Continuing with Gundam Artifact II, in addition to the standard use of SMD LEDs for basic lighting effects, sound effects are also carried over. This build also features new innovations:
✅Creating the current world's smallest Neopixel lightsaber build.
✅Crystal ball creation, achieving a sandstorm effect.
The demonstration video showcases the heat saber effect. I personally appreciate the partial out-of-focus phenomenon, as it evokes a sense of scorching heat and a mirage. I also really like the flame saber effect.
Heat Saber Effect #1
Heat Saber Effect #2
Build Introduction
Model Building
For the model building aspect, it involved basic panel lining, seam line removal, cutting for part installation and wiring, and a primary purple paint scheme.
Neopixel/WS2812B
I really like this part, as it can achieve various laser saber or flame saber effects.
However, the most challenging part of this build was the heat saber. Its design consists of 20 Neopixel/WS2812B-1010 LEDs, each requiring individual soldering. Each LED is 1mm in length and width, and the desired soldering distance is less than 2mm. This requirement poses an immense challenge for manual work:
- The tiny components mean the solder pads themselves are extremely delicate and prone to breaking off;
- Furthermore, the short distance causes rapid heat transfer, easily leading to previously soldered connections detaching;
- Additionally, Neopixel/WS2812B operation requires each LED to transmit data to the next. This means if any single LED fails, the subsequent ones will not function. Therefore, if an issue arises during the process, it might require tracing back and redoing previous steps, or even a complete rebuild;
- During soldering, tools or hands are constantly needed for stabilization, and repeated touching causes various physical stresses; completed sections can easily break apart again as a result.
The method of production was explored for a long time, and it took multiple reworks to complete the series soldering of these 20 LEDs, with a total of approximately 60 LEDs consumed.
Vibration Motors
Vibration motors were installed in both legs and inside the skirt to create the swirling sand effect. An L293D DC motor driver was used for control over speed and activation.
To achieve a more realistic swirling sand effect, the entire build was enclosed in a sealed environment, opting for a crystal ball construction.
Crystal Ball Construction
Baby oil is the main component. The sand particles are from Sabah and Jeju Island, brought back by friends on vacation. XD
Electronic Modification
Arduino Nano + L293D (Motor Driver) + DFPlayer (MP3 player) + DS3231 (Real Time Clock), connected as shown in the diagram.
