Print Page - StarrFire - My Second MHS Build

Title: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 03, 2011, 01:44:12 AM

Hello Saberland, I hope today finds everyone well!

I'd like to share my second MHS saber with you all. I know I never posted my first MHS, but it's more like a test bed and jumping off point. No sound (yet), no paint, no anything really as I gutted it the other day and am bouncing between remaking it and other projects. Anywho, back to the good stuff ;D

I contacted Tim at TCSS with a request and a picture demonstrating just how horrible my MSPaint-fu really is. ;)
I wanted to have custom flutes cut in a 5 inch Double Female, so that the activation box and Covertec clip wouldn't extend over a flute. It may not bother some people, but it looks tacky to me to have a flute extend under an activation box. ::) (If you were a real Jedi and making your own saber, you wouldn't do that.) Then I had him use the activation box as a reference point (held at the six o'clock position) and had him put the Covertec clip and Blade Retention screw at the twelve o'clock position. Then I had a custom request for the Powder Coat to leave the groove on the ribbed/choke combo bare metal so that the transitions/steps wouldn't go unnoticed. Speaking of the powder coat, it's in Warlock Gray and it's fantastic. It has a texture to it that's somewhat gritty, but not uncomfortable. It reminds me of the look of graphite, nowhere near as dark, just the way graphite appears textured. Did somebody say meat and potatoes?

***Specs***

*MR Darth Maul Soundboard*
*Blue P4*
*Blue Ring Momentary AV Switch - Illuminates when kill key is removed*
*LV Pololu Momentary to Latching Board*
*Red Accent LED - Keyed to the Blade*
*Recharge Port with Single TrustFire 18650*
*TCSS Premium Speaker*

StarrFire

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0180.jpg&hash=dc2b9f488ce2fca8f64d68071ab4f830e32c9a9b) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0180.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0179.jpg&hash=a7272e979f917e8bed6667358b76c32a7bbaf3ea) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0179.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0173.jpg&hash=234660c2abd57b027e1c7232250b9c66e9da9a13) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0173.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0172.jpg&hash=e75279276c3ffdd3871628ce8d79d4bcc0311121) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0172.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0174.jpg&hash=8ffd6536f86e5ab1c9e83983dafa9bed5c73c2f3) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0174.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0176.jpg&hash=9182b5d2ddd5d546b99b3381369135858b37296c) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0176.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0177.jpg&hash=d10a7d1d764760e1a00ed79e522699d3c26152b7) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0177.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0178.jpg&hash=bf2dbaf043bfda6d5b3dc91fc0642985f30865a6) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0178.jpg)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0184.jpg&hash=2c15a1c3f00b652ff5fd4f67d38c3760eae8d318) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0184.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0185.jpg&hash=081daaf4b60009d174d92d5fa6bc1e3ab235f2b9) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0185.jpg)(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi230.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee181%2Fjninoh%2FDSCN0186.jpg&hash=451884ea83917c486b62c39a9fb5a180863c6941) (http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/DSCN0186.jpg)

And a VIDEO (http://s230.photobucket.com/albums/ee181/jninoh/?action=view&current=DSCN0190.mp4)

My cat, Batman, decided he needed to be in the pictures. ;) I swear he loves lightsabers more than I do. As soon as I turn one on, you can hear him coming down the stairs from the loft to the main floor, then down the stairs to the basement. It sounds like the world is coming to an end. :D He wants a few minutes of me petting him with the blade and then he flips onto his back and it's time to fight. ::)

Thanks for looking everyone!

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Rafalema on March 03, 2011, 02:20:08 AM

Nice work on the saber, I really like the lower grips. ;)

And your cat has an AWESOME name!! ;D ;D My cat just tries to bite and lick the blade if I bring it close to him... Otherwise he just stares, pokes, stares some more and goes eat some food. Cats ftw! ;D ;D

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Oisse on March 03, 2011, 02:37:08 AM

All my cats are scared of sabers, I turn it on and they go running. Exept one of them, he loves sabers, he loves to be pet by them, and loves to play with them! Anyhow man, sweet saber!!!

