FX-Sabers.com

The S.A.B.E.R. GUILD: Saber Manufacturers => Acerocket's Orbital Machining => Topic started by: Lord Xeno on February 16, 2012, 10:05:36 AM

Title: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Lord Xeno on February 16, 2012, 10:05:36 AM
Orbital Machining Presents
The 100% Screen-Accurate Obi-Wan Kenobi Lightsaber
As seen in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace


(https://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/020510/144858__ewan_l.jpg)

SPECS
OM Full custom machined 100% screen accurate Obi Wan Kenobi hilt from Star Wars TPM
Crystal Focus SaberCore V5.09 Firmware V5.6 PCB
10W LEDengin BBBB Main LED wired @2A with Flash on Clash
Power Extender for FoC
Lighted Purple Hemi / button for aux effects (blade lock up and blaster block)
Lighted Emitter Bezels
Dual Pommel Option - with or without sound holes
Exclusive "Fates" Soundfont by Madcow
Threaded aluminum emitter cap
OM 7/8" optical blade with threaded coupling
Screen accurate Knurled red knob for power on/off
Electronics install by Official OM TPM Saber Guild Installer - LDM Custom Sabers
7.4V Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery pack
Recharge port in pommel
Travel/storage hard case
Custom stand

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F5.jpg&hash=82e5e1cceea1bb7f885446a359c36ae47e7d0577) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/5.jpg)       (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F6.jpg&hash=5b40ae246b54ce1b31555872b45b023e9bfacf4a) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/6.jpg)

Noteworthy stuff about this saber package I really liked in addition to the hilt itself:

1) The turn on/off feature ROCKS!  Took me a bit to figure it out because I don't read instructions but it is really trick!
2) This thing is UBER bright!  Great use of the LEDengin 10W and FoC
3) The hilt is very slender compared to the HFX Obi TPM and feels great in the hands -- well balanced and solid.  Not too heavy and not too light -- just perfectly weighted
4) PURPLE HEMI RULES and works great as the aux effects trigger
5) The screw-on/off blade and emitter cap is AWESOME and works flawlessly
6) The way the sound eminates from the ribs in the center of the hilt -- feels like there's a rumble motor installed
7) Nice and Loud but then this is a CFV5
8 ) Madcow's "Fates" soundfont kicks!
9) Two pommel end cap solutions included -- with or without sound holes! (surprise from Acerocket)
10) The pommel cap removal is very easy and provides very convenient access to the SD card and recharge port/kill key
11) Awesome hardcase to protect saber while not in use or for travel (another surprise from Acerocket)
12) DVD full of documentation on the saber

Video Review is here:
http://youtu.be/k6hEbZ0zLqk (http://youtu.be/k6hEbZ0zLqk)
(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2Fvid.jpg&hash=b24a83da808ae55685d92d881cb038522bf3c48c) (http://youtu.be/k6hEbZ0zLqk)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F2.jpg&hash=06ffc1c82658d6d95d72d8371a4862685b062830) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/2.jpg)
Lights up the whole room in the daytime even

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F3.jpg&hash=166a5778c751da71268583dc578b91ef76076f0c) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/3.jpg)
Uber bright

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F1.jpg&hash=825cff7674b116e5910439870977b61ae16f59c7) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/1.jpg)
Purple Hemi shot

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F4.jpg&hash=a454abbc32c94373499d3586ababa2436f1550c4) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/4.jpg)
Comparison with stock HFX Obi TPM
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Scorpion on February 16, 2012, 10:12:25 AM
Awesome
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Machinimax on February 16, 2012, 10:41:05 AM

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.segashinobi.com%2Ffx-sabers%2Fobitpm%2F2.jpg&hash=06ffc1c82658d6d95d72d8371a4862685b062830) (http://www.segashinobi.com/fx-sabers/obitpm/2.jpg)


"Bright light! Bright light!"

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi51.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff365%2Fdanycmetal%2Fgizmo_l.jpg&hash=1c63ea2f47fafd6bbb78d8fc078ddd9152dded16)

Lol!

