 09:12:47 AM
Anonymity is no longer an option now.

I'm in.    :cool:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on April 01, 2021, 10:05:40 AM
Glad to have anyone who may (or may not) be onboard!  :wink: don't you just hate it when you're stuck in a quantum superimposition state like that?

And for anyone who hasn't joined, join us! Show us what you've got!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: EXAR KUN on April 02, 2021, 05:59:09 PM
I'm in!

This will be a lot of fun. I've got a few ideas for this I hope I can trick you all and maybe you won't guess it's mine.  :cheesy: Unless of course it's not anonymous.  :cheesy:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: K-2SO on April 02, 2021, 07:29:40 PM
I'm in!

This will be a lot of fun. I've got a few ideas for this I hope I can trick you all and maybe you won't guess it's mine.  :cheesy: Unless of course it's not anonymous.  :cheesy:

Or one from that bunch of Probe Droids I saw yesterday finds you. Either way...  :cheesy:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on May 23, 2021, 03:48:09 PM
Well, I think I know what I'm doing. Kinda. If I can pull this off, I'll be impressing even myself...
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on May 25, 2021, 06:23:37 PM
My guess is a guitar that turns into a saber. 2 birds and all. 
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on May 26, 2021, 01:29:32 AM
My guess is a guitar that turns into a saber. 2 birds and all.

A couple of years back, I did build a saber guitar out of some scraps I had laying around. It had Hasbro saber electronics wired in to the output and an led fretboard. It was also unplayable, mainly because the scraps I had laying around were scraps for a reason.  :tongue:

And I'm of a mind to say that the saber I've spent the last few days designing would probably be better as a standalone than a contest entry. I could get it to work within the criteria, but it'd be stretching the rules a bit. Which normally, I wouldn't mind, but seeing as I wrote the rules this time, I should probably stick to them. At least try and set a standard.  :wink:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: K-2SO on July 14, 2021, 02:42:11 PM
I guess I should remind FJK about this. Also, that reminds me of something else.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on July 27, 2021, 05:09:10 AM
Well, I'm out. An unexpectedly large electric bill has just eaten my saber budget for 2021.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on July 28, 2021, 05:56:09 AM
Well, I'm out. An unexpectedly large electric bill has just eaten my saber budget for 2021.

You don't have to spend a ton to make a LED saber. This just notes it needs to light up. So have fun with a different kind of challenge.
We have done ones in the past for spending less than $50 and many people competed. It was awesome to see ingenuity.



For me USPS lost my TCSS package with parts I needed  :mad: so I am waiting on a new shipment at this point.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: eastern57 on September 11, 2021, 05:53:25 AM
I've been all about space guns this year... and if I'm being painfully honest with myself, less passionate about lightsabers, in general, the last few years.  I'm not bowing out, but I will definitely need to refocus if I'm going to complete an entry this year.  Anyone else in the same boat?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: jbkuma on September 11, 2021, 09:31:33 AM
Unfortunately I've been out of work and had just had my second heart surgery of the year yesterday, so I'm not sure I'll be able to get anything done.  I was also working on some custom electronics, but the chip shortages have really jammed a wrench in that as well.

I had it mostly designed in CAD earlier in the year, so it's mostly a matter of fabrication and assembly at this point.  Hopefully I'm able to get things together.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on September 11, 2021, 09:25:09 PM
Yeah, where are all of you on this?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on September 12, 2021, 04:37:11 AM
I think I’m on target to bring this one in on time and I was gonna ask ‘how’s it going guys’. I guess, not so good for some.
If this challenge fizzles out due to real life, then so be it. Some things are more important.
Best wishes to you JB, that’s a lot to deal with.


Greenie.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on September 12, 2021, 05:33:32 AM
Well, the good news is that while it took some doing, I've managed to balance my budget enough that I can just about afford to be back in.