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Jin Ke on March 03, 2011, 06:43:40 AM

Nice saber... I love the finish... ;D

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Arkhan on March 03, 2011, 09:13:34 AM

reversed Powercoating on the Flutes
custom flute quantity
custom flute lengths to avoid CT/box mounting

A man after my own heart.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 03, 2011, 09:23:13 AM

Thanks Everyone. Tim did a wonderful job bringing my "dream" to life. I knew he did good work by reading what other people wrote, but I still had some trepidation when placing the order; wondering if he would "get" what it was I wanted. The doubt was completely unfounded, I assure you. He is top-notch all the way. The flutes look fantastic and everything lines up the way I hoped it would. I still can't get over the powder coat. I absolutely love the texture and color.

This was actually the second time I wired the saber up.

The first time I did it:
I pulled the kill key - the AV lit up (smile)
I pressed the switch - saber came on *BEWESSSSSSSSH*(smile)
The accent LED did not come on (huh! Wonder what I messed up in the wiring there?)
Swinging it around *WOM WOM PHRUM WOM*
Batman showed up and an epic lightsaber battle ensued *KEWSH KEWSH WOM WOM KEWSH PHRUM WOM KEWSH*
Once he was laying there looking content, I pushed the switch.....*WESSSSSSH*
I thought, "Maybe the pololu makes it like an UltraSound and you have to hold it for 2.5 seconds?"
Press and hold for 2.5 seconds....*WESSSSSSH* (huh!)
Press and hold for 10 seconds.....*WESSSSSSH* (uh-oh!)
Insert kill key

So, I gutted it, went back to reading, found the power down problem and revised my wiring for the accent LED. And then......
I pulled the kill key - the AV lit up (smile)
I pressed the switch - saber came on *BEWESSSSSSSSH*(smile)
The accent LED came on (THAT'S RIGHT! 8))
Swinging it around *WOM WOM PHRUM WOM*
Batman showed up and another epic lightsaber battle ensued *KEWSH KEWSH WOM WOM KEWSH PHRUM WOM KEWSH*
Once he was laying there looking content, I pushed the switch.........*WESSSSSSSSHEIT* (:o MAN I'M GOOD! 8))

As far as Batman, we got him when we moved into the new house (6 Y/O Log Cabin sitting on 14.6 acres) almost a year and a half ago. He wasn't fully weaned, but the family that had him needed to get rid of him, and the little boy called him Batman. We decided to keep the name as the little boy really didn't want to get rid of him and seemed to like that we would still call him Batman. He's a Siberian and supposedly, they're great for people with cat allergies as they don't have the enzyme in their saliva that people react to; and it takes them 5 years to reach full growth.

Quote from: Arkhan on March 03, 2011, 09:13:34 AM

reversed Powercoating on the Flutes
custom flute quantity
custom flute lengths to avoid CT/box mounting

A man after my own heart.

:D Thank you sir. I was halfway tempted to put black paint in the flutes, but upon seeing the finished parts, knew I would never do that. Now I'm thinking about polishing the bare metal parts (flutes, ribs, groove and tip of blade holder) to a mirror shine.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: KI-ADI-MUNDI on March 03, 2011, 09:34:03 AM

That is a very nice build... 8)

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 03, 2011, 10:29:15 AM

Quote from: KI-ADI-MUNDI on March 03, 2011, 09:34:03 AM

That is a very nice build... 8)

Thank you sir. I would have loved to use your RCS with it. I look forward to them coming out and the reveal of the other things you have planned. I'm may need one for my third saber that I'm putting together now. 8)

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: okiwan on March 03, 2011, 10:42:23 AM

i never really thought of what i could use that emitter for. but it works very well with your build. i like it allot.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Kalizon on March 03, 2011, 11:16:44 AM

A well done saber. The texture on the coating looks like it was designed to be rugged.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: naigon on March 03, 2011, 01:26:44 PM

Great job, I really like the texture and emitter. Haven't seen this blade holder used like that before, it looks cool.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: GreyJedi on March 03, 2011, 01:40:58 PM

Got a kind of Mundi-vibe going on there. I like it. And the metallic grips, they look great, are they comfortable to hold?

