. . .

and the video documenting the process for making this is now live. youtu.be/oeaYuCCMUAY

I replied to the post with the OSPark link with some images.

I plan on making a video about the mod soon. But here are some images showing mine that I installed in my BB.

the new PCB requires building a tilt switch mod PCB, you won't be able to use just a tilt switch.

I have a project on OSHPark for such a PCB here: oshpark.com/shared_proje...

You'll have to order the PCB and components to assemble it. If you do, I recommend using the 0.8mm PCB option from OSHPark

this video covers installing the tilt switch, including orientation, if you have the old PCB:

youtu.be/iu8T0AD-TIE

if you have a new PCB and a tilt switch mod PCB, let me know which PCB it's and I'll help.

if you have the old board, the tilt switch should face down so it is normally not a making contact. if you have the new board, the tilt switch alone will not work and you'll need a tilt switch mod PCB. the orientation of the mod PCB will depend on which one you have.

new droids need something between the battery and main PCB. there's no simple fix with just a tilt switch like before. i just shared a PCB design on OSHPark that will do the job: oshpark.com/shared_proje.... i haven't made a video about it yet, but i've got one in my BB and it works.

"BUT WHY ALL THIS?!" ah, well neo-pixel blades are awesome, but power hungry. Using through-hole LEDs like this instead of the usual LED strips saves massive amounts of power, meaning these blades work without requiring a separate battery! We don't have that in any existing GE neo-pixel blades.

I'm in it to win it. Just ordered 1000 more LEDs (I ran out and overreacted). I need to work on the firmware some more. I've had odd occurrences of it misbehaving. I think it's a low power issue. More work to be done...

Need to tweak the design to make soldering the data line across the joint easier. I think the blade controller circuitry needs a rethink too. Maybe add a boost converter or a voltage detector so when batteries get low the blade keeps working until it can't and then warns you power is low.