The bad is that I'm completely stuck for ideas. I've come up with a half dozen designs and every one always ends up feeling better as a traditional, non-splittable saber.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: EXAR KUN on September 20, 2021, 09:13:50 AM
I've got my entry about 40% complete. Going to be real tough to finish it up... been in the same boat as Eastern this year... a bit more focused on other projects and not enough time for lightsabers as much. I'd say the 'main' parts of the build are done, it's just a bunch of finishing and electronics installation. The electronics always takes me the longest... so I hope I can come up with the time to complete this one. What is the due date on the contest?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on September 21, 2021, 01:11:45 AM
What is the due date on the contest?

US Thanksgiving, or November 25th. Still two months to go, just about.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on October 27, 2021, 04:36:29 AM
Just under a month to go...

How's everyone doing?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on October 28, 2021, 06:43:56 AM
Just ordered some more parts to try and fit in. Hopefully they get here in the next few days.

 :azn:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on October 29, 2021, 06:08:50 AM
How many people are still left in this challenge?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on October 29, 2021, 08:22:27 AM
Well, I'm still in. R&W.  :grin:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Darth Brooks on October 29, 2021, 10:04:07 AM
I don't know if my saber will count? I finished my saber but it was also for my own personal collection and as far as long term use goes the field stripping part I decided to make some changes and not sure if mine will still qualify?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: jbkuma on October 29, 2021, 01:02:04 PM
I don't know if my saber will count? I finished my saber but it was also for my own personal collection and as far as long term use goes the field stripping part I decided to make some changes and not sure if mine will still qualify?

You can always submit it and see what happens. The only thing that really matters is that it's modular and can hold and light up a blade.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: eastern57 on October 29, 2021, 02:51:06 PM
I don't think I'll be participating... :sad:  I have a lot going on and I have to go away for a while in November. 

I have a work-in-progress, but it's nowhere near ready and will not be by the time I leave.  I will have to pull a Thunder and show it off after the fact... by Valentine's day, if possible.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: jbkuma on October 29, 2021, 04:00:08 PM
I've been getting back in the swing of things, and I have some very rough preliminary designs (more like abstract concepts) from back at the beginning of this discussion, but I'm not sure I'll have time to pull it off.

It seems a number of sentients here have had some struggles outside of their control, keeping them from finishing this in time.  Should we consider moving the deadline?  I would not have suggested such a thing on my own accord (I still might not be able to complete an entry), but I'd really like to see what everyone has been working on!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on October 29, 2021, 04:36:15 PM
I’d be ok with a delay. It would give me time to get me shiny new laptop up and running (once it finally arrives sometime in early December).
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on October 30, 2021, 06:02:34 AM
I have a work-in-progress, but it's nowhere near ready and will not be by the time I leave.  I will have to pull a Thunder and show it off after the fact... by Valentine's day, if possible.

Well, there's my motivation to get something done on time for once  :shocked:

Not gonna lie, I could also do with a bit more time. I've hit complete creative block for once. I'm trying to retrofit one of my old designs to fit the theme of the challenge, but it's taking longer than I thought, and November is also starting to look a lot more hectic than it did just a month ago (Hello Darth Real Life, my old friend...)
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on October 31, 2021, 12:55:29 AM
OK. How about this, we’ll extend this to Valentine’s Day (February 14th) so you people can show me sabers that the community may fall in love with.

Also, this way more of you can try to wow me with your skillz.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: eastern57 on October 31, 2021, 03:09:20 AM
I don't think that's fair to the people who actually worked to make the deadline.  I was joking about Valentine's day... I just gave it a lower priority.  I knew full well what this caliber project involves and I sat on it, my fault.  We shouldn't penalize the folks who actually worked this entire time to finish their projects.

This is a complex concept that NEEDS time to develop, that's the reason it was pitched to have M A N Y months to work on it. 

Thunder, maybe we should sit this one out.  Lack of progress this late in the contest should probably roll us to next time.

I say keep the current deadline, just me though, what do others think?


