Lightsaber Display Box WIP ( with “found parts” )

[Triin]

(video on page 2)

So I’ve had this box sitting around and decided to throw it into the Star Wars universe.. I have a pile of just random parts and electronics so I’m going to sort of do a build log I guess if anyone else wants to do something similar..

Here is the box to start . It’s 12” x 9” by 3.5” ( barely holds a V2 for example but just enough..

Not sure if I should keep it black or do a brown scheme.. there will be metal parts and led stuff everywhere and I do have some sort of idea of the functionality… I plan on mounting it to a backing board and mounting other parts to that as well .. I need room for the project boxes ..

I’ll update as I go!!

 

[Triin]

So I think I want a two stage led light system in this thing.. when the door is closed it’s one color and when opened another so for that I need a window with plexi… also taking my razor blade and doing some random damage to corners etc..

I still need to cut out the little diagonal slots around the window for leds as well…
Hole cut

 

[Halliwax]

dude, this screams star wars universe! i am wicked excited to see where you go with this

 

[russellsch]

Hold on… I’m gonna go get some popcorn.





Okay, go ahead

 

[Eruonen]

Definitely think the black/gunmetal look would be cooler that brown. The led idea sounds super sweet. Can’t wait to see what you do!

 

[Triin]

Definitely think the black/gunmetal look would be cooler that brown. The led idea sounds super sweet. Can’t wait to see what you do!

Well I was thinking… black / gunmetal says Empire to me… brown / white / reds etc says Jedi / rebellion etc.. since I’m putting a specific hilt in it ( ahem… tattooine based ) I was thinking browns.. but! We shall see!!

I found a scrap piece of 1/4 aluminum for the base.. I have a bunch of stuff to mount so I’m tapping holes

I was also checking placement and I’ll upload more of those too

There will be a LOT more added too!!

 

[Triin]

Still trying to find a pleasing layout .. and raid the parts bins for interesting stuff to cram in here lol

Of course non metal parts will be painted and weathered etc … be back for more!!

 

[Halliwax]

Sure is a tight squeeze!!!

What was the box originally for?

 

[Triin]

I’m not really sure. Maybe weapon storage or some small electronic . It had plucked foam in it.

 

[Halliwax]

Regardless it fits the role!

 

[Triin]

Arduino fits nicely! …

the other box will house a sound card for sound activation when the box it opened and a adafruit 5v trinket for supplemental lighting.

Tonight I will try some color paint testing and start
mechanically mounting most of the inside parts..

More photos soon!!

 

[Halliwax]

Oh we are gonna have some blinky’s!!

 

[Triin]

Oh yes!! Sound too when it’s opened …

 

[Triin]

Starting a base coat.. I think after weathering this is going to look really greasy good lol

 

[Triin]

Now for the pizza roll part of the build lol

….. waiting for paint to dry lol

 

[Eruonen]

Now for the pizza roll part of the build lol

View attachment 1544301

….. waiting for paint to dry lol

Best part of the process

 

[Triin]

Starting the wiring .. I drilled all of the holes for the routing to each box , the power in and light switch I’m using 3 systems basically.. a sound board and a couple of arduinos.. for random blinkies

Then I’ll start with the greeblies , and weathering!

 

[Eruonen]

Starting the wiring .. I drilled all of the holes for the routing to each box , the power in and light switch I’m using 3 systems basically.. a sound board and a couple of arduinos.. for random blinkies

View attachment 1544540
View attachment 1544541

Then I’ll start with the greeblies , and weathering!

Why scratch out the saber? Hiding some goodies under there?

 

[Triin]

lol shhhhhhh…

 

[Triin]

So far so good!
Wiring is almost there. Still need to wire up the mini screen and the panel leds .. lots of progress..