# Zelda Master Sword

## Overview

https://youtu.be/za5T2DMwr6s

In this project we'll build the legendary Zelda Master Sword! This light up sword is motion activated, so you can shoot blasts with lights and sound effects.&nbsp;

You can battle to hear random clash sounds or aim to blast enemies with ease!&nbsp;

This Master Sword is fully 3D Printed! NeoPixel LED Strips and the Adafruit PropMaker Feather Wing animate colors and plays sound effects!

You can recharge the battery or even add new sounds with the USB port. The sword mounts on a computer, just like a USB Drive!&nbsp;

![3d_printing_blast-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/728/medium640thumb/3d_printing_blast-loop.jpg?1564449395)

![3d_printing_clash-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/730/medium640thumb/3d_printing_clash-loop.jpg?1564449419)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA9TJfJ2tz4

Info: 

Add new LED animations or program new motions to create custom actions. All the code and libraries live right on the device, so no need to install any programs to edit your code!

The PropMaker and Feather M4 Express make it easy to add more buttons, sensors or even a 3 watt LED!

The sword prints in parts and is adhered together. Components are installed in the handle, LED strips line the middle of the blade to create a beautifully diffused blade!

Designed by [Garrett Kearney of CHAOS CORE TECH](https://www.thingiverse.com/ChaosCoreTech), its open to edit!

We modified the blade to allow it to swing easier and to cut down to the length of the LEDs.

![3d_printing_hero-sword-tree.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/741/medium640/3d_printing_hero-sword-tree.jpg?1564450245)

![3d_printing_hero-gavin-swing.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/742/medium640/3d_printing_hero-gavin-swing.jpg?1564450290)

## **We even made a smaller blade for children!&nbsp;**
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/735/medium800/3d_printing_hero-gavin.jpg?1564449694)

## Parts
Copy and paste this friendly list of products.

- [Adafruit Feather M4 Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
- [Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing (Assembled Headers)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4145)
- [Mini Skinny NeoPixel LED Strip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2959?length=2)
- [2200mAh Lipo Battery](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
- [Mini oval speaker](https://adafru.it/3923)
- [DIY USB micro B Female Plug](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1829)
- [DIY USB micro B Male Plug](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1826)
- [10 wire silicon cover stranded ribbon cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
- [3-pin PH JST cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)
- [6mm Slim Tactile Buttons](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1489)
- [JST Extension](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1131)

![3d_printing_parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/801/medium640/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1564501955)

### Part: Ivory White PLA
quantity: 1
FilaCube 1.75 mm 1kg PLA 
[Ivory White PLA](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Z26NS5)

### Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51

[Adafruit Feather M4 Express - Featuring ATSAMD51](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
It's what you've been waiting for, the Feather M4 Express featuring ATSAMD51. This Feather is fast like a swift, smart like an owl, strong like a ox-bird (it's half ox, half bird, OK?) This feather is powered by our new favorite chip, the **ATSAMD51J19** -&nbsp; with...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3857/guides)
![Angled shot of a Adafruit Feather M4 Express. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3857-10.jpg)

### Assembled Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing

[Assembled Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4145)
The Adafruit Feather series gives you lots of options for a small, portable, rechargeable microcontroller board. Perfect for fitting into your next prop build! This FeatherWing will unlock the prop-maker inside all of us, with tons of stuff packed in to make sabers & swords, props, toys,...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4145)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4145/guides)
![Angled shot of a Assembled Adafruit Prop-Maker FeatherWing.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4145-03.jpg)

### Adafruit Mini Skinny NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - 60 LED/m

[Adafruit Mini Skinny NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip - 60 LED/m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2959)
So thin. So mini. So teeeeeeny-tiny. It's the 'skinny' version of our classic NeoPixel strips!

These NeoPixel strips have 60 digitally-addressable pixel Mini LEDs per meter and are very affordable and are only 7.5 mm wide, 5 mm if you remove the strip from the...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2959)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2959/guides)
![Adafruit NeoPixel Digital RGB LED Strip with all the LEDs lighting in a rainbow pattern.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2959-05.jpg)

### Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh

[Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
Need a big battery for your project? This lithium-ion battery contains a 2200mAh and a protection circuit that provides over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-current protection. Yet, it is slim and easy to fit into many project cases.  
  