Edit:  a week, two weeks, might be fair, but not months.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on October 31, 2021, 11:31:51 AM
I have to concur with Eastern on this.
I don't wanna see people drop out but a deadline was agreed at the start. That time constraint is one of the factors that makes this a contest.
With an extra three months, who knows what may have been. More planning, more prototyping, more complexity. Maybe two entries.
But that's just my view based on what I've come up within the time frame.
I assume, either way, this thread will be ongoing for any submissions both sides of a deadline.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on October 31, 2021, 07:21:36 PM
I wanted to be in, but haven’t been able to touch any builds for the last 4 months while I was coaching football and baseball at the same time.  I would be able to submit an entry if we push out, but not with the thanksgiving deadline.  If the finished people want to push l, cool, otherwise I will be in for the next one!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on November 01, 2021, 02:09:14 PM
The timeline doesn’t really matter to me, you are the ones who have to torture yourselves to make it.  :evil:

I’m fine with keeping this at Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on November 02, 2021, 12:44:36 PM
Ok, so, the last 48 hours have been not the greatest way to start November. I'd explain further, but it'd be hard without using some family unfriendly language. Suffice to say I'm not going to have the time to check forums regularly, let alone building things this month.

I'm with Eastern and Greenie, sticking to the original deadline sounds like the best option for me.

Good luck to everyone, and may the Force be with us.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 02, 2021, 07:08:34 PM
Mine is in pieces still. Haven’t quite worked out the joining solution yet.

I wouldn’t be opposed to the extension.

Who is still in for Nov vs the extension? I suppose that is where we need to look. If we only have like 3 for Nov then that isn’t much of a show off.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on November 02, 2021, 07:30:42 PM
Spot on Iggy. I say let those who are ready vote to hold the deadline or extend.  I think we had 6 last year and I wished we had more. 
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: jbkuma on November 02, 2021, 08:48:47 PM
The only reason I suggested an extension is that it sounds like only one or two people are actually going to be ready.  That's really not much of a contest.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on November 03, 2021, 02:45:59 PM
Ok.  Scott and jbkuma have both pointed out the obvious. We want as many participants as possible. As everyone else seems to be WIP, an extension  will hopefully give people a chance to get things done and make this a contest.
If someone misses the deadline, they might just abandon the project and I’d much rather see the final execution of concepts and ideas.
If that requires more time, so be it …. Jedi.


Greenie.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: EXAR KUN on November 04, 2021, 11:49:16 AM
Hey everyone,

Unfortunately, if we don't change the deadline, I don't think I can finish my entry  :cry:

As some of you may know, I've got a comic book due out but I'm still working on the artwork for it. It's a few months late, and it has run into my saber time. I've got my Golden Entry about half done, but the past few months I've been drawing and coloring furiously... and ran out of time not only on my comic book deadline, but saber deadlines as well. I'm so sorry to bring this news so late.

Hopefully, if the contest continues with the current deadline that there will be some entries. If we push it off a bit, I should have my comic printed and shipped out to customers by the first half of December and I'd be much more free to advertise for the contest and also to do my entry. No hard feelings on my end if the deadline remains the same. I'm fine with that, as that is the correct way after all  :cheesy:

But I'll tell ya I think you'll like my entry if/when it is finished! It's pretty sweet lol  :evil:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Darth Brooks on November 09, 2021, 07:16:08 PM
I'm actually also totally cool with pushing back on the timeframe.

I'm not even 100% sure my entry will count and I'd like to see more folks involved too. If I were to win I'd hate to win against (1) other person or take the bragging rights against,,, "MYSELF" 😂🤣😅
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 10, 2021, 02:00:01 PM
I'm actually also totally cool with pushing back on the timeframe.

I'm not even 100% sure my entry will count and I'd like to see more folks involved too. If I were to win I'd hate to win against (1) other person or take the bragging rights against,,, "MYSELF" 😂🤣😅


And why wouldn’t it count?

Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Darth Brooks on November 11, 2021, 07:37:06 AM
I'm actually also totally cool with pushing back on the timeframe.

