Custom Activation/Circuit Boards-How To

[Tan Djarka]

On my Obi ROTS/ANH hybrid saber I made what I thought was the perfect stand in for the ANH calc bubble strip. A piece of plexi-glass (perspex) backed by chrome mylar film and self adhesive rubber bumbers for the bubbles. The only problem is the other day I picked the saber up and noticed one of the bumpers was missing and the remaining ones had slid out of place. Apparently the adhesive just wasn't doing it anymore.

Rather attempt another version of the venerable calc bubbles, I thought I might try a circuit board. I didn't want to replicate the ROTS version, instead opting for a custom version. But how?

The other night I was in a Dollar Tree (dollar store) contemplating buying some more cell phone clips (which is a little ironic, since I don't actually have a cell phone!), when I noticed some of those "signal boosters". Remember those circuit trace looking doohickies you stuck in the battery compartment of your cell phone and magically your reception improved? (Did they even work?)

Well, take a piece of styrene, plexi-glass, or plastic of your choice, paint it black or green, and lay the signal booster onto it, and viola... A custom cicuit board!

The one I got is little short, but if I get two and do a little surgery, I think I can come up with an acceptable activation board.

Cool eh?

 

[Tan Djarka]

Seriously, nothing? Is this something someone thought of long ago, and I just missed it?

Not that anyone seems to care, but a pic can be found at:

http://community-2.webtv.net/MDChubb/SabreCraft/page15.html

It's a first shot, so I may redo it. Given the info, I'd bet someone else here could manage a better result. Anyway, questions and comments are welcome.

 

[Johnny Fever]

How about custom etching your own?

http://www.micromark.com/MICRO-MARK-PRO-ETCH-PHOTO-ETCH-SYSTEM,8346.html

You can set up a system cheaper but you get the idea from what is pictured. I bought one of these to try out last year for twenty bucks cheaper and have been happy with the results. A starter electronics etching kit is available at radioshack for around 15 dollars if you want to experiment.

-John

 

[Great_Bizarro]

They make a silver "trace" pin that you can draw your circuit with. You can get it at an electronic supply store. They are used to repair broken circuit board traces. Or you could get a silver paint pen and draw it on a black background material, have to experiment to see what it would stick to.

 

[Tan Djarka]

How about custom etching your own? ...A starter electronics etching kit is available at radioshack for around 15 dollars if you want to experiment.

I'd considered it, but it involved (gulp) actually learning something! And thanks, I'll check the Shack. I didn't realise they still had much DIY electronics ware, since they seem to have become a mostly cell phone and computer store.

 

[Pastor Jedi]

If you are looking to replicate the design on a OW ROTS circuit board a plaque maker should be able to accomdate you. Like these http://therpf.com/showthread.php?t=54405

 

[Tan Djarka]

If you are looking to replicate the design on a OW ROTS circuit board a plaque maker should be able to accomdate you.

Actually, no. But that is another good alternative. Thanks for the tip.