This cell can provide 2 **C** of...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1781)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1781/guides)
![Lithium Ion Cylindrical Battery - 3.7v 2200mAh with JST PH connector](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1781-04.jpg)

### Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt

[Mini Oval Speaker - 8 Ohm 1 Watt](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923)
Hear the good news! This wee speaker&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;great addition to any audio project where you need 8 ohm impedance and 1W or less of power. We particularly like this&nbsp;speaker&nbsp;as it is&nbsp;small and comes with nice skinny wires with a connector on the end. It has a handy...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3923)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3923/guides)
![Small, black, oval speaker with Pico Blade connector.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3923-06.jpg)

### Tactile Switch Buttons (6mm slim) x 20 pack

[Tactile Switch Buttons (6mm slim) x 20 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1489)
Slim clicky momentary switches are standard input "buttons" on electronic projects. These are half the width of classic 6mm tactile switches so they line up better on a breadboard, just plug them into every-other row. These work best in a PCB but <a...></a...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1489)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1489/guides)
![2 white 6mm tactile switch buttons on a breadboard.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1489-05.jpg)

### USB DIY Connector - MicroB Female Plug

[USB DIY Connector - MicroB Female Plug](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1829)
As an addition to our other USB DIY shells, we have a 'micro B female' in a panel-mount-like connector. This isn't true panel mount but you could glue the black plastic shell into your project and then press-fit in the micro B connector. The 5-pins are much easier to solder than a...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1829)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1829/guides)
![Angled shot of an assembled USB DIY Connector with MicroB Female Plug. The female pluf faces the camera angle. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1829-03.jpg)

### USB DIY Slim Connector Shell - MicroB Plug

[USB DIY Slim Connector Shell - MicroB Plug](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1826)
Make your own USB connections without slicing apart a USB cable and soldering those thin wires inside. This is the 'slim' version of the DIY MicroB Male connector. It's a little more elegant because instead of snapping two pieces together the connector press-fits into the...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1826)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1826/guides)
![Angled shot of an assembled USB DIY Slim Connector Shell with a MicroB Plug. The male plug faces the camera at an angle.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1826-01.jpg)

### Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long

[Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable - 10 Wire 1 Meter Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
For those who are fans of our silicone-covered wires, but are always looking to _up their wiring game_. We now have **Silicone Cover Ribbon cables!** These may look _a lot_ like <a...></a...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3890)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3890/guides)
![10 wire Silicone Cover Stranded-Core Ribbon Cable](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3890-01.jpg)

### STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Male Header Cable - 200mm

[STEMMA JST PH 2mm 3-Pin to Male Header Cable - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)
This cable will let you turn a JST PH 3-pin cable port into 3 individual wires with high-quality 0.1" male header plugs on the end. We're carrying these to match up with our Hallowing, for extending and connecting sensors or LEDs - and the wires are even color coded!

<a...></a...>

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3893/guides)
![Angled shot of STEMMA JST PH 3-Pin to Male Header Cable - 200mm.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3893-03.jpg)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/791/medium800/3d_printing_hero-sword-handle.jpg?1564491413)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/792/medium800/3d_printing_hero-sword-triforce.jpg?1564491536)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/793/medium800/3d_printing_hero-sword-1.jpg?1564491641)

# Zelda Master Sword

## Software

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/846/medium800/3d_printing_circuitpython-banner.jpg?1564533637)

## Install CircuitPython

The Adafruit Feather M4 ships with CircuitPython, but lets go ahead and update it to the latest version. It's super easy with the **circuitpython.org** website, just click the link below to launch the page. There you can choose to install the latest stable release or the latest beta.&nbsp;

**Quick Start**

- Connect board to computer via a known good USB and double press the reset button.
- Download the C **ircuitPython UF2** and upload to the **FEATHERBOOT** &nbsp;drive.
- Open **CIRCUITPY** drive and upload the required libraries (listed below) and **code.py**

[Install CircuitPython Feather M4 Express](https://circuitpython.org/board/feather_m4_express/)
## Adafruit Circuit Python Libraries

Download the CircuitPython library bundle and unzip the folder. Create a new folder on the **CIRCUITPY** drive and name it **lib**. The following libraries are required to run the code properly. Double check to ensure all of the files and folders are inside the **lib** folder on the **CIRCUITPY** drive.