I'm not even 100% sure my entry will count and I'd like to see more folks involved too. If I were to win I'd hate to win against (1) other person or take the bragging rights against,,, "MYSELF" 😂🤣😅


And why wouldn’t it count?
well, I actually posted earlier that the field stripping into parts and what not. I had that in mind when I made the saber but it's more for my own personal collection more so than the contest so I made a few changes but,,, I've got an easy idea that will bring it back into play and was told to enter it anyway. But I'm also working on another saber at the moment as well so I thought it'd be cool to have an extra entry. Plus I'd like to see a bunch more people. With their stuff too.

As far as my original entry. I had made an emitter extension piece and can easily add that on without compromising my final design I had decided on. So yeah... I'M IN
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 15, 2021, 11:47:38 AM
Almost done with mine. Working out a few final parts now. I got to hear the saber kick on after wiring everything. Always nice to hear a saber purr.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 18, 2021, 10:17:38 AM
This thread is getting eerily quiet.  :shocked:



@FJK do you have where we send the deets?
Amount of pics, videos, etc?
I don't see the first post updated with all that info.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on November 21, 2021, 06:21:30 AM
Was the decision made to not extend?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: jbkuma on November 21, 2021, 06:26:42 AM
No decision has been made one way or another.  Just folks tossing out opinions.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 21, 2021, 08:25:42 AM
I finished one and am ready but honestly it will be boring if it is just me and one other person submitting.

If we extend I’ll be able to finish my other idea. So I would be happy to have the deadline extended. I am waiting on a soundboard and need to order another few pieces from TCSS to make that one work.

Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on November 21, 2021, 12:28:09 PM
So I guess it’s just up to the other person who is done to confirm of challenge the deadline?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 22, 2021, 06:04:33 AM
So I guess it’s just up to the other person who is done to confirm of challenge the deadline?

As far as this I believe the only other one ready was Darth Brooks and he already noted he is okay with a pushback on the deadline too.

I'm actually also totally cool with pushing back on the timeframe.

I'm not even 100% sure my entry will count and I'd like to see more folks involved too. If I were to win I'd hate to win against (1) other person or take the bragging rights against,,, "MYSELF" 😂🤣😅
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on November 22, 2021, 06:16:13 PM
Sweet…so who sets the new target date?  I have my plan, just need to pull some pieces together. 
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on November 23, 2021, 08:04:41 AM
As I said, I’m ok with pushing the date back. Maybe we’ll do it just before Christmas - say that Wednesday (December 22). I’ll have my new laptop up and running before then, it’s suppose to be delivered next week.

@iggy: Handling the videos is the only real thing I still have to work out. I have an idea of how I want to do it, but I haven’t been able to confirm that piece yet.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on November 23, 2021, 07:22:25 PM
As I said, I’m ok with pushing the date back. Maybe we’ll do it just before Christmas - say that Wednesday (December 22). I’ll have my new laptop up and running before then, it’s suppose to be delivered next week.

@iggy: Handling the videos is the only real thing I still have to work out. I have an idea of how I want to do it, but I haven’t been able to confirm that piece yet.

That timeframe is good for me to build another.

What about you others? Think you can join in the fun by then?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on November 26, 2021, 07:36:30 AM
I thought someone had mentioned moving into Q1 of next year….I have my idea but won’t be able to pull everything together over the next month. 
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: K-2SO on November 26, 2021, 08:54:15 PM
I thought someone had mentioned moving into Q1 of next year….I have my idea but won’t be able to pull everything together over the next month.

Yeah, that would have been FJK.

And he got a fair amount of grief about it before the rest of you saw the now fairly obvious.  :undecided: :police:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: EXAR KUN on November 27, 2021, 08:54:00 AM
As I said, I’m ok with pushing the date back. Maybe we’ll do it just before Christmas - say that Wednesday (December 22). I’ll have my new laptop up and running before then, it’s suppose to be delivered next week.

