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FX-Sabers Discussion - Including a Gallery of custom sabers. => Forum Gallery => Topic started by: Machinimax on June 22, 2012, 09:54:36 PM

Title: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on June 22, 2012, 09:54:36 PM
Well everybody, after a lot of hard work and challenges faced, I am finally proud to unveil:

Aurea

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1177.jpg&hash=3d49db426f6923c9166d2c021b035e6cced82d5f)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1177.jpg

I began planning this project back in May of 2011 and now a little over a year later it has finally come to life. I designed this to be my personal saber. I was going for an aesthetically pleasing yet simple look and I think it was well achieved. It is very easy to hold, nothing gets in the way of my hands, and it is a great spinner. The work done by Tim at the Custom Saber Shop is absolutely beautiful.

Specs:
Plecter Labs Crystal Focus 5.6
7.4V 18500 Li-Ion Battery Pack
Yellow Dot Momentary Switch
LedEngin RGBW mixed for Yellow with White FoC
2W Bass Speaker
2.1mm Recharge port with kill key from Beggars Outpost

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1180.jpg&hash=7e3b0e6d6743cf703bdf7eb8184025bd8668b9e6)  (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1179.jpg&hash=f041415ed218640285556a99dc032295e37f7a87)  (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1181.jpg&hash=08273652fd0e0382174de9dabb64406a24138f92)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1180.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1179.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1181.jpg

The Crystal Focus is by far the coolest thing I have ever seen in terms of FX lightsabers! I always seen videos of CF sabers in action on You Tube or here on the forums but I until I began this project, I never thought I would own one myself. Thank you Erv for a magnificent piece of work. The soundfonts I have loaded are as follows:

Novastar by Novastar
Shatterpoint by Madcow
TOR Tranquility by Nightstorm
Episode IV by Novastar
Knights of the Old Republic by Machinimax (Me!  :D )
Duelist by Sekrouge1985

The Red and Green dice on the LedEngin are mixed for a nice yellow color. Both are wired in series and being powered by 1 amp. The white die is used for Flash on Clash. It's a very subtle FoC but it's there and I like it very much. I'm not a big fan of the blade changing colors when FoC is triggered. At just 1 amp, this sucker is BRIGHT! Even in the natural light it's still pretty bright and my house gets a lot of outdoor light. (And FYI the batteries died about five minutes after I took those pictures and look how bright it still is.) The color is really brought out and very evenly lit by the TransWhite Dual Diffused Blade I got from Vader's Vault. (Thank you Fender Bender and Allaerra!) The name of the saber comes actually from the color of the blade. Aurea is Latin for golden. When I was deciding on names for this saber, this one took the cake for me. It's short and simple, it describes the saber a little, and has a bit of an elegant ring to it.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1184.jpg&hash=cbf4849277d467386173eafe63d75a0c4ac1070c)  (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1185.jpg&hash=e5c4a1ce368996771303d24761ee006db6f65dc4)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1184.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1185.jpg

A few build pics:

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F2012-06-08_19-50-16_256.jpg&hash=feb21c243ca55be82238dedb489df7b8f07f1c78)  (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1173.jpg&hash=aff48f0cf6752a7b88c6c6cadb3155b93e996de6)  (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F2012-06-19_18-17-36_225.jpg&hash=15e3c9910e1e100dd81e7867ab53d0b395502ae7)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/2012-06-08_19-50-16_256.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1173.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/2012-06-19_18-17-36_225.jpg

Video
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTVmVM22lLo&feature=youtu.be#)

The people here on the forums have been tremendously helpful in my research for this project. With your guidance and patience, I was able to make something great. I have always loved the thrill of putting something together with my own two hands and this is by far one of my best works yet. I am very proud of it. So I hope you enjoy Aurea as much as I do. Thanks very much and MTFBWYA!!!!!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Ladyhawke on June 22, 2012, 10:13:31 PM
Excellent job!  I really like the simplicity of this saber.  Looks very solid for dueling and such.  Very awesome :)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: ScrimpyPIE on June 23, 2012, 12:58:01 AM
It looks awesome,man! The apprentice has become a knight in his own right.... But remember, the road to Master is a long and hard one. Good job, keep it up!!!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Deke on June 23, 2012, 01:02:21 AM
I love that golden yellow, totally going to use something close to that in one of my sabers soon!

Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Free Thinker on June 23, 2012, 01:59:04 AM
Congratulations on a great build! :) Looking forward to seeing the video. 
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Holt on June 23, 2012, 02:12:47 AM
Very nice build!I LOVE the yellow! Looks bright as the sun! I cannot wait until I get my CF 5.10 installed!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: LUMINARA UNDULI on June 23, 2012, 05:22:49 AM
What a nice culmination for all your hard work!!!  It came out quite well!  Very nice yellow :).
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: LordBlako on June 23, 2012, 05:54:52 AM
it's finally done... congrats, machinimax! i guess you will definately enjoy this saber...  :) it turned out really good!  8)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Darthvix on June 23, 2012, 07:09:57 AM
Very nice, I love the simple design. The yellow color will make it more of a "personal" saber. Not many yellows out there, this came out great!
Well Done!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Jagged Fel on June 23, 2012, 07:51:22 AM
Congrats on a job well done,look forward to seeing the video :) It must feel good to finally finish it up...now if i could only find the time to finish my own projects i started over a year ago,(time)-the older you get the faster it goes and there's a lot less of it :P
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Forgetful Jedi Knight on June 23, 2012, 09:05:07 AM
Good Job Machinimax! I'm happy to see that this finally came together for you. Great shade of golden yellow :D

@Darthvix: See how his wiring is "taut" on the board (next to no slack), and under the chassis disks, that is what you should be aiming for in your build.  ;)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Darthvix on June 23, 2012, 09:15:52 AM
yea, exactly what i fixed lol, not all bunched up, they are flat now lol not a mess. Machinimax has very good wiring skills. Again, great job!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Link on June 23, 2012, 09:44:15 AM
Great work bud !  So looking forward to the vid too !   Really glad to see this come to life !   :)   Great job

Link
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Master Valon on June 23, 2012, 09:57:47 AM
Very nice work! I never had the discipline to be able to finish even my smaller, Petite Crouton project. I can't imagine the mental fortitude to not rush anything, wait for all the components to arrive, and learn the process before assembling, especially on such a big, complex setup. I applause you, brother! Great job, and I'm sure you'll be enjoying this saber for years to come! :)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on June 23, 2012, 04:40:09 PM
So happy to see this all together. You brought a great design to life. Can't wait for the video, and the debut of that sweet font!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on June 24, 2012, 02:37:39 PM
Thank you very much for the kind words everybody! Also I hate to break this to you guys but I'm having more difficulty with my problem than I thought I would. With that don't expect a video right now. I need to get this matter resolved first.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Caine on June 24, 2012, 07:44:01 PM
Glad you got your dream weapon done.  :D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Picky on June 26, 2012, 07:08:59 AM
Compliments! I like a lot the gold color of the blade! This is really a fluid and elegant saber!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: basalter on June 26, 2012, 08:02:24 AM
Really nice looking saber my friend. Hope the issue you are having can be resolved, and you have many hours of well deserved, brightly lit , fun!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on June 26, 2012, 08:25:26 AM
Really nice looking saber my friend. Hope the issue you are having can be resolved, and you have many hours of well deserved, brightly lit , fun!

Well luckily it's nothing serious and should be easy to fix (once the replacement part arrives of course  :D ).
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Caine on June 26, 2012, 10:53:58 AM
Really nice looking saber my friend. Hope the issue you are having can be resolved, and you have many hours of well deserved, brightly lit , fun!

Well luckily it's nothing serious and should be easy to fix (once the replacement part arrives of course  :D ).

In the meantime you can still charge it and use it...it's no HUGE deal that can't be dealt with.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Picky on June 26, 2012, 11:55:58 AM
Sorry to hear there is a little problem! Best wishes for the repair  ;)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on June 26, 2012, 04:00:20 PM
Very cool sig you have there, my friend. It looks like a sentinels weapon.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on June 26, 2012, 04:42:14 PM
Very cool sig you have there, my friend. It looks like a sentinels weapon.

Thanks! High school graphic design has been paying off. It is truly a sentinel saber.  ;) :D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: BEN KENOBI on June 26, 2012, 04:55:46 PM
 :o :o

wow that saber's kicked!!Love the yellow by the way!! ;D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: RoHan Solo on June 28, 2012, 10:26:41 PM
Yep, that yellow blade is beautiful. I can only imagine how elated you must feel on your achievement. Well done, great first build.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on July 05, 2012, 09:29:31 AM
In the words of Gomez Addams, "A-HA!! SHOWTIME!!!!" The video is up!!!! Check the first post!!!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Master Valon on July 05, 2012, 09:49:48 AM
Duuude! Nice work! I sat down and watched the whole thing, and enjoyed every second of it. Very, very impressive. Not much else to say, except.... ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :) :) :) :o :o :o 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Valon
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: SithStalker on July 05, 2012, 10:23:47 AM
Awesome Saber and great Video!!! LIKE  :D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: vulcan fox on July 05, 2012, 12:24:04 PM
yep, enjoyed the vid and having heard loads of duran duran over the years ive got to agree that sound reproduction is amazing ..... NICE.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Link on July 05, 2012, 01:55:51 PM
Congrats bud !   Really cool vid and a great accomplishment !   I would love to hear your new font !  Maybe you should PM me and we can talk ;)   

Looking forward to the blaster project !!! 