- **adafruit\_bus\_device** (directory)
- **adafruit\_lis3dh.mpy**
- **neopixel.mpy**

[Download Library Bundle for CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle/releases/latest)
## Upload Files

Click the link below to **download the project zip** – This contains the code and audio files. Upload the **code.py file** to the **CIRCUITPY** drive root (main) folder.

Create a new folder on the **CIRCUITPY** drive and name it **sounds**. Upload the audio files to that folder. The code will run properly when all of the files have been uploaded.

![3d_printing_circuitpy.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/845/medium640/3d_printing_circuitpy.jpg?1564533462)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/844/medium800/3d_printing_code-banner.jpg?1564533332)

https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Propmaker_Master_Sword/

## Mu Python Editor

Check out Mu, it's a simple Python editor that works with Adafruit CircuitPython hardware.&nbsp;It's written in Python and works on Windows, MacOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi. The serial console is built right in so you get immediate feedback from your board's serial output!

[Installing Mu Editor](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-mu-editor)
## Audio Files

The sounds used in this project&nbsp;were created with samples from [Video CoPilots Motion Pulse](https://www.videocopilot.net/products/motionpulse/) sound pack.&nbsp;Hits and swings were mixed with captured sounds in-game from Zelda: BOTW.

This pack contains sounds that are already in the supported audio format.

Adafruit CircuitPython supports **16-bit, Mono, 22.050kHz .wav** audio format. [See this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/microcontroller-compatible-audio-file-conversion) to help format any audio files you might want to use in this project besides the files provided.

In the main loop, the swing and hit modes randomly choose from a list of sounds. For example, swing1.wav, swing2.wav, swing3, etc. This makes the motion effects feel much more varied and less repetitive.

- Power on – **on.wav**
- Idle loop – **idle.wav**
- Swing 1 – **swing1.wav**
- Swing 2 – **swing2.wav**
- Swing 3 – **swing3.wav**
- Swing 4 – **swing4.wav**
- Hit 1 –&nbsp; **hit1.wav**
- Hit 2 – **hit2.wav**
- Hit 3 – **hit3.wav**
- Hit 4 – **hit4.wav**

# Zelda Master Sword

## Circuit Diagram

The wiring diagram below provides a visual reference for connecting the components. It is not true to scale, it is just meant to be used as reference. This diagrams was created using the&nbsp;[Fritzing software package](http://fritzing.org/download/).

Take a moment to review the components in the circuit diagram. This illustration is meant for&nbsp;referencing wired connections - the length of wire,&nbsp;position and size of components are not exact.

The Prop Maker Wing should have male headers soldered onto the underside. The Feather M4 Express should have female headers soldered on. This when everything is done, the Prop Maker Wing will snap onto the Feather M4 Express below it.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/743/medium800/3d_printing_master-sword-circuit-diagram.jpg?1564452514)

We measured and cut wires to have enough slack to reach each component.

We used silicone ribbon wire to make them easier to coil and manage each wire inside the tight spacing. The wire lengths used are listed below:

 **JST extender for Battery:&nbsp;** 54mm

**Reset:** 45mm

**USB Extender:** 20mm

**LED Strip:** 20mm

**Slide Switch:** 190mm

**Button:** 7.5mm

**Paracord** 813mm

![3d_printing_parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/831/medium640/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1564517583)

# Zelda Master Sword

## 3D Printing

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/746/medium800/3d_printing_3d-parts.jpg?1564453553)

## 3D Printed Parts

The parts in this kit are designed to be 3D printed with FDM based machines. STL files are oriented to print "as is". Parts require tight tolerances that might need adjustment of slice settings. Reference the suggested settings below.

## CAD Files

The Fusion 360 source file is included and features original sketches and feature timeline along with easily editable user parameters. The parts can further be separated into small pieces for fitting on printers with smaller build volumes. Note: a STEP file is included for other 3D surface modeling programs such as Onshape, Solidworks and Rhino.