@iggy: Handling the videos is the only real thing I still have to work out. I have an idea of how I want to do it, but I haven’t been able to confirm that piece yet.

That timeframe is good for me to build another.

What about you others? Think you can join in the fun by then?

It would have to be later than that for me to be in on this one. December 22nd is basically 'tomorrow' when we are in this holiday time the time goes by instantly with family requests, day trips, work and so on. I'd love to see what everyone came up with! Unfortunately my entry isn't close enough to finish by the end of this year because I've got a few customer orders I"m working on that isn't leaving me the free time necessary to do the contest build right now. This year went by too fast!!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on December 06, 2021, 01:06:36 PM
Checking again on when the final deadline is.  If you can push to the end of January, I am in.  Have my plan, just need the parts.  Only going to start procuring if I have a good sense that I will make it. 

Curious how many are ready at this point?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on December 07, 2021, 09:11:57 AM

Curious how many are ready at this point?

Yeah. I’m ready. But i may still ruin in trying to make improvements with the extra time.

Do we know yet, how entries are to be submitted?
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on December 17, 2021, 02:37:35 PM
Ok, so I committed and have most of what I need for this.  I should be done in about a month, so having not heard much, hopeful that we can move out to late Jan, early Feb.  hopefully that lets Anthony join so he can crush us all again!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on December 20, 2021, 05:53:31 PM
Iggy/Greenie -

Since I have not heard back on the last post, and think you guys might be the only confirmed finished participants, are you ok targeting late Jan/early feb?  Have all my parts and plans, just don’t want to go through the full plan unless I am good to join you (will still install a saber, just maybe not all the bells and whistles.)  I won’t win, same as last year, but will be fun nonetheless!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on December 21, 2021, 03:51:36 AM
Yeah. Im fine with that. We want as many entries as possible but we do need someone to confirm an official date or this could drag on indefinitely.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: K-2SO on December 21, 2021, 12:43:10 PM
I think that FJK’s proposal (the one everyone trashed) is the one that makes most sense. The council will discuss it, and talk to FJK and we will make a decision soon.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on December 22, 2021, 07:57:43 AM
What got trashed?   I don’t remember issues with the proposal, only that his date wouldn’t have given me enough time.  I think the last one he threw out here was actually today. 

I have started and am confident that I will wrap up within a month, maybe sooner. 

Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on December 22, 2021, 09:48:46 AM
I think they modded out some posts after FJK posted.  :cheesy:

I am fine with whatever. While waiting I ended up using the board I picked up for the 2nd entry on another saber I had been putting off for too long. I have worked out pretty much all the machining on the second entry so now it will just be the install.  :wink:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: K-2SO on December 25, 2021, 12:49:30 PM
We realize that this may not be overly popular in some corners, The Council has decided to go with FJK’s initial plan of a February 14th deadline, since we want as many participants as possible in this.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on December 25, 2021, 01:59:02 PM
Excellent…again, I missed some posts that were removed, but given that those who are finished were ok waiting, have not seen anything yet that wound say this is unpopular!   I am in and commit to being ready for Valentine’s Day!   Merry Christmas all!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on January 01, 2022, 11:59:15 AM
Hey folks. It's been a while, huh?

I'd like to apologise for going AWOL on this whole contest after starting it. I won't get into too much detail, but yeah, the second half of 2021 was more or less a series of Darth Real Life sucker punches, and I've pretty much had to take an unplanned break from everything for avoiding-total-mental-health-collapse related reasons. In hindsight, there's a lot of stuff I could have done better, like communicating with people and not just falling off the edge of the world, but yeah. I didn't, and that's on me. Sorry.

Anyway. I'm glad the contest is still going ahead. I'm hoping to sneak an entry in, but it's fairly low on my list of priorities right now (that, and I can't seem to get my hands on any soundboards. it's almost like there's some worldwide pandemic screwing up global shipping, or something)

So, yeah. Good luck to everyone, and fingers crossed 2022 is less of a clusterfudge.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 02, 2022, 07:11:43 AM
Sorry to hear about your rough times….here to a much improved 2022!