Link
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on July 05, 2012, 03:01:13 PM
Awesome vid. I went over my data plan to watch this. It was worth it.

So that new kotor font sounded awesome...  ::)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on July 05, 2012, 06:43:46 PM
Awesome vid. I went over my data plan to watch this. It was worth it.

So that new kotor font sounded awesome...  ::)

Yeah I know I said in the vid "We'll get to that later." Honest to goodness I meant to say we'll get to that in another video.  ;D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on October 25, 2012, 07:29:32 PM
I made some minor upgrades to the saber.

Introducing Aurea 1.5

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F2012-10-25_21-02-28_314.jpg&hash=6518b517760c6dc853e1d48d0e22431679e2ad18)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/2012-10-25_21-02-28_314.jpg

The first upgrade is a machined Covertec button in place of the plastic one that comes with the clip.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F2012-10-25_21-02-58_150.jpg&hash=3ee1cf867259863ce623fb90fc12a8619107fdde)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/2012-10-25_21-02-58_150.jpg

The second is a TCSS trim ring, which is now covering a gap that used to exist between the main body and the choke.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F2012-10-25_21-04-35_451.jpg&hash=acbc6365d9cd15a35df93093ca4990fe65732b7e) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F2012-10-25_19-38-35_462.jpg&hash=b23d032c5a5765791e6b151bc0d917e8b9166834)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/2012-10-25_21-04-35_451.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/2012-10-25_19-38-35_462.jpg

Like I said, minor upgrades but I do think they look nice. Thanks for taking a peak!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Jerome on October 25, 2012, 08:34:45 PM
Looks good! It's the little things that count. Now I'm wondering why there was a gap there in the first place?
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on October 25, 2012, 08:41:57 PM
Lookin' good there my friend. That tri ring looks comfy.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on October 25, 2012, 08:45:00 PM
Looks good! It's the little things that count. Now I'm wondering why there was a gap there in the first place?

I'm using Sanjuro's chassis disk system. I clipped the 4-40 rods to length and then filed them down a bit so the ends weren't pinched anymore. I could have maybe taken a little more off but at the risk of pinching the rod again and not being able to get the nuts off. I probably can find a way to fix that but I do like the trim ring as it adds a little more detail and color to the hilt.

Lookin' good there my friend. That tri ring looks comfy.

I'm adjusting to it being there but it isn't uncomfortable to hold. I think it helps give my dominant hand a bit of a better grip too.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Caine on October 25, 2012, 09:38:33 PM
You will find that your "go to" saber will go through MANY, MANY overhauls.  :D

My original LDM MHS Luke V2....I took that thing apart and upgraded/modded it more times than I can count.

My MKVI?  Getting close to that same #.  :D Started as a V3...became a V2...went thru two boards in it....getting modded again.

But your "go to weapon" will ALWAYS be the special one.   ;)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: vulcan fox on October 26, 2012, 03:14:22 AM
bang on the button cain,.. your personal saber will ALWAYS be evolving and improving be it upgrades in electronics , materials , different metals and even slight or radical design changes .... yep, its always WIP and surely thats part of the fun. ;)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Clark Kent on October 26, 2012, 05:39:36 AM
i like the new upgrades. it does look better. cool, nice job.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: jin.starkiller on October 26, 2012, 04:07:40 PM
great looking saber
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on January 11, 2013, 12:51:25 PM
Sharing my latest addition to the saber, my first custom made blade plug.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1743_zps1fc74bff.jpg&hash=c384b3bba4d7f20556a565e457eee903f29461ef)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1743_zps1fc74bff.jpg

It was pretty easy to make. I basically just experimented with different parts I had lying in the workshop. The plastic piece is cut from a MR blade, I threw a couple of washers inside, topped it off with a little brass knob for extra detail and epoxied it all together. It slides in and out like butter and looks pretty cool.

Inside the saber.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1747_zps42d32225.jpg&hash=1793a87032d6acba5b90267f2f31bf0eb294c4b7) (https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F100_1748_zpseb2b13eb.jpg&hash=4c41d66d7e2c44342afa12b129495825e3610646)
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1747_zps42d32225.jpg
http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/100_1748_zpseb2b13eb.jpg

Thanks for looking!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Link on January 11, 2013, 01:06:09 PM
Awesome !!!! 
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on January 11, 2013, 01:26:59 PM
Too cool man.