Now, post a vid with you dueling your kitty! LOL

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 03, 2011, 02:13:37 PM

Quote from: GreyJedi on March 03, 2011, 01:40:58 PM

Got a kind of Mundi-vibe going on there. I like it. And the metallic grips, they look great, are they comfortable to hold?

Now, post a vid with you dueling your kitty! LOL

Thanks. The PC feels fantastic. I hate to equate it to sandpaper because that implies it is rough, which it's not. It has "grip" and lets you know you've got something. It's not uncomfortable, even when spinning and the PC'd choke is rubbing your hand. I would better equate it to the type of stippling you find on the grips of handguns. Nothing major, just good grip.

As for the video of dueling the cat, hehe, the first one I did had the lightsaber battle with him, but I got distracted/forgot what I was trying to say, sidetracked into playing with him, quit talking and what followed was a long, awkward space of video of me beating up my cat :D It was too long for me to upload.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: vulcan fox on March 03, 2011, 03:02:27 PM

very nice,solid and functional looking saber, understated but an obvious quality build ... well done.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Darth Midian on March 03, 2011, 04:14:07 PM

Dude! that looks awesome, Great job. I love the way that board sounds in your saber. I have a Maul board that I'm going to put in my first MHS build. I'm really looking forward to finishing that, & after hearing how awesome yours sounds I really can't wait.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 03, 2011, 04:51:30 PM

Quote from: Darth Midian on March 03, 2011, 04:14:07 PM

Dude! that looks awesome, Great job. I love the way that board sounds in your saber. I have a Maul board that I'm going to put in my first MHS build. I'm really looking forward to finishing that, & after hearing how awesome yours sounds I really can't wait.

Yeah, IRL the board sounds very deep and ominous. I have no regrets about buying 2 more.....Well, other than I bought those 2 the day before I found out about PC-L. But I still got a Darkmeat, so no biggie. Just different boards for different projects. And the Darkmeat will work better with my plans anyway.

Next time instead of an accent tied to the blade, I'm using a vibrating motor. I bought a couple of these pager motors (http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/DCM-382/VIBRATING-MINI-MOTOR/1.html) that it seems like most people use, but when I went looking for pololu boards, I found these shaftless vibration motors (http://www.pololu.com/search?query=vibration&x=0&y=0) and picked a couple up in various sizes.

Arkhan: After looking at your sig, you and I share more hobbies than just this one. While never taking on an AK personally, I've got a fair share of AR's, a bolt gun, and a couple 1911's under my belt. I really like how the tools and skills used in one hobby can carry over to another.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: bluerolla on March 03, 2011, 11:26:25 PM

nice saber ;D how did you wire up your av switch led to come on when you pull the kill key? thanks for your help. i got a mr board that i wanna wire up.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Rafalema on March 03, 2011, 11:33:35 PM

Splice the wires going from the recharge port to the soundboard and wire the LED on those wires. And don't forget the resistor or you will see your LED fried.

Good luck! ;)

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 04, 2011, 09:30:53 AM

Quote from: bluerolla on March 03, 2011, 11:26:25 PM

nice saber ;D how did you wire up your av switch led to come on when you pull the kill key? thanks for your help. i got a mr board that i wanna wire up.

Well, because of the activation box I used, the recharge port was sitting about an inch from the AV switch, but the poles were not on the same side so my wires look like an "S.".

I used two pieces of wire about 2 inches long and connected the LED+ to the +leg of the recharge port, then the LED- to the Board- of the recharge port. I actually didn't use a resistor as I am running a single 3.7v 18650 Li-Ion battery and the Vf of the blue AV LED is 3.3v. I know that, fully charged, the battery is putting out around 4.2v, but figured it could handle a little overdriving. It's another reason why I went with a single Li-Ion battery solution.

Originally, I was looking into a 4.8v NiMH and a 7.4 Li-Ion setup. Each of which, I would have to resistor and with the 7.4v, I would have to regulate power to the MR board as they don't like anything above 5v. No way to get around either option, until in my research, I found that the MR boards worked well with a single Li-Ion 3.7v solution. Then a single 18650 sounded like a no-brainer for fantastic run time and ease of use.