Not sure what sound board you are looking for, but Khal has proffies available on his site, so local shipping for you…he opens back up tomorrow, or maybe by midweek.  Would be nice to have you get in one of the contests that you dream up!  I am well into my project and will be done in plenty of time for the 2/14 deadline.  Best of luck!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 02, 2022, 06:08:12 PM
Seems like Greenie, Iggy and Darth Brooks are definitely in and done, or close to it.  I will be done for sure by Valentine’s Day.  I remember Space and Eastern both said they were 50% in the fall and thought they would be in if we were tended - hopefully you guys have the time now! That would be 6, same as last year- hopefully we can get a handful more (JB, thunder possibly - know you had more important things to deal with last year.)

Anyone else planning to participate?

Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 11, 2022, 06:26:43 PM
Hoping to get the thread going as we head into a month left…and ideally encourage additional entries!   

Can we get a post from those who are in, and anyone still considering entering?   Hopefully the extra time gave some of those who couldn’t hit the original timing (space, thunder, JB?) the chance to get in. 

I am just about done but have plenty to keep tweaking. 

Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 25, 2022, 06:00:25 PM
Bump!   Radio silence is making me worry that this thing has burned out!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on January 26, 2022, 02:15:46 AM
I was kinda thinking the same thing. I’m still ready and waiting to show. Might be just you and me Scott.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Iggy on January 26, 2022, 05:36:33 AM
I was ready by the first deadline. Part of me figured this would die out again.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 26, 2022, 01:10:14 PM
I am all set, so at least the 3 of us can do the reveal.  Maybe Space can do another saber talk!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on January 26, 2022, 01:49:31 PM
I’m working out a way to do the anonymous videos.

Anyway, for the rest (until I get the video bit sorted out), we can do it the way we did last time. Since there aren’t many of you apparently, we can add more pictures, just be reasonable in the amount.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on January 26, 2022, 02:26:24 PM
Don't count me out just yet... :wink:
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on January 26, 2022, 02:39:59 PM
The sound you hear in the background is the clock ticking…
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 26, 2022, 05:20:18 PM
There he is!   Anything I can do to help you out thunder?  I want to see you finish this year after the near miss last year!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on January 27, 2022, 03:56:01 PM
There he is!   Anything I can do to help you out thunder?  I want to see you finish this year after the near miss last year!

Have you got any influence with the British postal service? 'Cause right now, missing/delayed parcels are about the only thing holding me back.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on January 27, 2022, 04:40:24 PM
Ouch…sounds about as bad as the USPS is right now!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on February 01, 2022, 07:02:21 AM
FJK - any update on procedures for submission?  Final 2 weeks…I hope the mail came through for SRTM. 
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on February 01, 2022, 12:29:59 PM
OK, here are the details for submitting your contest entry to me:


When you have your saber done, send a maximum of twelve 'finished' shots and a wiring shot or two (optional, but recommended) to ME.

Send your entry to this email address: fjk_tcss@yahoo.com


Title your emails in this:
FX CONTEST - Saber name - YOUR USERNAME


Example:
Superawesomejedi built a saber for the contest. FX  CONTEST - SABER1 - SUPERAWESOMEJEDI


Inside the email, please put your username, real name, saber name all on one line

On the next line(s)
You can add any other info like saber specs, and the pictures you want posted.


Example:
Saber name: Spectra
Specs:
CFV 8.0
LED Engin RGGB
Premium speaker
Momentary switch


<picture1>
<picture2>
<picture3>
<picture4>
<picture5>
<Wiring picture1>
<Wiring picture2 >


I will save and re-host all the pictures myself so that your name stays confidential. Please make sure you rename the photos to distinguish them from each other somehow. The easier it is more me to download and copy/paste, the faster the polls get posted up. The polls will be anonymous, as discussed, so that people don't vote for their favorite member. Also, please don’t go fishing on social media for votes. I caught someone in the TCSS Contest trying that. Just don’t, it’s tacky.  :police:

Also, Please keep your sabers to yourselves as well, DO NOT post build/show off threads until the winner is announced.

