This is my first time doing an electronic project and, of course, first lightsaber build. I’m using a Proffieboard V3.9 for this build and a My question is in regards to the resistors on the NPXL connector. The connector came with the R1 and R2 resistors installed from TCSS. However, I was curious to know why exactly does the R1 resistor need to be removed for Option 3/ Option 4 data input? I’m worried about damaging the pcb while trying to remove R1, since I’d like to have the blade in the V4 config.
The resistors act like bridges. If you leave that resistor in place it changes the data flow.
In the case of the 3rd style in the manual, the data goes from the D2 pad across the R2 resistor and into the PCB leds then across the bridged J pad and into the blade (in series). In the 4th example the J (jumper) pads are not bridged. Then the data flow from the board for the PCB and the blade never intersect via the wiring example shown.
I like to take a sharp set of side cutters and split the middle of the resistor I’m getting rid of. Then desolder the two halves. Advantage: easier to take the bits off. Disadvantage: the resistor is destroyed. But they’re cheap.
Understood, thanks for the info! It’s best to remove it to avoid problems with the data flow then. A shame, I’ll consider going for option 2 then before snapping it off since I don’t wanna damage the board.
If you go with option 2 it’s a simpler build. The PCB leds will do whatever the first few leds of the blade are doing, with no independent control. I have a saber like that
Yeah, I think I’ll do that for the first build! I like to shoot for the moon for my projects, but I understand that sometimes it’s best to accept that I got off the ground at least
Exactly what @LyleStyle said, I always like to do the Option 4 because it gives the most flexibility in programming all pixels and blade independently. Also try wiring the Blade Detect, it’s a cool feature!