## Share, Make, Remix

This master sword was originally designed by [Garrett Kearney](https://twitter.com/chaoscoretech) from [Chaos Core Tech (Youtube Channel)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmyytnqQrcTg1WRFXTo14Q)&nbsp;– The files are open to remix and feature nice details. The parts have been modified to fit all of the electronics and available to download. You can check out Garrett's [project build video on YouTube.](https://youtu.be/HRMcRFcPFsU).&nbsp;

[MasterSword.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/096/085/original/MasterSword.zip?1603116673)
[Download Remixed STLs](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3780266)
Garrett's original design was modeled in [Autodesk Fusion 360](https://gallery.autodesk.com/fusion360/projects/master-sword--sheath-from-legend-of-zelda). It contains solid bodies, sketches and parametric feature timeline. It's a great resource to check out! Download link below.

[Download Fusion 360 File](https://www.autodesk.com/community/gallery/project/44505/master-sword--sheath-from-legend-of-zelda)
[Original STLs](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1449187)
## Settings

Use these settings as reference. Values listed were used in Cura&nbsp;slicing software.

- 0.2mm Layer Height / 0.4mm nozzle
- 0.38mm Line Width (inner & outer widths)
- 40mm/s printing speed
- 10% infill
- Supports: No
- Brim: 7mm

![3d_printing_slice-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/747/medium640/3d_printing_slice-loop.gif?1564453959)

## Translucent PLA Filament&nbsp;

The parts in this project were 3D printed using translucent PLA filament. Check out the stuff by 3D Solutech Printer Filament.

[FilaCube – Ivory White PLA](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Z26NS5)&nbsp;

![3d_printing_filacube-pla.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/130/056/medium640/3d_printing_filacube-pla.jpg?1715713040)

## De-Brim

The parts are printed so they lay flush&nbsp;when sandwiched together. We used a 7mm brim to ensure the parts are as flat as they can be to better align the two halves.&nbsp; Use flush cutters to help remove the brim.

## DeBurr

Next use a deburring tool or a hobby knife to clean up and smooth out the sharp edges.

&nbsp;

![3d_printing_brim.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/782/medium640/3d_printing_brim.jpg?1564490858)

![3d_printing_debur.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/783/medium640/3d_printing_debur.jpg?1564490920)

## Sanding

After the edges are smooth, you'll need to sand down the ends of the blades to make it is easy for the super glue to adhere parts together.&nbsp;

We used a rough 120 grit sandpaper to quickly smooth out the ends.

Make sure to that test ends parts are flat and fit together without any gaps.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_sand-ends.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/784/medium640/3d_printing_sand-ends.jpg?1564490987)

![3d_printing_sand-end-flat.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/785/medium640/3d_printing_sand-end-flat.jpg?1564491030)

## Super Glue the Edges

Apply a generous amount of super glue to the edges and then carefully align the ends. We used&nbsp; **StarBound Medium Dry** &nbsp;super glue with a narrow tip to precisely add to the edges that meet together. Apply pressure to help parts adhere.

## Hot Glue

Allow the super glue to dry. Next reinforce parts by adding hot glue to the inside of the blade sections. Apply a small amount of hot glue to each section of the blade and allow it to dry.

You can also speed up dry times by spraying each section with an Air Duster. This technique is used extensively later in the build.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_align-ends.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/786/medium640/3d_printing_align-ends.jpg?1564491095)

![3d_printing_reenforce-glue.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/787/medium640/3d_printing_reenforce-glue.jpg?1564491156)

## Painting

After all sections are dry and adhered, you can move on to painting!

We've seen the sword in purple or dark blue with gold trim, but you can mix it up with any colors you like!&nbsp;

Acrylic paint with a thin brush helped to fill in the small details around the curvy scripts, but you can mask out sections and use an airbrush.

We needed about six coats of paint to evenly coat the handle.

![3d_printing_3d-parts-attach-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/788/medium640thumb/3d_printing_3d-parts-attach-loop.jpg?1564491353)

![3d_printing_halfs-painted.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/790/medium640/3d_printing_halfs-painted.jpg?1564491555)

# Zelda Master Sword

## Assemble

Warning: 

## JST Battery

The JST battery connector is located on the side of the Feather M4 Express. To fit the boards inside the handle, you will need to reroute the connection so the battery connects from the end of the Feather M4 Express.

Measure and cut a JST Extension cable so it's 54mm long. Tin and solder the wires to the back of the JST connector. Make sure to verify the power and ground are connected in the correct pins with a multimeter. Check that the wires have a solid connection and curve the wire towards the prototype area on the Feather M4.