You have until MIDNIGHT EST February 14th 2022 to build a saber for the contest, unless the date changes. Voting will be held shortly thereafter, and the poll will be 2 weeks in length.  After that, either I (or possibly a staff member here) will announce the winner.

I am still working on the video part. Right now, please make sure the video is as short as possible. I’ll likely be using my Dropbox to collect the videos, and transferring it to my computer and uploading from there. I only have about 5GB to work with so it’ll be a one at a time kinda thing. You will get instructions via email when you submit your entry for that.

That's about it. Have fun with the contest! I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.

I'll be answering questions here, but please keep it on topic. If it’s more of an Administration question, I’m sure Yoda or K-2SO will weigh in.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on February 01, 2022, 03:05:51 PM
Thanks FJK - appreciate the detailed instructions…will start pulling my pics together after some final touch ups!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on February 11, 2022, 08:51:03 PM
FJK - any update on procedures for the video submission?   I am planning to send everything over tomorrow.  Thanks for coordinating!
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on February 12, 2022, 06:13:52 AM
When you send me the email with your entry, I’ll send you the instructions. You can be the test case. You’ll need to know how big the video file is.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: scott on February 12, 2022, 07:05:42 AM
10-4…thanks. 
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on February 13, 2022, 12:27:57 PM
You guys should basically just wear neon signs at this point.

Repeat after me class:  A-NON-Y-MOUS which means of unknown name, or not identified by name.

If you do something, send a PM. ILL GET THIS CLEANED ASAP.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on February 13, 2022, 01:14:34 PM
So, as stands, I have pretty much all the individual parts of my saber built, and the last of the 3D prints on the way (going to have to be an overnighter, though). I reckon that if everything goes right, I have about a day's worth of work ahead. final assembly, plating, etc

In a turn of good luck, I have tomorrow off work, so the build Marathon continues.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on February 14, 2022, 07:19:47 AM
Right, I'm going to make my final statement now, I think. My build is progressing, but more than a bit behind where 'd like to be, and right now, I think I've got about 50/50 odds of submitting something in time.

So, yeah. FJK, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you haven't heard anything from me by 20:00 EST, I've been struck down by the Contest Curse again, and please proceed without me. That's 01:00 my time, and as far as I think I can go without passing out.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Greenie on February 14, 2022, 08:53:40 AM
Anonymous? We’ve been declaring interest since page 1. The pics and vids are anonymous.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: SirRawThunderMan on February 14, 2022, 09:44:14 AM
And I'm out. Again. This time for circumstances beyond my control.

The good news is that I was on track to complete my saber tonight. one more part to finish building, then it was time for assembly, soldering and anodising.

The bad is that at the turn of 5pm, my downstairs neighbour came up to shout at me about the "constructions noises" and asked me to stop or she'd get the landlord on me. I'm not going to lie, I hadn't quite realised that I was making that much noise, and I didn't realise that my 3D printer was loud enough to be heard through the walls during my overnight print last night. I feel like a bit of an pillock right now. Turns out this year, it's my turn to become the neighbour from xxx.  :sad: Didn't see that one coming.

Anyway, there isn't much I can do unfortunately. I'm going to have to call it here.

I guess it'll be finished at the weekend now.

Good luck to everyone. I can't wait to see what you've all come up with.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on February 14, 2022, 04:37:51 PM
Tick, tick, tick. A little over 4 hours left.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on February 15, 2022, 05:38:59 AM
Ok. I had all the entries of those who entered. It’ll be a couple of day to process all of this.
Title: Re: The Golden Saber Challenge!
Post by: Darth Chasm on February 15, 2022, 07:54:53 PM
Great job guys! I cast my vote