I know it's been said before, but I really love the simplicity of this saber. It has that very elegant but humble look to it, like a Jedi's weapon should. The blade plug, like all the changes you have made to the design, really just adds that perfect little detail.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on January 11, 2013, 04:56:05 PM
I know it's been said before, but I really love the simplicity of this saber. It has that very elegant but humble look to it, like a Jedi's weapon should. The blade plug, like all the changes you have made to the design, really just adds that perfect little detail.

Exactly what I was going for in this design! I'm glad others think so too. Thanks very much Ty.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Nick Knight on January 14, 2013, 10:08:41 PM
I like it even more with the Trim ring added and your custom blade plug is sweet.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on March 08, 2013, 12:18:50 PM
So i thought since Day 1 that this saber had Flash on Clash. Well.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Padawan23 on March 08, 2013, 12:53:46 PM
Hahahahaha awesome!  ;D

Normally cams dont pick up the flash too well but your vid shows a really vivid clash! I like this one a lot! Looks fabtabulistic!!!

Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on March 08, 2013, 07:35:44 PM
Looks good. Why no foc for your lockup?
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on March 08, 2013, 07:55:49 PM
Looks good. Why no foc for your lockup?

Because the blade color then stays that blue-ish white color and I rather it stay yellow during lockup. It flashes momentarily when the lockup is triggered and that is perfect for me. Just my preference, you know?  ;D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on March 08, 2013, 10:07:18 PM
That makes sense. I just finished working on a red blade with white foc, and I really like the strobe effect it makes. I can see why you would disable it during lockup with the contrasting colors though.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Link on March 10, 2013, 11:20:37 PM
Just saw the vid.. lol  Well at least you caught it.. And now its even better ! :) 
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on July 03, 2013, 08:40:16 PM
Today I present Aurea with it's new LED: a Tri-Rebel.

I wasn't going to post this originally as I thought an LED change wasn't that big of a deal. But there are things I learned while doing this and I felt they should be shared with the public.

So this originally had a LEDEngin inside with the R and G hooked in series and the B used for FoC. Well it seemed to me that the Tri-Rebs have been getting some hype since they were introduced into TCSS. As a result, I decided to switch to one. Of course I wanted to keep my yellow blade so the I wired a Tri-Reb RGB the same way I did the LEDEngin. When I put in a blade and ignited the saber, this was the result...

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F98e8338feba3eb16c9a549f75510eccd_zpsc21ef026.jpg&hash=8661c5c5514e4780059d3a4eb50592477efc87e9) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/Machinimax05/media/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/98e8338feba3eb16c9a549f75510eccd_zpsc21ef026.jpg.html)

Instead of yellow, I got lime green. It looked like someone had poured lime Gatorade into my blade. While it was a nice color, THAT'S NOT WHAT I WANTED!!!!  :'(  I thought, "Oh no! What have I done?" At first I thought maybe the LED was off center and not enough red was coming through. That wasn't the case at all. It turns out the green on the Tri-Rebels just really trump out the red.

That's when I later realized there is more than one way to milk a Bantha! I decided to wire the main blade in parallel instead. Once again I still had the same problem but I hadn't lost hope just yet. I figured I would have to change the recipe a bit. Luckily I had a decent range of resistors laying around and was able to dial back the green a bit until I got something I liked. This was the end result.

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2Fb99a6511833209c1e17f142c69250536_zps9f98fd65.jpg&hash=2c7fa808d09860ed3266228dcfdc6d67af752e60) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/Machinimax05/media/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/b99a6511833209c1e17f142c69250536_zps9f98fd65.jpg.html)

With the LEDEngin I got a lemon yellow color. Now I have this more of a golden yellow. The camera makes it look a little orangey but I can assure you that is yellow in person! Needless to say I was very pleased. With this LED, I see far less separation of the mixing colors than I did with the LEDEngin and the color remains consistant. What really blows me away is the new blue for the FoC. It is BRIGHT, BRIGHT, BRIGHT! I mean check this out!

