Also...
Welcome jdmac29! ;)
There is a battery saver that shuts off the saber automatically as answered before. BUT, don't rely on it to keep your batteries from draining. Even though the protection ciruit kicks in, there is still current running through the circuitry, and the batteries WILL deplete when the saber is in "sleep" mode :)
If you are having issues with the sound when swinging (motion sensor) the saber. It is normal for the sith boards to have a slight delay. It could be that you haven't gotten the saber "broken-in" yet.
Sometimes the motion and clash sensors in Force FX have a tendency to be a little tight when new. It's completely normal, and they do eventually become a little more sensitive with time and use.
Enjoy your new saber! ;)