Looks great! You are a very lucky man!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Scorpion on February 16, 2012, 10:44:25 AM
Wow  :o that does look very bright
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: LUKE SKYWALKER on February 16, 2012, 10:48:23 AM
very very VERY bright!!!  :o amazing stuff!!!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Lord Xeno on February 16, 2012, 04:17:57 PM
Yes and that is with the LED current on setting 80.  I upped it to 93 (2A)  ;D
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Machinimax on February 16, 2012, 04:20:57 PM
Hyperdrive!!!!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: C-3P0 on February 16, 2012, 04:47:13 PM
My god, thats just incredible!  :o super, SUPER bright! Can't wait to see it in person!

I never knew there were two pommel sound caps included! Really cool.

I'm going to explode in anticipation by the time mine gets here!! It's going to be like Christmas x100!

Congrats Toddshogun!

Couldn't believe the size difference between it next to the Hasbro. Doesn't deserve to be next to the Wat Obi :D
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Lord Xeno on February 16, 2012, 04:51:28 PM
Yeah -- I didn't think I'd be getting both pommel solutions either.  Nice surprise (or maybe I need to read the forums more often..)!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: ANAKIN SKYWALKER on February 16, 2012, 04:59:01 PM
Wow, that is nice!  fates is good then huh?  I hope he releases it on his site soon.  Gotta has me some madcow soundfonts. 
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Gil Gamesh on February 16, 2012, 05:30:58 PM
Great review!  I was surprised too by the extra pommel, and if it was mentioned in the thread somewhere I missed it as well :D  Love how mine came configured as well. 
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Acerocket on February 16, 2012, 06:32:36 PM
No, the extra pommel cap and the case were surprises.  As if the saber itself was not enough of a suprise already.

Back when the machining was finishing up, I was worried about how quiet they might be.  Some testing showed the sound might be a bit muffled.  I made the decision to order more material, make 38 pommels with sound holes and ship them off to catch up with the other parts out for anodizing.  My thought was that you could have the solid pommel for looks and 'quiet' show offs.  At a con or a noisy setting, you could swap to the hole pommel and it might make it louder.  See, I try and take care of my customers. ;D

The case just saves me a the hassle of dealing with a bazillion foam packing peanuts.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: C-3P0 on February 16, 2012, 06:36:16 PM
*bows down to Wat* We are not worthy!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Lord Xeno on February 16, 2012, 06:41:55 PM
Fates is good.  Very good.  I'll be using that font in some of my other sabers as well.

I copied the entire TPM Soundtrack onto the saber. 

Thanks for the extra pommel Wat!  You da man

Uploaded a Video Review of mine on YouTube.

http://youtu.be/k6hEbZ0zLqk (http://youtu.be/k6hEbZ0zLqk)

Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Vale on February 16, 2012, 07:12:18 PM
nice video!  well done!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Acerocket on February 16, 2012, 07:38:15 PM
Actually, the red button is not supposed to turn to turn on/off the saber.  It is a momentary switch under the red button.  The red button itself is screwed into a retaining plate under the outer shroud and it sits on top of the momentary switch.  You can vary the amount the red button sticks intot he saber by screwing it in or out.  Screw it out and you have a safety that allows you to carry the saber without risj of the slightest bump turning the saber on.  You can screw it in a little and the red button becomes the momentary plunger.  I am not sure what will happen if you leave the red button screwed in to far all the time - it might not be good for the CF so I would not rely on it being screwed in to far.  The purple hemi is the aux switch as you said.  The sabers are set up with APOP so you will need to push both the red button and purple hemi to turn the saber off.

Sorry if I did not make this more clear int eh instructions.  The red button is left loose on purpose to facilitate easy removel should there ever need to be a repair.  There were instructions detailing the poosible use of loctite if you want to keep the red button from moving, but that is your choice.  The sabers were made so you could personalize them a little and fix them to your preference instead of making them too difficult to effect changes if you wished them.

edit:  I will have to double check my paper work and possibly check with Erv, but I believe these boards are not the V5.1 boards but the V5.06 boards.  I will double check and make sure Sanjuro knows so he can make sure he has it correct on teh stands.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Sanjuro on February 16, 2012, 07:43:52 PM
The red button itself is screwed into a retaining plate under the outer shroud and it sits on top of the momentary switch.  You can vary the amount the red button sticks intot he saber by screwing it in or out.  Screw it out and you have a safety that allows you to carry the saber without risj of the slightest bump turning the saber on.  You can screw it in a little and the red button becomes the momentary plunger.

This is simply brilliant.

This is just one of the many features of this lightsaber that make this run so exciting.