Except for the whole "let's solder a battery" part. Man was I nervous about that. I debated for weeks about buying a battery with tabs pre-soldered on or just using what I already had from TCSS. I bought a jar of flux, specifically for it, used WAY too much, and then had to make several attempts as I was afraid I was putting too much heat to it. Realistically, it was never an issue as the battery only got hot enough to melt the solder once and with all my attempts, it took me about 5 minutes to do it. If I would have just done it right the first time, it would have been done in less than 1 minute. Learning experience. Now I know what to realistically expect the next time I solder one (2 actually for a 7.4v PC-L "sweet spot" ;)) but still be able to keep the fear that keeps us honest. Fear and respect are powerful allies. (Did that sound Darkside?) About the time you stop respecting or fearing the risks involved with doing something dangerous, is usually about the time it reaches out and shows you why it's dangerous.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: bluerolla on March 04, 2011, 11:42:07 PM

Thanks for the help ;D so the accent led is wired to the + and - of the blade? did you use a resistor for that led? i may want to use this accent in my pommel ;)

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 05, 2011, 12:07:42 AM

Quote from: bluerolla on March 04, 2011, 11:42:07 PM

Thanks for the help ;D so the accent led is wired to the + and - of the blade? did you use a resistor for that led? i may want to use this accent in my pommel ;)

Good question. Actually, there's 6 negative wires and 1 positive wire on the board. I spliced a wire in the middle of one of the 6 for the accent negative, then I bundled all 6 wires together and connected it to the main LED. I did not resistor it. (either LED, honestly) The main thing you need to know is to splice into one wire and not the bundle of 6.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: bluerolla on March 05, 2011, 12:40:04 AM

what is the specs of your accent led? thats cool not to have to use a resistor ;D

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: Solan Starr on March 05, 2011, 09:43:07 AM

Quote from: bluerolla on March 05, 2011, 12:40:04 AM

what is the specs of your accent led? thats cool not to have to use a resistor ;D

I bought this one (http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Red-LED-indicator--P114.aspx) from TCSS

2v - 20mA standard 3mm T1 LED

I have other 3mm T1 LEDs (diffused, water clear; solid color, flashing color, 2 color flashing, etc.) and both styles of holder that I could have used, but just went with the one from TCSS. I was originally going to put a Blue/Green blinkie in it, but I don't really like that 2 color combo on the other sabers I've built.

Quote from: Solan Starr on March 05, 2011, 12:07:42 AM

Quote from: bluerolla on March 04, 2011, 11:42:07 PM
Thanks for the help ;D so the accent led is wired to the + and - of the blade? did you use a resistor for that led? i may want to use this accent in my pommel ;)

Good question. Actually, there's 6 negative wires and 1 positive wire on the board. I spliced a wire in the middle of one of the 6 for the accent negative, then I bundled all 6 wires together and connected it to the main LED. I did not resistor it. (either LED, honestly) The main thing you need to know is to splice into one wire and not the bundle of 6.

I have a follow up to this. (I was reading in bed and posted the above on my Droid, not the easiest thing to do.) If you follow that wiring plan, it would be easy to add a crystal pommel with pretty much any 3mm or 5mm LED. Personally, I would use a diffused 5mm as the diffused has a better viewing angle (thus casting more light around like a candle flame) as opposed to a water clear that typically has a 20 - 40 degree viewing angle (more like a flashlight beam) Either one would work fantastic and be easy to do.

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions, I'll be glad to help.

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: bluerolla on March 05, 2011, 12:38:09 PM

Thanks for your help, your a lifesaver ;D i will try this method of wiring. can't wait to start haha, MTFBWY!!!!!!

Title: Re: StarrFire - My Second MHS Build
Post by: DarthCaedus on March 09, 2011, 07:30:36 PM

beautiful saber, amazing the things that are possible with MHS isnt it?

FX-Sabers.com

FX-Sabers Discussion - Including a Gallery of custom sabers. => Forum Gallery => Topic started by: Solan Starr on March 03, 2011, 01:44:12 AM