V3.0
V3.0
My V3.0 lightsaber built on many of the lessons learned from previous iterations. The design goals for V3 were the same as V2, an internally illuminated blade and proper center of gravity, with the addition of sounds, motion detection, and the inclusion of a kyber crystal.
My V3.0 lightsaber built on many of the lessons learned from previous iterations. The design goals for V3 were the same as V2, an internally illuminated blade and proper center of gravity, with the addition of sounds, motion detection, and the inclusion of a kyber crystal.
Like my V2 iteration, V3 uses a metal body with the electronics mounted internally on a 3D printed shelf and encased in a 3D printed shell to prevent short circuits.
Like my V2 iteration, V3 uses a metal body with the electronics mounted internally on a 3D printed shelf and encased in a 3D printed shell to prevent short circuits.
The design of the electronics began with the selection of the microcontroller. While both V1.1 and V2 used a trinket microcontroller for it's small size, the Arduino Nano 33 BLE was chosen for V3.0 because of it's internal 9-axis IMU. The V3.0 electronics also include a SD card for the sound files, and a voltage regulator to directly power the LED strip.
The design of the electronics began with the selection of the microcontroller. While both V1.1 and V2 used a trinket microcontroller for it's small size, the Arduino Nano 33 BLE was chosen for V3.0 because of it's internal 9-axis IMU. The V3.0 electronics also include a SD card for the sound files, and a voltage regulator to directly power the LED strip.
Iteration V3.0 is also my first iteration to include a "kyber crystal". In the Star Wars universe, a lightsabers color is not chosen, but is instead determined by the color of the kyber crystal used to construct it. To my knowledge, the only commercially available lightsabers to set their color this way are those sold by Disney.
Iteration V3.0 is also my first iteration to include a "kyber crystal". In the Star Wars universe, a lightsabers color is not chosen, but is instead determined by the color of the kyber crystal used to construct it. To my knowledge, the only commercially available lightsabers to set their color this way are those sold by Disney.
In my V3.1 iteration, the color of the kyber crystal would be read by a color sensor, and the color of the LEDs set accordingly. The cyrstal itelf would be wither 3D printed or cast in resin. It would be held in place within the hilt by a spring loaded mechanism.
In my V3.1 iteration, the color of the kyber crystal would be read by a color sensor, and the color of the LEDs set accordingly. The cyrstal itelf would be wither 3D printed or cast in resin. It would be held in place within the hilt by a spring loaded mechanism.
Another challenge presented by the electronics is power usage. Having to remove the battery each time to turn off the lightsaber is very inconvenient. In V1.1, a second switch was used to cut power to the entire system, but this disrupts the aesthetic of the lightsaber. To accomplish the same task, I designed a custom dual-action switch.
Another challenge presented by the electronics is power usage. Having to remove the battery each time to turn off the lightsaber is very inconvenient. In V1.1, a second switch was used to cut power to the entire system, but this disrupts the aesthetic of the lightsaber. To accomplish the same task, I designed a custom dual-action switch.
Unfortunately, upon further research into the implementation of sounds, I determined that a dedicated sound board was needed. The subsequent redesign resulted in the V3.1 iteration.
Unfortunately, upon further research into the implementation of sounds, I determined that a dedicated sound board was needed. The subsequent redesign resulted in the V3.1 iteration.