LCS9 Manual | Starside Armory

INTEL/MANUAL_LCS9

LIGHT COLLAR SYSTEM V9

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Power Supply [LCS9-C]

Each half of the LCS9-C comes with an integral USB-C female port and a 1-to-2 splitter.
Using your USB-C cable of choice, plug the splitter into any USB power bank.
Use the power bank's on/off button to control the collar. The collar has no on/off switch of its own.

Power Supply [LCS9-D]

Each half of the LCS9-D comes with an integral 4-pin RGB connector, 4-pin RGB 1-to-2 splitter, and BlueTooth controller with a USB-A connector.
Plug the USB-A connector on the controller into any USB power bank. USB-A to A extension cables -while less common than A to C - are available commercially if extra length is needed.
Use the power bank's on/off button to control the collar. The app can also turn the LEDs on/off, and the controller has physical controls as well (pending verification).

Power Supply [All models]

Runtime will depend on the size of your power bank (and various other factors). Rough calculations estimate a 10,000mAh bank will last about 5 hours.
Some USB power banks won't turn on without a minimum amount of current flowing to a connected device. There is no standard minimum, but the LCS9 should draw enough current to work with common power banks. On the off chance that your collar doesn't turn on when plugged in to a power bank, try powering it from a different USB power source.
Securing each of the cable connections so that they don't accidentally disconnect may be desirable. Gaff tape or electrical tape are common options.

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RGB Control [LCS9-D]

Controlled via BlueTooth app.
More information coming, pending hands-on verification.

Output Voltage Adjustment [LCS9-B; advanced users only]

Remove the Power Hub Cover by unscrewing the two M3 screws.
The voltage converter has a small brass knob that adjusts the output voltage. This should only be adjusted if you have a multimeter to measure the output voltage.
Turn the knob with a flathead screwdriver to raise (clockwise) or lower (counter-clockwise) the voltage. This will affect the LED brightness and fan speed/noise.
The LEDs operate at 3V. This voltage should not be exceed by more than 10%. More likely you may want to lower the brightness for photos.
The Power Hub Cover has a small depression over the adjustment knob. If you plan to use this feature frequently, the depression can be drilled out so that the knob can be adjusted with the cover still attached.

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Included Components [*optional depending on your install]

Case: All other included components connect to the Case assemblies.
Edge Clip*: Metal clip for grabbing on to fabric edges up to about 1/8" thick.
Backer*: Placed on the outside of the jacket as a spacer for clip-on install, or support for bolt-on install.
Bridge*: Links rear cases and suspends the LEDs away from the back of the neck.
USB-C Splitter*: 1x USB-C female port > 2x USB-C male port

Not Included Components

USB Battery Bank: Any standard bank with 5-volt USB output should work.
USB Cable: A cable with a male USB-C on one end and whatever plugs into your bank on the other.

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Installation Method 1: Edge Clip

The LCS9 comes with edge clips pre-installed. This method is ideal for a damage-free installation, as well as easy removal for laundry.
Simply attach all four clips to the jacket collar and position as desired.
The Backer pieces which are usually used in the bolt-on method can be clamped under the edge clips. Useful on thin fabrics.

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Installation Method 2: Bolt-on

This method is good for a stronger connection (although the edge clip is plenty sturdy). It may also be useful for applications where the edge clip won't work, or if you think the bolt-on method looks cooler.
Remove the M4 bolts with a 2.5mm hex wrench, and remove the edge clips.
Position the collar sections as desired. Using a pen through the mounting holes, mark where you need to make holes in your garment.
Depending on your garment material, use a tool to pierce a small hole on each mark. A craft knife works for most applications, or an awl heated with flame is good on nylon because it cauterizes the edge and reduces fraying.
Use the included 3D-printed Backer pieces as a washer for the M4 bolts. Position as desired and screw the Backer+bolt in from the outside of the garment.

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Hybrid Methods

For some garments, a combination of both could be required or desired.
For example, a jacket with a high collar that transitions into a hood (such as the M56 RN-F1) can use the edge clips on the front mounting points and bolts on the rear, as the hood prevents edge clip installation on the rear mounting points.
Installing the front Cases and linking the rear Cases together with the Bridge will allow the rear Cases to "float" without being attached to anything.

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Bridge Assembly and Install

Links the rear Cases together and lifts collar away from neck.
The Bridge ships flat. Bend the flanged tab over and insert it into the slot.
Unscrew the rear Edge Clips, then re-install them over the Bridge. Adjust width as needed.
The Bridge can be installed in four orientations depending on where you want the padding.

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Non-Collar Applications

Alternative installations are limited only[mostly] by your clothing geometry.
Attach anywhere that needs more light. The LEDs can be completely hidden to create a subdued glowing area, or faced outwards to blast your surroundings.

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Power Hub Support [LCS9-B only]

The Power Hub connects the two collar halves and houses the voltage converter. It also has a 1" slot and velcro strap that can be used to suspend it from the coat loop of your garment.
The wires are supported and can handle the weight if you don't have a coat loop, but best practice would be to suspend the Power Hub and take the weight off the wires.
The Power Hub also features provisions for surface mounting with the same bolt-on method as above. To use this method you must provide your own M3 hardware.
- Remove the Power Hub Cover and insert M3 nuts in the nut wells.
- Mark and make holes in your garment.
- With M3 screws and washers, bolt the Power Hub to your garment.

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The series 9 Light Collar System is a significant departure from previous models, marking the lightest, brightest, and most flexible version to date.

My earliest version - the Enforcer Heavy Collar - immediately revealed that the rigid structure makes putting the jacket on, wearing it, and taking it off somewhat awkward. All subsequent light collars have made efforts to reduce mass and increase flexibility, usually with hinges in the frame.

The LCS9 removes the frame altogether. An LED strip is inlaid directly in a flexible rubber diffuser during printing, sheathing the LEDs in a custom diffuser. While the frames were an interesting look and offered some fun customization options, the LCS9 aims to more seamlessly integrate with garments.

The custom LED assemblies are designed for jackets and vests with high collars. It will not work on bomber collars. Two attachment methods are possible, one of which is completely damage-free and tool-less, while the other requires poking holes but works on more garments. These options are covered in the Installation tab of this page.

Another major improvement is that it runs on any USB power bank. Information on the electrical requirements and controls are covered in the Operation tab of this page.

Sub-versions:

LCS9-A: Experimental build, designed for a CrisisWear Sector vest. Used elastic attachment points instead of edge clips. Based on LED filament.

LCS9-B: Prototype batch, re-designed for edge clip attachment method. Based on LED filament. (Sold only at Neotropolis-26)
LCS9-C: Production version, re-designed for static-color LED strips.

LCS9-D: Selectable-RGB version of 9-C.

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INTEL/MANUAL_LCS9

LIGHT COLLAR SYSTEM V9

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