Respectfully,
Sanjuro
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: ANAKIN SKYWALKER on February 16, 2012, 07:48:19 PM
No way are they 5.06 boards.  5.10 is firmware, 5.6 is hardware.  I have a may 2010 board that is a 5.3, and a january 2011 board that's a 5.5.  Firmware is 5.06 and 5.08 respectively.  Those are at least 5.09 (reboot while set to wakeup on motion bug fix). 
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Acerocket on February 16, 2012, 07:52:30 PM
I have an email to Erv to verify.  Please wait until I hear back before everyone starts guessing as to wha teh version is please.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: JANGO FETT on February 16, 2012, 08:08:05 PM
The PCB is 5.5 and the firmware is 5.6. on all of them.

Installer.  8)
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: SgtBatten on February 16, 2012, 08:53:52 PM
The PCB is 5.5 and the firmware is 5.6. on all of them.

Installer.  8)

Maka sense as they were ordered a long way back
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Psab Keel on February 16, 2012, 11:39:12 PM
Fantastic lightsaber.  I especially like the recharge port/ sd card access in the pommel.  Incredible difference in the diameter between this and the Hasbro TPM OBi-Wan saber.  You would think that Hasbro could have made theirs a bit smaller than they did.

Just proves to me that fan-made sabers will always trump officially licensed ones.  More money, love and attention to detail than a mass manufactured product!

Awesome saber!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Caine on February 17, 2012, 12:27:04 AM
Congrats on your amazing Obi!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: hullbreach on February 17, 2012, 12:49:24 AM
an excellent review todd! well worthy of this work of art. enjoy it for years and years.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Kenobi2185 on February 17, 2012, 12:53:53 AM
Great review.  Amazing lightsaber! 

Bummed I wasn't here for the run.  Maybe OM could do an Obi AOTC run next year for the 3D release ;D
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Darthlwin on February 17, 2012, 04:50:32 AM
I thought the Force FX obi looked alright until I saw them together. Your new one completely outshines the Force FX one.

Congrats!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Acerocket on February 17, 2012, 05:50:45 AM
I received this email response from Erv.

"Hi there erik,


I recall they are CF v5.09 (firmware). The PCB revision is 5.6.
(We usually name the CF after the firmware revision)"

Since V5.1 is the current incarnation, I guess we are going to call these the V5.09.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: C-3P0 on February 17, 2012, 05:56:30 AM
It has a 5 at the beginning, That's all that matters to me :D
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Darth Monkey on February 17, 2012, 06:01:08 AM
Great review Todd, can't wait to get my hands on mine!

One question Wat, with the charger supplied is the power cable removable? Over here in the UK we use a different power setup(240V 50Hz) & have 3 pin plugs as opposed to the 2 pins used in the US so we'd need to change the cable in order to use it.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: C-3P0 on February 17, 2012, 06:22:45 AM
Great review Todd, can't wait to get my hands on mine!

One question Wat, with the charger supplied is the power cable removable? Over here in the UK we use a different power setup(240V 50Hz) & have 3 pin plugs as opposed to the 2 pins used in the US so we'd need to change the cable in order to use it.

You need an AC adapter converter, it's the same deal in Australia. All three regions are different. You just need an adapter to change over from the US plug end to the one that fits in your wall. You can get them at electronics stores. About $15 over here...

So you basically plug that into the two pin end of the one Wat supplies, then that goes into the wall.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Acerocket on February 17, 2012, 06:26:01 AM
Great review Todd, can't wait to get my hands on mine!

One question Wat, with the charger supplied is the power cable removable? Over here in the UK we use a different power setup(240V 50Hz) & have 3 pin plugs as opposed to the 2 pins used in the US so we'd need to change the cable in order to use it.

No, the wall plug end of the cable is part of the charger itself - it is not removeable.  The company I bought the chargers from does not European specific versions of the charger (American company even though the chargers are made in China, sells products for the US market mostly).  To be honest, I have no idea what any of the other smiths do when they sell saber to international customers.  I don't think it's a simple matter of just changing the plug either.  I could be wrong as the specs do say the following:

Rating AC Input:  100-240VAC
Rating Current:  0.1A
Max. Input Power:  6W
Rating Frequency:  50/60Hz
Rating Output:  Vout:8.4V 0.5A
Suit Battery:  7.4V  0.7-3.6Ah Li-ion/polymer Battery


My guess is that you will at the very least need some sort of adapter plug or even some sort of 'universal' power convertor.

