For Star Wars enthusiasts, owning a custom lightsaber is a dream come true. These beautifully crafted sabers are more than just collectibles—they’re works of art that deserve to be showcased in their full illuminated glory. However, many collectors face a common issue: wasting batteries while trying to keep the lightsaber lit for display. Thankfully, for those with Artsabers Neopixel lightsabers, there’s an easy solution—converting the lightsaber to AC power! This guide walks through a simple and effective method for creating a stunning lightsaber display without the hassle of constantly replacing batteries.
Why Convert to AC Power?
Typically, lightsabers run on AAA batteries or rechargeable battery packs. While these work fine for duels or short-term lightsaber displays, they’re not practical if you want to showcase your lightsaber for longer periods. With a battery-powered setup, you’d be replacing or recharging batteries regularly, which can get costly and time-consuming.
By converting your Neopixel lightsaber to AC power, you can leave it on display for as long as you like, without draining batteries. This setup allows you to power the saber directly from a wall socket, making it the perfect solution for lightsaber collectors who want to showcase their sabers in their homes, offices, or Star Wars-themed rooms.
What You’ll Need
To convert your lightsaber to AC power, you’ll need the following:
- A lightsaber that runs on AAA batteries – If your lightsaber uses a battery pack, this guide will work for you.
- An AC power adapter – This is a device that replaces the batteries and converts your lightsaber to AC power. You can easily find these on Amazon or other online retailers.
- Thin ribbon cable – This is essential if you want to run the power cord through the hilt of the lightsaber without damaging it.
Step-By-Step Guide to Convert Your Lightsaber
Here’s how you can convert your Neopixel lightsaber to AC power:
Remove the Battery Pack
Start by taking the battery pack out of your lightsaber. In most lightsabers, this is easily accessible by unscrewing the bottom (pommel) of the hilt. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to remove the battery compartment. If it feels stuck, be gentle—some battery packs might require you to loosen screws before they come out easily.
Insert the Power Adapter
Next, you’ll need the power adapter that’s designed to replace three AAA batteries. This adapter will have terminals that mimic the positive and negative ends of regular batteries, allowing it to fit snugly into the lightsaber’s battery compartment. Most adapters come with a thin cable that plugs into an AC wall adapter.
It’s advisable to run the cable discreetly through the bottom of the hilt. Since the cable is very thin, it is possible to reassemble the pommel without causing damage. Just avoid tightening it too much to prevent pinching the cable.
Completing the Circuit
The power adapter often comes with small dummy batteries that you place in the remaining slots of the battery compartment. These batteries don’t provide power but are necessary to complete the circuit. Insert them as you would regular batteries, ensuring that the positive and negative terminals line up correctly.
Minimize Noise (Optional)
If your lightsaber makes sound and you don’t want it to be noisy while on display, you can disable the sound by covering the sound terminal inside the hilt. I personally use a small piece of Scotch tape, but electrical tape would work even better. This step is optional but recommended if you want a silent display.
Reassemble the Lightsaber
Once you’ve inserted the power adapter and dummy batteries, and minimized the sound if desired, you can reassemble the lightsaber. Line up any arrows or guides inside the hilt and slide the battery compartment back into place. Screw the pommel back on, being careful not to pinch the cable.
Plug It In and Light It Up
Now, plug the other end of the cable into the AC power adapter and then into a wall socket. The lightsaber should light up just like it would with batteries, but now it’s powered by AC instead of constantly draining batteries.
Smart Lighting Control
For added convenience, consider connecting the lightsaber to a smart plug. This allows control of the lightsaber via a phone or voice assistant. Integrating it with a smart switch can enhance the display experience, making it interactive and easy to manage. With a smart switch, turning the lightsaber on and off becomes a simple task.
Things to Keep in Mind
While converting your lightsaber to AC power is a great way to display it, there are a few things you should be aware of:
- Auto Shutoff: Some lightsabers, particularly those with Neopixel technology, may automatically turn off after a few minutes if no interaction is detected. This feature is meant to save battery life but might be a minor inconvenience for constant display.
- Cable Management: The thin cable should be handled carefully to avoid damage. Ensure the pommel is not screwed on too tightly to prevent pinching the cable.
- Indoor Use Only: This setup is best for indoor displays. While it is possible to use an extension cord for outdoor setups, it is not recommended due to safety concerns.
Conclusion
Converting your Artsabers Neopixel lightsaber to AC power is a simple, cost-effective way to display your prized collectible without worrying about batteries. With just a few inexpensive components, you can have your lightsaber lit up whenever you want, whether it’s for daily display or special occasions. Plus, if you integrate it into your smart home setup, controlling your lightsaber will be as easy as saying, “Alexa, turn on the lightsaber.”
May the Force be with you!
