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FX-Sabers Discussion - Including a Gallery of custom sabers. => Saber Modifications & Customs => Topic started by: Snoballz on April 18, 2006, 12:33:42 PM

Title: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 18, 2006, 12:33:42 PM
Here's how to add LEDs to your MR Force FX stands as seen in this thread. http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=3197.0

This may seem a little too detailed, but I wanted to make it easy enough for anyone to do themselves.  This is also the basic setup for my other LED stands.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand01.jpg&hash=2783a46d6777841ca14e9bbb262b790d35ed01b2) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand01.jpg)
What you will need.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand02.jpg&hash=32289a28f939e380a2ea530297d66a742682208b) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand02.jpg)
Remove the four rubber pads from the bottom of the stand.  Then remove the 8 screws holding the bottom plate on.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand03.jpg&hash=4712ee8138178fa4a87a4b1992a451a8ebf0d551) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand03.jpg)
With the acrylic supports removed, drill a 3/16" hole in the center of each support pocket.  The holes need to be just a bit larger than 3/16" for the 5mm LEDs to fit into, so just open the holes a bit wider by moving the drill bit side to side.  They only need to be slightly larger, so don't go overboard. I'm sure you could just use a 5mm drill bit, but 3/16 is the closest thing I have.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand04.jpg&hash=cf311de6e6ef0170cb86cf9513fe76b8f1c1eb04) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand04.jpg)
insert the acrylic supports back into the stand.  Using the holes you just drilled as a guide, drill into the bottom of the supports about 1/4"  The LED will fit into this slot.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand05.jpg&hash=3a0a38fd1656b6aab95fcb3e554b3f57a1904cb9) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand05.jpg)
Insert the LEDs into the holes, they should fit tight.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand06.jpg&hash=6421f9cda83912d0f9b0024f8f0253d8c597dc47) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand06.jpg)
If you went a little overboard routing out the holes, a little hot glue will hold the LED into place.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand07.jpg&hash=04e888b4a5a98d6f99ce7715535cce85f253aade) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand07.jpg)
Start by soldering a piece of wire connecting the negative ends of each LED.  The negative posts are the shorter wires on the LED.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand08.jpg&hash=f1598bac2314dcd694248a4367b6a0b98c9cc0f4) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand08.jpg)
Now solder a wire between the two longer positive posts.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand09.jpg&hash=543ce8dccddde6cc838fb263a01ba071688fbf74) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand09.jpg)
This exrta bit of wire is from the positive post of one LED and will be connected to the on/off switch.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand10.jpg&hash=738651d66152138c46d1767f4265c8f03f19b160) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand10.jpg)
Solder the wire from the positive LED post to one of the switch terminals, then solder positive wire from the battery pack to the other terminal on the switch.  This is much easier to do outside the stand, before the switch is mounted because of the limited room inside the stand.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand11.jpg&hash=51629adf80fca3818a15a61209835a0baf895b28) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand11.jpg)
Solder the negative wire from the battery pack to the negative LED post.  I chose to mount the switch in the existing hole in the stand used for wall mounting.  If you want to mount these on the wall, just drill a hole and mount the switch wherever you like.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand12.jpg&hash=12ad13e795394315dd17ff577a1fd7cdaad941e8) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand12.jpg)
This is what it should look like when you're all done. 

Pop the screws back in and you're all done.  There will be a small gap in the back of the stand where the LEDs are mounted.  You could fix this by mounting the LEDs deeper inside the supports.  It's not too noticeable, so I just live with it.

