Very few weapons have captured the imaginations of fans as much as lightsabers have. This energized plasma blade is the weapon that both the legendary Jedi Knights and Sith Lords have wielded in their never-ending battle for the galaxy far far away, so much so that it has become the symbol of the Star Wars franchise.
Powered by Force-attuned kyber crystals and diatium power cells, the light-sabers used in the Star Wars universe were so incredibly powerful that their blades were able to cut through almost every material with the exception of other lightsabers and some very rare materials. These light-sabers could also recharge themselves, and their battery life was between 50 to 100 years. But, it was still possible for their energy storage source or diatium power cell to run out of power due to overuse. When this happened, a recharge was typically needed.
The same thing can be said for the modern rechargeable batteries of replica lightsabers. While most high-end replica lightsabers do come with good power-saving abilities, the Li-ion batteries that power them do need to be recharged from time to time. Below, we shall be taking a look at how replica lightsabers are powered and the importance of having a lightsaber charger.
How are Replica Lightsabers Powered?
As of today, replica lightsabers now come with high-end and sophisticated features that make wielding them more thrilling and realistic. Things like LED strips install inside the saber’s hilt to illuminate the blade, and they typically require a power source. The sound effects and motion sensors installed to make the light saber realistic also require a power source to function. This is where replica lightsaber batteries come in.
There are two types of batteries that replica lightsabers can have. First is the removal AA batteries that can remove and change when the power runs out. These removable batteries are typically inside the hilt of the lightsaber. You can access them by twisting off the saber’s pommel and removing the battery holder.
The second type of batteries replica lightsabers use are built-in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. These types of batteries are typically not removable. So they charge through ports found on the side of the saber’s hilt. Lightsabers that use built-in Li-ion batteries usually come with a charger or charging cable.
Recharging Your Lightsaber’s Battery
Depending on the model and type of batteries your lightsaber uses, you can either recharge or replace its batteries. Most of the time removable AA or AAA batteries will need to replace. But there are some that can recharge with a special charger that may or may come with your lightsaber.
For models with built-in batteries, charging can be by plugging the saber’s charging cable into the charging port located on its hilt. Charging can take anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on the model of the saber. It is important that you allow your lightsaber to fully charge before using it. Most models have LED indicators that display charge levels.
Importance of a Lightsaber Charger
A lightsaber charger is a must-have for any lightsaber owner. It is what you use for powering up your weapon. Remember that without a functioning power source (which in this case is the lightsaber battery), many of your lightsaber’s electronics and features (sound effects, blade lights, motion sensors) will not work.
Do you want to truly enjoy the thrill of owning a lightsaber? You would need to ensure that your weapon always powers up and ready for use. A good quality lightsaber charger can help you achieve this.
Lightsaber Battery Maintenance
In order to get the best use out of your weapon, you need to add battery care to your lightsaber maintenance routine. Luckily lightsaber battery maintenance is pretty easy and straightforward. All you need to do is ensure that you charge or replace your lightsaber battery when needed.
If your saber uses AA batteries and you plan on not using the saber for a long time (over two months), take the batteries out of the battery holder. This is because AA batteries can leak battery acid if left inside a battery holder for too long. Taking them out will ensure that battery acid doesn’t leak and damage your saber’s electronics.
As for Li-ion rechargeable batteries, they tend to discharge even when they are not in use. It is important that you do not let the voltage of these batteries get too low. Because you may not be able to charge them again. Keep your Li-ion batteries in good condition by charging your saber at least once a month, even when it is not in use.
Conclusion
Replica lightsabers require a power source in order to function. This power source can be in the form of removable alkaline (AA or AAA) batteries or built-in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. To keep your weapon powered up, these batteries will need to either replace or recharge from time to time. This is why having a good-quality lightsaber charger is very important.