## Solder the PropMaker Wing

Now we can place the PropMaker Feather wing over the Feather M4 Express.

We used the Assembled Prop-Maker FeatherWing to make it easy to solder to the Feather M4 Express.

Align the headers so the PropMaker sits flush on top of the JST battery connector. We can use a Panavise to securely hold the boards while we solder each header pin.

![3d_printing_jst-cut.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/748/medium640/3d_printing_jst-cut.jpg?1564454078)

![3d_printing_jst-soldered.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/749/medium640/3d_printing_jst-soldered.jpg?1564454161)

![3d_printing_jst-soldered-angled.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/750/medium640/3d_printing_jst-soldered-angled.jpg?1564454292)

![3d_printing_propmaker-soldered.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/751/medium640/3d_printing_propmaker-soldered.jpg?1564454341)

## Measure wires

Now to dry fit the boards in the handle. Here, measure wires for the USB jack, Reset Button, Slide switch, LED strips and the optional mode switch button.

Place the USB connector and jack over the end of the handle to visualize how the rest button will sit on top of the USB jack.&nbsp;

Make sure the board is flush against end of the handle to get accurate measurements of the wires.

![3d_printing_measure-lay.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/752/medium640/3d_printing_measure-lay.jpg?1564454480)

![3d_printing_usb-measure.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/753/medium640/3d_printing_usb-measure.jpg?1564454533)

## USB wire

We love silicone ribbon cables. They don't melt when soldering and help to keep wires neat and organized.&nbsp;

Measure 20mm of ribbon cable. Reference the circuit diagram for the USB connects.&nbsp;&nbsp;

First, apply a bit of solder to each pin on each USB connector and the carefully solder each wire.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

![3d_printing_usb-solder-diagram.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/818/medium640/3d_printing_usb-solder-diagram.jpg?1564511260)

## Reset cable

Apply solder to the Reset and Ground pins on the PropMaker.

We utilized the strain relief hole to help route the Reset wires before soldering to the button.

Solder the wire to each of the two pins on the button. We'll insulate the connects with hot glue later to allow it to fit in the handle.

![3d_printing_reset-wire.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/755/medium640/3d_printing_reset-wire.jpg?1564454711)

![3d_printing_reset-btn-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/756/medium640/3d_printing_reset-btn-solder.jpg?1564454745)

## Slide Switch&nbsp;

Next solder the On and Off slide switch to the **G** and **EN** pins on the PropMaker. Tin the through holes first and then reheat while press the wires into each through hole.

We'll need to route the wire between the center of the two boards to the opposite side of the board as shown. Pass the wires through and then solder the slide switch.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

![3d_printing_slide-btn-pin-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/757/medium640/3d_printing_slide-btn-pin-solder.jpg?1564454814)

![3d_printing_slide-btn-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/758/medium640/3d_printing_slide-btn-solder.jpg?1564455813)

## Check measurements&nbsp;

Once all of the wires are soldered, go ahead a double check that the lengths of all wires are correct and have enough slack to reach.

## Mount the Slide Switch

Maneuver the wires for the On /Off slide switch so they are flush against the handle walls. The slide switch press fits into the slot on the handle.

Gently pull the two metal tabs on the slide switch metal housing to increase the slot tolerance. Hot glue in place to help secure it.&nbsp;

![3d_printing_mount-boards.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/759/medium640/3d_printing_mount-boards.jpg?1564456179)

## NeoPixel Strip

Now to preparing the NeoPixel strips. Identify the start and end of the strip by looking at the direction of the small arrows printed on the strip.&nbsp;

Cut off the large connector and remove a small bit of silicone so you can solder to the pads on the strip. Repeat with the second NeoPixel Strip.

## NeoPixel Splitter

Both strips will connect via a **Y splitter**. We used a **JST PH 3-Pin to Male Header Cable** &nbsp;to build our splitter.&nbsp;

Cut six silicone wires 20mm long and then use tweezers to hold them together while soldering to the jumper ends of the&nbsp; **JST PH 3-Pin Header Cables**.

Check that the connections are solid and then slip on heat shrink to insulate the connections.&nbsp;

Next is to test that the LED strips turn on.