The finished product:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand13.jpg&hash=4949e0deaccdb91d30a0364b408c2c4790f72752) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand13.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand14.jpg&hash=86440bcd5d2ac4a476ab8b6d45e79652062ee33a) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand14.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand15.jpg&hash=d40cd7f433e7e80725d7cbb3a7283f34e3131492) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand15.jpg)
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Dark Skywalker on April 18, 2006, 02:49:14 PM
Very cool. I'd try it but I don't want to hurt myself and/or others :D
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Torment on April 18, 2006, 05:50:43 PM
looks cool :)
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: registrau on April 19, 2006, 08:07:47 AM
That looks just great
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Knuckle01 on April 19, 2006, 08:21:14 AM
awesome.....MR is gonna steal that from you, lol
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: cw on April 19, 2006, 06:21:21 PM
Snoballz, I was at my local Source electronics store and they seem to have everything
you used for your LED mod (even the exact same switch). I was looking at the components
when it donned on me that I wasn't sure which battery pack to use. I assume a AA or AAA
double pack. The LEDs I saw said 4v in and 5v out so I assume 3 volts from 2 AA would be
okay but I'm not sure. I also wanted to ask if the copper wire was for soldering and if
it has to be copper or can it be regular soldering wire. Also, did you notice a risk of cracking
the clear acrylic saber supports when you drilled them (Should they be taped to prevent
cracking). Lastly is there a certain guage of red/black wire needed. Thanks.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: cw on April 19, 2006, 06:26:31 PM
Snoballz, one more thing. After some experience making these LED stands what intensity of LED do
you recommend?
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 19, 2006, 07:15:47 PM
Snoballz, I was at my local Source electronics store and they seem to have everything
you used for your LED mod (even the exact same switch). I was looking at the components
when it donned on me that I wasn't sure which battery pack to use. I assume a AA or AAA
double pack. The LEDs I saw said 4v in and 5v out so I assume 3 volts from 2 AA would be
okay but I'm not sure. I also wanted to ask if the copper wire was for soldering and if
it has to be copper or can it be regular soldering wire. Also, did you notice a risk of cracking
the clear acrylic saber supports when you drilled them (Should they be taped to prevent
cracking). Lastly is there a certain guage of red/black wire needed. Thanks.

OK... Here's where the trial and error comes in.  I used a 3 AAA pack on my first stand with several different voltage and intensity LEDs with no problem.  I've used a 2 AA battery pack since then with pretty much the same results with the blue, white, and green LED (3.2v).  Until I tried this setup with the red and yellow (3.2v) LEDs that I purchased.  3 AAA & 2 AA burned them out.  2 AAA setup worked great with the red and yellows, but barely lit the blues.  Since I'm not using any type of resistors, I have no idea why some LEDs work and some don't.  Maybe someone who knows more about this can help out here.

The copper wire I mentioned is just plain wire used to connect everything together. 

Any type of solder should be fine.  I suggest the use of a heatsink (the clip in this pic (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand07.jpg)) on the LED posts to keep from melting the LED if you're new to soldering.

As far as cracking the supports, as long as you use the hole you drilled in the bottom of the base as a guide and drill slowly, there shouldn't be a problem.  Use an X-acto knife to trim up the area on the acrylic that didn't get "drilled",

Snoballz, one more thing. After some experience making these LED stands what intensity of LED do
you recommend?

The brightest you can get  ;)   
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Knuckle01 on April 19, 2006, 07:49:12 PM
lol, this is where it has become to complicated for me, lol
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 19, 2006, 08:24:44 PM
lol, this is where it has become to complicated for me, lol
This is really easy.  I promise.  Just use LEDs that are rated higher than the voltage you are using and you are fine.  You might not get "all" the light out of them, but they will work just the same.

Anyone that wants this conversion done for them, PM me.  I have no reservations drilling into someone else's stand   ;D
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Knuckle01 on April 19, 2006, 08:28:21 PM
you should try selling your design to MR....make some coin on it.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: cw on April 19, 2006, 08:33:12 PM
Snoballz, I was thinking of just doing white but I noticed it's easier to find clear LEDs and they seem to be cheaper.
How do clear LEDs look compared to the white ones (of the same intensity). It seems to me the light from clear
LEDs should look about the same in the stands, but I've never seen them lit to compare. I was just wondering if you have?
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Knuckle01 on April 19, 2006, 08:34:38 PM
hmmm, is clear and white kind of the same thing?
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: cw on April 19, 2006, 08:39:13 PM
That's what I'm hoping. The store I was at has both and the white of the same brand, type and
intensity seems to be more money. I was just wondering if the clear may be a harsh exposed light
compared to white which may look like it has diffuser inside when lit. If so, maybe the clear is better
or worse depending how intense the light is coming through the stand.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 19, 2006, 08:55:51 PM
Snoballz, I was thinking of just doing white but I noticed it's easier to find clear LEDs and they seem to be cheaper.
How do clear LEDs look compared to the white ones (of the same intensity). It seems to me the light from clear
LEDs should look about the same in the stands, but I've never seen them lit to compare. I was just wondering if you have?

The clear plastic LEDs are *usually* the brightest, no matter what the color since they use different elements to make the color.  An LED with colored plastic is usually just a white LED on the inside.   If you're referring to true white LEDs, they are BRIGHT.  I had to arrange the hilt in this pic (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/Luke_ANH_002.jpg) so that it reflected as little as possible, even with some editing there was still a bright glare.

