Neopixel strip/Classic string blade Connectors and 3D-printed Holders3D-printed Connectors Holders Shapeways shop link:ShtokCustomWorx by ShtokyD - Shapeways Shops (https://www.shapeways.com/shops/shtokyd?section=Neopixel%2FLED+Connectors+Holders&s=0)
NPXL 3-pole (11 spring-loaded gold plated pins: 1 for Data, 5 for Positive lead, 5 for Negative lead) Lit Connector System
(https://i.imgur.com/vZHldAt.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/UnLXV7q.png?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/IwLDoLc.jpg?1)
With growing interest in Neopixel LED strips technology in saber community we need blade connector holders solutions that are easy to install and use, have cool features, are durable and also nice looking in the hilt and chassis. So with this in mind I've been working on a few connector systems for almost a year now and here is the result I came up with:
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GX16 Connector and 3D-printed Holder (A cheaper connector solution, GX16 connectors are available widely on aliexpress, ebay, amazon and from some vendors in saber community like KR-sabers... are durable, can handle big currents (up to 15-20A) through each contact pin in 3-pin configuration, are available in models from 2-pin to 9-pin. But more pins you get - smaller they are, so each separate pin can handle less current, keep that in mind).
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NPXL Connector and 3D-printed Holder (A new connector system based on well known and widely used in different electronic devices (laptops, mobile phones for quick and easy charger cable disconnect or battery, other currently available neopixel blade connectors etc.) spring-loaded “Pogo pins”, but I designed them from scratch completely differently with additional new features and for high currents to use them safely with 3-4 strips blades. And the best feature - 5 on-board neopixels! Why we need them? - for regular blade plugs backlighting, battery level indication, charge status indication and all other cool accent animations and patterns having a second programmable Neopixel Data line output like in TeensySaber, because these 5 leds have a separate Data line from the main Blade Data line, which can be configured to be used stand-alone or in pair with the blade!. Very easy to use and install even in "thin-neck" sabers thanks to the extremely compact and low-profile design and looks incredible in the exposed blade socket, no indexed blade connection orientation, just "plug and play").
New NPXL Connector Features:
- biggest current rating (up to 15A constant current and 20A+ at peak currents) (tested)
- better and more stable contacts (more pins, randomized pattern)
- the smallest and low-profile size on the market for more install options
- 5 additional on-board neopixel leds for programmable animations, PLI, charge status, blade plug backlight (some features may be implemented only with particular sound boards)
NPXL connector PCBs are in production now, stay tuned for more news!Real photos of connectors and 3D-printed holders:
3D-printed in nylon plastic:
(https://i.imgur.com/EBJwMin.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/dFmxKEs.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/k6UQeyi.jpg?1)
3D-printed in brass, bronze and steel:
(https://i.imgur.com/E4hRQ8J.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/IC6IpmZ.jpg?1) (https://i.imgur.com/FaGZubJ.jpg?1)