In the US, most major electronics, have a three prong plug on them - the third prong being a ground.  But many houses, especially older ones, only have two prong outlets.  I keep a handful of little two-to-three prong adapters for use when I take my laptop on the road.  My parents house is pretty old and it only has 2 prong outlets.  
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: C-3P0 on February 17, 2012, 06:41:39 AM
Other smiths have sent me the Tenergy chargers, and they just work with the universal power converter that I, and Wat just mentioned. Nothing else should need to be changed on Wat's (or any other charger), it should work with a straight conversion.

This is the one I use and it does the job just fine:
http://dicksmith.com.au/product/M7323/multi-reverse-travel-adaptor

Obviously that will be a bit different to the UK one, but you get the idea. Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Scorpion on February 17, 2012, 07:16:49 AM
you need a plug adapter they are mega cheap on ebay,
iv used one for yrs with no problems at all,
just plug the charger plug in to it and your set to go

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-PIN-PLUG-TRAVEL-ADAPTOR-Universal-AU-US-USA-AUS-EU-UK-3-Pin-Universal-UK-/170769873032?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item27c2ad7888
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: LUKE SKYWALKER on February 17, 2012, 07:36:58 AM
Steve and Dave are absolutely right! As long as the input Voltage is in the range of 100 - 240 V everything is fine  ;)
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Scruffy Nerf Herder on February 17, 2012, 07:59:31 AM
Having spent three years in England with electronic products meant for the USA I can agree with the above statements.  Any electronic store should carry adapters.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on February 17, 2012, 08:02:17 AM
Excellent review and video! 
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Darth Monkey on February 17, 2012, 08:38:44 AM
Awesome thanks guys!  :D
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Galaam Rendik on February 20, 2012, 10:08:51 AM
Great review Todd, can't wait to get my hands on mine!

One question Wat, with the charger supplied is the power cable removable? Over here in the UK we use a different power setup(240V 50Hz) & have 3 pin plugs as opposed to the 2 pins used in the US so we'd need to change the cable in order to use it.

No, the wall plug end of the cable is part of the charger itself - it is not removeable.  The company I bought the chargers from does not European specific versions of the charger (American company even though the chargers are made in China, sells products for the US market mostly).  To be honest, I have no idea what any of the other smiths do when they sell saber to international customers.  I don't think it's a simple matter of just changing the plug either.  I could be wrong as the specs do say the following:

Rating AC Input:  100-240VAC
Rating Current:  0.1A
Max. Input Power:  6W
Rating Frequency:  50/60Hz
Rating Output:  Vout:8.4V 0.5A
Suit Battery:  7.4V  0.7-3.6Ah Li-ion/polymer Battery


My guess is that you will at the very least need some sort of adapter plug or even some sort of 'universal' power convertor.

In the US, most major electronics, have a three prong plug on them - the third prong being a ground.  But many houses, especially older ones, only have two prong outlets.  I keep a handful of little two-to-three prong adapters for use when I take my laptop on the road.  My parents house is pretty old and it only has 2 prong outlets. 

Hey Darth Monkey,

Living in France I also encountered this plug issue.
Since the input voltage and frequency are compatible with both US and Euro system I just CUT the US plug and replaced it with a spare one that looks like this:
http://www.arcadeducomposant.fr/SITES/arcadeducomposant.fr/IMG/produiton5461.jpg (http://www.arcadeducomposant.fr/SITES/arcadeducomposant.fr/IMG/produiton5461.jpg)
I got it at my local hardware store.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Lord Xeno on February 23, 2012, 05:58:17 PM
Okay so I've got approval to announce that my install was done by the 4-armed General himself -- and he did a great job as always!
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: Sohryu76 on February 23, 2012, 06:36:01 PM
Okay so I've got approval to announce that my install was done by the 4-armed General himself -- and he did a great job as always!

sweet news...
I wish i could find out...
I would love to know who to thank aside from Wat.
Title: Re: Orbital Machining Obi-Wan TPM #08 Review
Post by: C-3P0 on February 23, 2012, 10:53:48 PM
Okay so I've got approval to announce that my install was done by the 4-armed General himself -- and he did a great job as always!

sweet news...
I wish i could find out...
I would love to know who to thank aside from Wat.

Same :D