.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 19, 2006, 09:10:16 PM
go with the clear LEDs. they may be a little more expensive, but they're worth it.


A couple of pics of the stands "in action".
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2Fgreen_red01.jpg&hash=544f47fe42525af2b562cb7c076627ed636f3256) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/green_red01.jpg)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2Fgreen_red02.jpg&hash=1b9d86eddbc5ee9604da6aac2e3e7b8424c34a38) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/green_red02.jpg)

if anyone's interested, I could make these in blue, white and yellow this weekend.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Knuckle01 on April 20, 2006, 05:42:33 AM
wow the finished product are quite beautiful. very bright
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: GioFX on April 20, 2006, 10:48:42 AM
hey these stands are amazing!!! my compliments!!!
I suspect someone wants to do the luxeon mod lol  ;D
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 20, 2006, 11:05:48 AM
hey these stands are amazing!!! my compliments!!!
I suspect someone wants to do the luxeon mod lol  ;D

I have been planning on constructing my own Luxeon hilt.  still looking into parts and figuring out the exact design I want to go with.  All I know for sure is that it will have a yellow blade.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Dark Skywalker on April 20, 2006, 01:33:24 PM
Is it the stormtrooper hilt?
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on April 20, 2006, 02:16:18 PM
Is it the stormtrooper hilt?

I wish.  The McQuarrie stormtrooper hilt is way out of my skill range.  I was thinking something more along the lines of a sink tube, LEDs, and PVC.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Dark Skywalker on April 20, 2006, 02:18:35 PM
Oh too bad :'( Someday though....someday ;)
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: ani104 on April 21, 2006, 11:23:47 PM
Nice Snowballs  :)
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: GioFX on April 22, 2006, 01:05:37 AM
hey these stands are amazing!!! my compliments!!!
I suspect someone wants to do the luxeon mod lol  ;D

I have been planning on constructing my own Luxeon hilt.  still looking into parts and figuring out the exact design I want to go with.  All I know for sure is that it will have a yellow blade.

ok I'm joking, I mean "luxeon STAND mod" lol!!!


Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Louis on April 22, 2006, 03:39:31 AM
Really nice stuff Snoballz!;)
Good idea too;)
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Seth Ski-Woo on May 03, 2006, 04:26:17 PM
Yes indeed, let me add my complements on the modded stands - a straightforward, clever idea, done well, that looks fantastic - and thank you for taking the time to do the "how to" guide. I might even give it a go... Nice one!
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: The Abbot on May 07, 2006, 11:08:35 PM
Here's how to add LEDs to your MR Force FX stands as seen in this thread. http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=3197.0

This may seem a little too detailed, but I wanted to make it easy enough for anyone to do themselves.  This is also the basic setup for my other LED stands.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand01.jpg&hash=2783a46d6777841ca14e9bbb262b790d35ed01b2) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand01.jpg)
What you will need.
  • MR Force FX stand
  • 2 LEDs
  • battery case (size depends on the type of LED)
  • on/off switch (SPST)
  • copper wire
  • drill or Dremel with 3/16" or 5mm bit
  • soldering iron
  • phillips head screwdriver
  • hot glue gun (just in case)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand02.jpg&hash=32289a28f939e380a2ea530297d66a742682208b) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand02.jpg)
Remove the four rubber pads from the bottom of the stand.  Then remove the 8 screws holding the bottom plate on.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand03.jpg&hash=4712ee8138178fa4a87a4b1992a451a8ebf0d551) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand03.jpg)
With the acrylic supports removed, drill a 3/16" hole in the center of each support pocket.  The holes need to be just a bit larger than 3/16" for the 5mm LEDs to fit into, so just open the holes a bit wider by moving the drill bit side to side.  They only need to be slightly larger, so don't go overboard. I'm sure you could just use a 5mm drill bit, but 3/16 is the closest thing I have.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand04.jpg&hash=cf311de6e6ef0170cb86cf9513fe76b8f1c1eb04) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand04.jpg)
insert the acrylic supports back into the stand.  Using the holes you just drilled as a guide, drill into the bottom of the supports about 1/4"  The LED will fit into this slot.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand05.jpg&hash=3a0a38fd1656b6aab95fcb3e554b3f57a1904cb9) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand05.jpg)
Insert the LEDs into the holes, they should fit tight.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand06.jpg&hash=6421f9cda83912d0f9b0024f8f0253d8c597dc47) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand06.jpg)
If you went a little overboard routing out the holes, a little hot glue will hold the LED into place.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand07.jpg&hash=04e888b4a5a98d6f99ce7715535cce85f253aade) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand07.jpg)
Start by soldering a piece of wire connecting the negative ends of each LED.  The negative posts are the shorter wires on the LED.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand08.jpg&hash=f1598bac2314dcd694248a4367b6a0b98c9cc0f4) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand08.jpg)
Now solder a wire between the two longer positive posts.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand09.jpg&hash=543ce8dccddde6cc838fb263a01ba071688fbf74) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand09.jpg)
This exrta bit of wire is from the positive post of one LED and will be connected to the on/off switch.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand10.jpg&hash=738651d66152138c46d1767f4265c8f03f19b160) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand10.jpg)
Solder the wire from the positive LED post to one of the switch terminals, then solder positive wire from the battery pack to the other terminal on the switch.  This is much easier to do outside the stand, before the switch is mounted because of the limited room inside the stand.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand11.jpg&hash=51629adf80fca3818a15a61209835a0baf895b28) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand11.jpg)
Solder the negative wire from the battery pack to the negative LED post.  I chose to mount the switch in the existing hole in the stand used for wall mounting.  If you want to mount these on the wall, just drill a hole and mount the switch wherever you like.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand12.jpg&hash=12ad13e795394315dd17ff577a1fd7cdaad941e8) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand12.jpg)
This is what it should look like when you're all done. 

