I've been following this thread for a long time, and am happy to see people still posting. Figured I would post my latest, since it's based on Jakesoft's OP.
LED string blade is coming along, and I'm starting work on the hilt. The biggest progress I have made is the electronics. After doing some testing, and ordering parts (still need more parts...) here is what I did.
I designed a board, and had it made. 1st try at this, and it shows. It works, and now I just need to solder IC sockets and connect wires. Nothing special, but not bad for a prototype.
