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FX-Sabers Discussion - Including a Gallery of custom sabers. => LED SABERS => Topic started by: jukesie on February 27, 2019, 04:39:00 AM

Title: SK6812 144 LED Strip
Post by: jukesie on February 27, 2019, 04:39:00 AM
Hi all,

I'm new to these parts, and I'm embarking on a Roman Props MK1 build. I plan to put together a NanoB - Neopixel build, inclusive of the Rudy Pando Crystal chamber.

I won't go further into depth, but at the moment I was looking to familiarise myself with the parts I'll need first.

My first point is to ask about the SK6812 LED strips. Would you recommend the Neopixel explicit ones, or do others that aren't as costly but match the specs of the Neopixel strips, suffice?

That said, I wanted to ask what the best practice is for a blade. I've seen the clear tube and the frosted white blade tubes, what is considered the best for clarity?

Following on from that, is a simple foam inlay for the tube diffuse enough with either of the tubes or should I consider using a clear tube only with the foam insert?

I appreciate your advice, I have looked about the forum and I couldn't see an answer to address my exact thoughts, if I've missed one, please point me in the right direction :)

Thanks
Title: Re: SK6812 144 LED Strip
Post by: SA22C on February 27, 2019, 08:33:14 AM
You definitely don't need to buy the strips from Adafruit.  Any seller on Aliexpress with decent ratings will suffice.  I've had good luck with Razend branded 3535 skinny strips (good for 7/8 blades or thick-walled 1 inch) and Alitove 5050 strips.  As for diffusion, I've had good luck with this combination:

clear thin-walled blade
hard diffuser tube from TCSS
foam sheets (I use a box of 12" square sheets from Staples sold as packing material for dishes)
clear cellophane wrap (3 linear feet)

First, wrap the stripes in the foam.  I usually wrap my strips in 6 inches of foam.  Secure with clear scotch or packing tape.
Second, use the cellophane to 'pad out' the strips so they fit snugly in the hard diffuser tube
Drill out (or use the hollow tips from the TCSS) your blade tip so you can fit a pixel in, along with one pointing up.

That's it.  You should have a blade that doesn't have any corncobbing or shadows in most situations.  Often times green is hard to totally diffuse, but you have to look very closely to see the flaws.  Some people trim their 5050 strips to aid diffusion and it does help but can be risky depending on what brand of strip you buy.
Title: Re: SK6812 144 LED Strip
Post by: jukesie on February 28, 2019, 04:51:29 AM
Awesome, thank you.

It's all a learning curve for me at the moment lol, but it's both tough and good fun. I appreciate your advice.