Pop the screws back in and you're all done.  There will be a small gap in the back of the stand where the LEDs are mounted.  You could fix this by mounting the LEDs deeper inside the supports.  It's not too noticeable, so I just live with it.

The finished product:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand13.jpg&hash=4949e0deaccdb91d30a0364b408c2c4790f72752) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand13.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand14.jpg&hash=86440bcd5d2ac4a476ab8b6d45e79652062ee33a) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand14.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff322%2FSnoballz%2FFX%2520Stand%2FFXStand15.jpg&hash=d40cd7f433e7e80725d7cbb3a7283f34e3131492) (http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f322/Snoballz/FX%20Stand/FXStand15.jpg)

Really great stuff ,I would have never thought to do that..
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Hang Tuah Kenobi on May 07, 2006, 11:29:04 PM
Wow, the acrylic support looks like a hologram instead, nice idea. If we got a transparent statue of Leia ANH and have some LEDs to shine frm below, then we got the hologram fx display, thtd be nice.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Irkis Clag on May 08, 2006, 12:42:10 PM
i might do that I have all the stuff to do it
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Shadowlynx on May 08, 2006, 11:49:21 PM
I've seen those on ebay every now and then. Dang I want one now. Darn you lol.  :'(
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on May 09, 2006, 12:01:14 PM
I've seen those on ebay every now and then. Dang I want one now. Darn you lol.  :'(

well... now that you've seen how easy it is, you have no excuse for not making one.   ;D 
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Xanatos on June 05, 2006, 08:49:58 AM
First, I'd like to thank Snoballz for such interesting idea and great tutorial! ;)
Second: I made LED FX stand! I bought 4 green LEDs, 5v, but now they turned out to be yellow. :-[
In this stand I used 4 LEDs.
Here are pics:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi8.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa20%2FJKANDREY%2FDSCF0002.jpg&hash=114299a5ae45511cd5f7f45b59dbb4de4eeef669)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi8.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa20%2FJKANDREY%2FDSCF0003.jpg&hash=ec30244a4d8c6eb64a5c74ee82185f1f591f14ca)

I used battery case for 3 AA batteries with on/off switch. I drilled hole at the back of stand, so I could use switch. Here is picture, where you can see little on/off switch at the back of stand:
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi8.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa20%2FJKANDREY%2FDSCF0004.jpg&hash=a6e33f434e245d89d9a856197cdac6b53136bbc1)

Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on June 05, 2006, 12:59:24 PM
Looks great! I like the way you mounted the switch.  I had thought about using a slider switch instead of a push button, but never thought to have it concealed the way you did.  So, you have 2 LEDs in each upright?  Bet it's pretty bright.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Xanatos on June 05, 2006, 06:41:21 PM
Well, it's not so bright, but it's bright enough. I just glued battery case to the back of stand and drilled hole for switch. It's very comfortable, because switch doesn't stick out of back of stand.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Xanatos on June 12, 2006, 04:23:28 AM
Snoballz, you used 2AA batteries in your tutorial case and 2 LEDs, right? Cause it looks brighter, than mine 4 LED with 3 AA battery stand, which you can see on the pics above.
I think, that I will insert 6 LEDs in my next stand to make really bright light.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: sycor on June 12, 2006, 10:22:02 AM
Snoballz, you used 2AA batteries in your tutorial case and 2 LEDs, right? Cause it looks brighter, than mine 4 LED with 3 AA battery stand, which you can see on the pics above.
I think, that I will insert 6 LEDs in my next stand to make really bright light.