&nbsp;

![3d_printing_stemma-splitter-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/760/medium640/3d_printing_stemma-splitter-solder.jpg?1564456217)

![3d_printing_stemma-splitter-heatshrink.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/761/medium640/3d_printing_stemma-splitter-heatshrink.jpg?1564456562)

![3d_printing_neopixel-strip-solder.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/762/medium640/3d_printing_neopixel-strip-solder.jpg?1564456710)

![3d_printing_neopixel-test.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/763/medium640/3d_printing_neopixel-test.jpg?1564456756)

## Hot Glue Components

After verifying that all wires and components power up without any loose connections, you can start to mount the board and wires.

## Air Duster&nbsp;

Apply hot glue to the corners of the board and then use Air Dust to quickly dry the hot glue. You can turn the Air Duster upside down and carefully spray quick bursts over each glue spot.

Some condensation will appear but quickly fades away as the temperature stabilizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

![3d_printing_glue-boards.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/764/medium640/3d_printing_glue-boards.jpg?1564456772)

## Hot Glue Strips

Lay the strips so they have a small amount of spacing between the edge and center of the blade walls. This will help to diffuse the blade. Apply hot glue and Air Duster to hold the strips in place. Add glue to every 80mm or so to straighten out the strip.&nbsp;

## Mount USB jack

Apply a small amount of hot glue to the end of the handle where the USB jack sits, but not at the tip end. Press the USB jack over the glue.

Check that it's properly aligned and then quickly spray Air Duster to hold it in place. Add another small drop of hot glue over the USB pins to insulate the connections. Allow the hot glue to drip down and adhere to the handle before using the Air Duster.

![3d_printing_glue-usb.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/765/medium640/3d_printing_glue-usb.jpg?1564456840)

## Buttons

Once the hot glue dries on the USB jack, place the Reset button over the USB jack plastic housing and then apply a small amount of hot glue on the sides of the Reset button. Don't apply hot glue to the top. This will make it too thick for both halves to join.&nbsp;

Insulate the pins of the Rest button with a small amount of hot glue.

The optional Mode switch button can sit above the Reset button. You can add a small drop of hot glue to the sides and the pins to insulate the connections.&nbsp;&nbsp;

![3d_printing_glue-mode-btn.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/766/medium640/3d_printing_glue-mode-btn.jpg?1564455961)

## Speaker holes

Once the speaker is mounted in the handle, it will sound muffled, so a couple of holes should be put in the handle. We heated a&nbsp;poking tool (usually included with 3D Printers) and made a pattern of holes over the area around the speaker.

Add holes to both sides of the handle.

Poking each hole will leave raised edges around the holes, but they easily clean up with a diagonal Flush Cutter tool.

![3d_printing_speaker-hole.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/768/medium640/3d_printing_speaker-hole.jpg?1564456895)

![3d_printing_speaker-holes.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/769/medium640/3d_printing_speaker-holes.jpg?1564457281)

## Paracord Rope&nbsp;

Now you can start to attach both&nbsp;halves of the sword. The rope detail on the handle will actually help to hold both halves together.

Cut a piece of green paracord 320.5mm long and then tightly criss cross the rope down the length of the handle.&nbsp;

Tie the ends and then apply a small amount of super glue to the area were the rope criss crosses to hold the shape of the paracord.

![3d_printing_roping.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/770/medium640/3d_printing_roping.jpg?1564457284)

![3d_printing_rope-glue.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/771/medium640/3d_printing_rope-glue.jpg?1564457318)

## Hot Glue Blade

With the handle tightly attached, you can move on to adhering both halves of the blades together.

Start at the base of the blade. Apply a generous amount of hot glue as shown in the diagram. Lay the blade on a flat surface and apply pressure as you add hot glue to each section. Use Air Duster to quickly dry the hot glue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Allow the hot glue that spreads out of the sides of the blade to dry before using a hobby knife or flush cutters to trim them off.

![3d_printing_glue-blade.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/772/medium640/3d_printing_glue-blade.jpg?1564457681)

## Complete!

Take your fully assembled sword on your next quest! Don't forget to make a second smaller one for those younger&nbsp;Adventurers! Just remember to fully charge the battery before going on long missions!&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/078/774/medium800/3d_printing_hero-gavin-night.jpg?1564457375)


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