GE NeoPixel Blade

This project is a replacement blade PCB for Galaxy's Edge lightsaber blades. It utilizes addressable 5mm RGB LEDs to provide smoother and more complex effects. Source code for this project can be found here: https://github.com/ruthsarian/Neopixel-GE-Blade-Controller

There are 2 PCB designs: a base and an extension. The base PCB contains the microcontroller and supporting components to manage the LEDs. The extension is designed to be attached to the base and other extension PCBs to extend the length of the blade. The best way to connect the PCBs together is by using a small piece of wire on both edges of the PCB where they connect. Exposed pads and through-holes are present to solder the wire to the PCB.

The microcontroller can be an ATtiny806 or ATtiny1606. 

Because of differences in through-hole addressable RGB LED pinouts, there are a set of solder bridges on both sides of the base PCB. You will need to create 2 bridges based on the type of RGB LED you have. 

The addressable RGB LEDs that I have been using are WS2812D-F5. To solder them to the PCB I begin by trimming the leads back to about 1-2mm in length. I then take a small ball of  Blu-Tack or similar product, place the PCB over the Blu-Tack, then press the LED down into position, pushing it (and the PCB) into the Blu-Tack. This will hold the LED in place while soldering the LED.