"Force feedback motor"?

[eryqtx]

Hi, I have seen a couple mentions of a "force feedback motor." Sounds intriguing, can someone tell me what that is exactly, and if it's what it sounds like, why all lightsabers don't have them?
Thanks!

[JANGO FETT]

It's a small motor, either cell phone size or larger that is running in parallel to the blade or speaker. It makes the hilt vibrate a little.

the downside is:

• Less power for sound and light
• Can cause false swings from a soundboard
• Can come loose inside a hilt and damage electronics
• The motors themselves can just stop working

IMO, too much downside, and not enough reward.  A good 2W HB speaker with proper resonance chamber will serve the same function.

[jbkuma]

I know some really think this is essential to their saber experience, but I have never once thought to myself "boy, I wish my saber vibrated more."  There is also the items Jango mentioned. 

If you are wondering how to wire it, it's basically the same as an accent LED. 

[Cheule]

The moment you put it like that, it makes so much sense.  Thanks

It's a small motor, either cell phone size or larger that is running in parallel to the blade or speaker. It makes the hilt vibrate a little.

the downside is:

• Less power for sound and light
• Can cause false swings from a soundboard
• Can come loose inside a hilt and damage electronics
• The motors themselves can just stop working

IMO, too much downside, and not enough reward.  A good 2W HB speaker with proper resonance chamber will serve the same function.

[Greebles]

I use rumble motors in many of my installs without any issues whatsoever. I prefer wiring it with the FoC to add a bit of extra zing during blaster effects and lockup. The battery usage is VERY small, about the same as an accent LED (20mA-80mA). Placement is best when forward in the hilt, mounted on a separate chassis from the soundboard. It will not trigger false swings if done this way. With proper tuning and wired to FoC it is a VERY nice addition.

-Denzil

[Obi_1]

I used in some of my builds rumbling motors and they do add to the experience. Basically they are same or similar to the ones used in cell phones to make them buzz. It also clearly means that they are neither big nor do they eat much energy. In fact you can drive them without a driver, they can be driven off a simple digital I/O if you grap the right kind.

So far I never faced any issue with triggering false swings and clashes, but alas the FX-SaberOS running on my DIYino boards have a gesture detection algorithm which is not easy to fool 

All that said I agree wholeheartedly to Jango's comment that a good 2W bass speaker will cause enough vibration to replace such a buzz motor! That is why I love these speakers!!! Bad thing they are sooo hard to come by...