One thing to keep in mind is that different colors show up better to the human eye (and too a camera lense).  Before adding more LEDs you may just want to try a different color.  I think yellow is one of those that never looks as bright as it really is, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on June 12, 2006, 12:06:49 PM
There are several reasons why mine may seem brighter.  For one, I used the brightest LEDs I could find for these.  Red = 2000 mcd, blue = 4000 mcd, green = 7000 mcd.  Another reason is that the camera makes the LEDs seem brighter than they actually are.  Just like FFX saber blades never look as bright in person as they do in pictures.  And as Sycor stated, the yellow LEDs I have (2000 mcd) just don't seem as bright as any of the others I have used.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Xanatos on June 12, 2006, 09:30:47 PM
Thanks for info. I will use 4 blue LEDs in my next stand.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Bigdog01 on June 13, 2006, 03:54:48 PM
Wow, this is a great idea!

I think FX-Sabers should get in on something like this....    ;)

Not EXACTLY like this, but something veeeeeeeeery, similiar.   ;D
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: sycor on June 13, 2006, 06:47:30 PM
Wow, this is a great idea!

I think FX-Sabers should get in on something like this....    ;)

Not EXACTLY like this, but something veeeeeeeeery, similiar.   ;D

Hmmm but I already went to Radio Shack to price supplies to do some myself!   :P 
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Xanatos on June 14, 2006, 07:01:53 AM
Well, people who can do it by themselves can do it, but people who can't will buy stand. And maybe FX-sabers LED stand will have some great features, who knows...
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Mr.Griffin on June 14, 2006, 07:07:32 AM
I would love to see a blue or green stand
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on June 14, 2006, 12:23:15 PM
there's a couple of pics of a green one on the second page.  I haven't made a blue one yet, but I have made some blue ones for my Graflex and MPP hilts.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: sycor on June 20, 2006, 06:42:57 AM
Made my first red LED stand last night.  It took a little while to get the hang of it but it wasn't too difficult.  Thanks for the great tutorial! 
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: jack3auer on June 20, 2006, 07:05:57 AM
how has this topic slipped under my radar ???

absolutely Amazing with a capital A.

definitely something i will try in the future i think.

great work snoballz
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Resev on June 21, 2006, 01:38:18 PM
How much do you think you would charge for making one  ;D.And how much did the supplies cost.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on June 21, 2006, 02:00:58 PM
How much do you think you would charge for making one  ;D.And how much did the supplies cost.

The supplies cost about $7, could be more if you buy the higher priced LEDs, switches, ect.  PM me if you'd like to send me your stand and have me install the LEDs for you.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Resev on June 23, 2006, 02:46:42 PM
thanks  ;D,I might trie myself first,you said radio shack would be the place to get the supplies right ?
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: JeedaiProphet on September 19, 2006, 10:26:25 PM
cool. new project! These stands look great. I think I may try one with switchable colors just for the xxx of it. Hopefully I'll be able to do this sometime this week. I'll put together a wiring diagram when I do.  :)
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on September 19, 2006, 11:50:04 PM
cool. new project! These stands look great. I think I may try one with switchable colors just for the xxx of it. Hopefully I'll be able to do this sometime this week. I'll put together a wiring diagram when I do.  :)

Switchable colors would be great.  A wiring diagram for switchable colors would be awesome!  I've kind of lost interest in this project since my FFXs are displayed vertically now.  But, like any *kid* bright lights excite me.  ;D
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Resev on September 20, 2006, 10:33:38 AM
Bright lights are awesome :o now lets see you make it strobe
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: JeedaiProphet on September 20, 2006, 10:49:29 AM
Bright lights are awesome :o now lets see you make it strobe

I've got an oscillator (look it up :P) I built in school a few years ago. It has a knob for adjusting how fast the 2 sets of LEDs on it alternate on/off. I wouldn't really want it in a stand, but if I can find it, and get it working again (I think I broke it...)I could theoretically put it in a stand for someone.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Resev on September 21, 2006, 11:49:22 AM
Now see thats why I cant do any thing technical like that because im stupid
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: JeedaiProphet on September 21, 2006, 09:25:12 PM
Now see thats why I cant do any thing technical like that because im stupid

I went to school for audio engineering, which entailed a crash-course on basic electronics. Soldering stuff together and making things light up & make sounds  is pretty fun and easy once you get some basics down. Most of the saber-related electronic work is relatively simple, and IMO just about anyone who really wants to should be able to do thier own Luxeon conversions or whatever with some practice and pacience. The main thing stopping me from doing more is $$$ issues. I highly reccomend taking credit alot more seriously than I did when I was younger! Oh, well... :P

At any rate, just do some research, get a $7 soldering iron at Radio Shack, and find some wires to practice on. You can get little kits and things to build at Hobby shops or Radio Shack (probably). You'll be building sabers and fixing old stereo equipment in no time. 

this should help...
http://thecustomsa.web133.discountasp.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=903
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Resev on September 25, 2006, 12:43:44 PM
thanks man I'll keep that in mind especially since my goal in life is to be good at everything.And that should be good lessons for me since Im home schooled
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: JeedaiProphet on October 01, 2006, 02:40:42 AM
OK, I went to Radioshack today to get some supplies for my FX mod. I checked out some parts for the stand, and if I get m ysaber to a stopping point this week, which is looking more and more likely, I should have my color-changing stand ready by next weekend. Hopefully.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: NickelPlate on October 01, 2006, 07:14:21 AM
Bright lights are awesome :o now lets see you make it strobe

I've got an oscillator (look it up :P) I built in school a few years ago. It has a knob for adjusting how fast the 2 sets of LEDs on it alternate on/off. I wouldn't really want it in a stand, but if I can find it, and get it working again (I think I broke it...)I could theoretically put it in a stand for someone.

You could really jazz it up and add a programmable micro with a pushbutton for selecting what color you want, or color cycling, pretty much sky is the limit. But then you gotta be familiar with programming micros. Which really isn't that hard either. I may do something like this too. Might even add a backlit LCD or vacuum flourescent display of some kind. That would be really over the top, but cool.

Regards,

NP
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Darth Resev on October 02, 2006, 11:54:32 AM
make it an alarm clock that way you could wake up to the sound of igniting sabers
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: GoldLdr on June 26, 2007, 02:10:45 PM
Ok, I know I am digging up chains from a year ago, but bear with me, I am new!

Can anyone give me an idea of the actual difficulty here?  As someone who has done some soldering, but almost no electronics work.  I don't know anything really about LEDs or what size batties to use etc :o.  I am going to follow the guide and see what happens.

I am going to go to Radio Shack on my way home tonight and get the parts.  I'm going to veritcally mount two of my three FX, but my Darth Maul double I am going to run horizontally and I would really dig the LED stand for it.  Since I'll have some spare stands, I figure if I mess one up I can still try again.

Thanks for any advice that can be given.  These look awesome!

-GoldLdr
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: sycor on June 26, 2007, 04:09:22 PM
If you are planning to mount the saber stand to a wall you will need to make sure to add the switch to the SIDE of the stand for obvious reasons.  Otherwise it isn't too difficult to do.  I've done several myself and I'm not all that skilled with soldering or electronic work.  I would recommend sticking with AA batteries (two if them) unless you want to get into resistors and stuff.  I've used a 9v battery before but had to have a resistor.
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: GoldLdr on June 26, 2007, 04:17:56 PM
I stopped by Fry's & radio shack on the way home tonight and got what I think I need based on the arcitle above.

I ended up with 22 gauge copper wire, because I didn't know what I needed, as well as 20 gauge solder.  I got my two red 2 candella LED's, and based on Snoballz comments, I got a 2 AAA battery holder.  We'll see how it works.  I'm going to lay it all out and solder, but try turning it on before I mount it back into the holes. We'll see how it goes!

Thanks for the advice.  Good comment on the switch.  I was going to mount the switch on the side, as I intend to use the mounting holes provided to wall mount it.

Let's hope I don't melt the stand/burn down the house!!

-GoldLdr
Title: Re: LED FX Stand (Tutorial)
Post by: Snoballz on June 26, 2007, 07:54:52 PM
Let's hope I don't melt the stand/burn down the house!!

The worst thing that could happen is you fry the LED.  No real danger of fire.