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2F52b6b4fa2e694a6d799472785521c6fa_zps63ff04c7.jpg&hash=e9483fdda2f809b7a73191e1076e766aeca711ed) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/Machinimax05/media/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/52b6b4fa2e694a6d799472785521c6fa_zps63ff04c7.jpg.html)

It truly seems like a flash, as if a camera is going off or something. It's awesome! Anyway, the reason I wrote this long winded tale was just to share my experiences working with this LED and that color mixing with it might need a little extra work if not put into a CF6 color mixing saber. Still a very awesome LED and very pleasing results! You can't go wrong with the Tri-Rebs!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on July 03, 2013, 09:25:20 PM
Thanks for posting this Max. I always though you had the perfect shade of yellow the first time around, but I am glad you found a good substitute in the tri rebels. Care to share what resistor you settled on?
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on July 08, 2013, 10:50:08 PM
Thanks for posting this Max. I always though you had the perfect shade of yellow the first time around, but I am glad you found a good substitute in the tri rebels. Care to share what resistor you settled on?

Yes I would be glad to share the recipe, especially since after a little playing around, I made it even better!

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2Fth_bdb47a66b00399bc9ee4bfb7ac965852_zps82ad1e7c.jpg&hash=57b70751cee5b36954349ca6ecd830f87ebad59c) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/?action=view&current=bdb47a66b00399bc9ee4bfb7ac965852_zps82ad1e7c.jpg)

First gather your ingredients:

Tri-Rebel RGB
18 degree Tri-Rebel lens

Assuming this is a CF or PC build:

Set the LED parameter to 46. (Gives 1 amp)
Wire the R and G in parallel with the red first leading to the green
Hook two 22 Ohm resistors in parallel. (A single 11 Ohm should work as well)
Wire the resistors to the green.
Activate and enjoy! :D
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on July 09, 2013, 11:10:10 AM
Very nice shade of yellow. Looks like it was pulled right off the screen of Kotor. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Alec Skirata on July 09, 2013, 11:56:44 AM
Nice... Very Nice...

I have to notice that configuration   :P
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on December 11, 2014, 04:19:29 PM
They say change is good....we'll find out!

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2Fth_5e57197d2f527b04b92f7aef269e3198_zpsd5381c41.jpg&hash=9cc016a6f655df924158bca63ff7029f3aa0031c) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff484/Machinimax05/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/?action=view&current=5e57197d2f527b04b92f7aef269e3198_zpsd5381c41.jpg)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Professor Huyang on December 11, 2014, 07:38:43 PM
Is my boy going old school?!

Looks great!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on December 11, 2014, 07:58:58 PM
Is my boy going old school?!

Looks great!

Oh yes sir he is!!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Cad-Bayne on December 12, 2014, 04:12:46 AM
I like it!!!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Darkmatter73 on December 24, 2014, 01:30:13 PM
Loving that blade color!
Nice clean saber, classy!
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on March 03, 2015, 08:51:32 PM
I know it's been a while but this is still a work in progress...just hit a few road bumps but I'm moving smoothly now!!


(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2Fimage.jpg1_zps0qkurqqr.jpg&hash=acf52e1ba8d24abf5d608688bf1501358a4dff1d) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/Machinimax05/media/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/image.jpg1_zps0qkurqqr.jpg.html)

(https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1238.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fff484%2FMachinimax05%2FCustom%2520Lightsaber%2520Project%2Fimage.jpg2_zpsohswp6g7.jpg&hash=59d40c973aa8410b2d75600c4921ec7f8c04c456) (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/Machinimax05/media/Custom%20Lightsaber%20Project/image.jpg2_zpsohswp6g7.jpg.html)

Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: garymorris2 on March 03, 2015, 10:38:33 PM
looks like its coming along nicely, that is a innovative chassis,is it 3d printed?
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: Machinimax on March 04, 2015, 03:05:59 AM
looks like its coming along nicely, that is a innovative chassis,is it 3d printed?

Yes it is! Here's the link to the part actually. Looks he just updated his shop with a new version too.

GCM124-01-CF7 - Crystal Focus 7.5 + 18650 cell by DarthRyo on Shapeways (http://www.shapeways.com/product/6NLGV38V7/gcm124-01-cf7-crystal-focus-7-5-18650-cell?li=shop-results&optionId=55953471)
Title: Re: "Aurea" - MHS Crystal Focus Lightsaber
Post by: garymorris2 on March 04, 2015, 10:58:30 PM
looks like its coming along nicely, that is a innovative chassis,is it 3d printed?

Yes it is! Here's the link to the part actually. Looks he just updated his shop with a new version too.

GCM124-01-CF7 - Crystal Focus 7.5 + 18650 cell by DarthRyo on Shapeways (http://www.shapeways.com/product/6NLGV38V7/gcm124-01-cf7-crystal-focus-7-5-18650-cell?li=shop-results&optionId=55953471)

whoa! this killer brother, thanks for the link!