Profezzorn's first build (graflex 2.0, teensy, prop shield, neopixel led string)

[profezzorn]

I had another thought:
It might be possible to build an adapter that would make it possible to use non-string blades.
Simplest possible would be something like a led star or laser, a FET + resistor, crammed into a 7/8" copper pipe. If it can be made short enough, it could be sit inside the blade holder and provide light for a hollow blade.
Also, it could be swapped out easily for a different color.

Perhaps the most difficult part would be to get it out afterwards... :)

[profezzorn]

Almost there...

[profezzorn]

Aaaaand I updated the circuit diagram again. Added a FET to control the power-supply for the blade, and also added alternative blade circuits. I'm planning to build a couple of different blades to try out these circuits actually, and the software should automatically detect what blade is attached and do the right thing. It should be pretty cool. :)

[TheBaconWizard]

Very cool! :D

[profezzorn]

Missed the mailman today, but he left a message saying I have a package from park sabers! Total wait time: 5 weeks, I will go to the post office to.orrow to pick it up.

[profezzorn]

Got the string all finished and wired, here is a closeup of the blade identifier resistor (2.6k)

[EXAR KUN]

It's soo pretty!

It is!

[profezzorn]

Finally have my Graflex 2.1!  Fitting stuff is going to be interesting.
Made a crude 3d model of the inside so I can plan things out:

[profezzorn]

First blade is finished:

It uses 97 PL9823 LEDs, a packing foam sheet inner diffuser, than the TCSS 3/4" diffuser tube, and then the 7/8" diffused polycarbonate blade with a rounded tip.

Here is a brightness comparison:



The bottom one is a "Black Series Luke Skywalker Force FX Lightsaber", with reasonably new batteries.
The top is my new blade. The camera is exaggerating the effect a little, but my blade is a fair amount brighter, and that's with only the blue LEDs on. It should be roughly 3x brighter when white.

[profezzorn]

Finally got the blade working correctly, it needed a level shifter (3v-to-5v) to work properly. (Will update the circuit diagram later.)

Here is a demo:

Sorry the colors of the blade doesn't show up very well in the video.
The teensy can update the color of all the LEDs about 300 times per second, major overkill, but kind of cool.

[TheBaconWizard]

Lol @ the stripy blade! Although I can imagine a number of cool lockup effects and after-shock waves from blaster blocks. And obv force effects etc.

[EXAR KUN]

Omg this is so amazing you are seriously taking this to the absolute next level. Great job I love the blade

[profezzorn]

Today I'm going to experiment with the teensy touch sensor support, if it works, I plan to make clamp card a touch sensor. Unfortunately, you're not actually supposed to *touch* the touch sensor[1], so I'm probably going to have to add a layer of packing tape to the clamp card.

[1] Because static electricity is Bad

[profezzorn]

Touch sensors work! (and are kind of awesome..)

[profezzorn]

Updated circuit diagram, with touch sensor and level shifter: