UW Asteria2.X Operation Manual
Introduction
This page provides basic operating instructions for lightsabers equipped with the UW Asteria chip.
The UW Asteria is a high-performance soundboard manufactured by UltimateWorks (UW). It supports motion control, allows color, blade length, and brightness adjustments directly on the hilt, and offers customizable sound and light effects via a MicroSD card.
The operating procedures on this page are based on the standard settings of UW Asteria 2.x (firmware v1.098). Please note that the configured operating patterns may change depending on the time of manufacture or model.
※ As UW soundboards and lightsabers are not products handled by our store, we do not offer warranty, repair, or technical support for them. This page is published as reference information for those who own UW products. For product support, please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the product or the manufacturer (UltimateWorks).
Before use, please check the following precautions page.
Precautions Before Use (Please read carefully)
- Do not remove the insulating film attached to the core unit (inner chassis) or battery. This may cause a short circuit and damage the device.
- Do not attach or detach the blade or core unit while the power is on. This may cause damage.
- Do not allow other metal objects (including the metal part of the dust plug) to touch the contact pins inside the emitter.
- When attaching the blade, the contact pins will push the blade up. Hold the blade gently while tightening the screws.
- When attaching or detaching the core unit, only hold the frame part and pull it out or insert it. Pressing the speaker diaphragm may cause damage.
- After customizing settings, boot failures or freezes may occur due to abnormal parameters or files. In such cases, format the SD card and restore the backed-up files to recover.
- Do not disassemble the product yourself. If disassembled, the manufacturer's free after-sales service will not apply.
- If there are any operational abnormalities, please contact the support desk of the retailer from whom you purchased the product or the manufacturer (UltimateWorks).
Annotations and Motion Definitions
- Main Button: Primary button (used for power, blade ON/OFF, etc.)
- Sub Button: Secondary button (used for switching effects, etc.)
- Click: Press and immediately release the button gently
- Double Click: Press the button quickly twice
- Long Click (Press and Hold): Press for approximately 1 second and then release
- Hold: Keep pressing
- Swing: Wave the hilt
- Twist: Quickly twist the hilt around its axis and return it
- Rotate: Turn the hilt in one direction around its axis
- Stab: Thrusting motion with acceleration in the direction of the blade
- Clash: Impacting the blade
The UW Asteria has three states:
- Power OFF: Completely powered off state
- Standby State: Power ON, blade OFF state (standby)
- Blade ON: Blade is illuminated
Operation Manual (Single Blade)
Power ON/OFF
| Item | Function Description | Operation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Power ON | Plays the sound font change sound from the last session and enters standby mode | Long-press the main button while in Power OFF state |
| Power OFF | Power turns off with a Poweroff sound | Long-press the main button while in standby mode |
Operations in Standby State (Blade OFF)
| Item | Function Description | Operation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Blade ON | Turns on the blade | Click the main button |
| Twist ON | Turns on the blade with motion | Twist (Sensitivity can be adjusted with GestreuOnOffS1Thre / GestreuOnOffS2Thre. Higher values make it harder to activate.) |
| Swing ON | Turns on the blade with a swing | Swing (Setting parameter: SwingOutOn / Initial setting OFF) |
| Stab ON | Turns on the blade with a thrusting motion | Accelerated thrust in the direction of the blade (Setting parameter: StabOutOn / Initial setting OFF) |
| Sound Font Change (Next/Previous) | Changes to the next or previous sound font | Long-press the sub button (Hilt upward = next, downward = previous) |
| Sound Font Change (Rotation) | Changes the sound font by rotating the hilt | Rotate the hilt in one direction around its axis (Clockwise when viewed from the front of the emitter = next, Counter-clockwise = previous) |
| Mute Toggle | Toggles between mute and sound playback | Double-click the main button |
| BGM Mode | Toggles BGM playback mode ON/OFF | Double-click the sub button to turn ON, double-click again to turn OFF |
| Hilt Settings Mode | Adjusts color, blade length, and brightness on the hilt | While holding down the main button, rotate the hilt in one direction along its long axis (see details below) |
※ PreOn (Pre-effect) function: If effect settings are enabled and a po file exists in the Preon folder, you can play ignition failure effects, energy charging, dialogue playback, etc., before the blade turns ON.
Operations When Blade is ON
| Item | Function Description | Operation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Blade OFF | Turns off the blade and returns to standby state | Long-press the main button |
| Motion OFF | Turns off the blade with a twist | Twist (If parameters in effect settings are enabled) |
| Swing Effect | Swing sound and effect | Swing the hilt |
| Clash | Impact effect is activated | Impact the blade |
| Blaster | Blaster (beam deflection) effect | Click the sub button |
| Drag | Illumination effect like dragging on the ground | Point the blade downward, press the sub button, and drag (click to release) |
| Lock-up | Blade lock effect | Press the sub button and clash (click to release) |
| Stab | Thrust effect | Accelerated thrust in the direction of the blade |
| Color Change (Next/Previous) | Switches blade color | Press the main button while clicking the sub button (Hilt upward = next, downward = previous) (Holding the main button too long may turn off the blade) |
| Color Change (Rotation) | Switches blade color by rotating the hilt | Press the sub button while rotating the hilt in one direction (Clockwise when viewed from the front of the emitter = next, Counter-clockwise = previous) |
| Volume Adjustment | Volume changes according to set levels | Double-click the main button |
| Battle Mode Toggle | Enters/exits battle mode (a toggle sound will play) | Long-press the sub button, then quickly click the sub button |
About Battle Mode
- In Battle Mode, you can activate Lock-up and Drag without pressing buttons.
- Lock-up: After a clash, hold still without moving (do not swing the hilt).
- Drag: Point the blade tip downward and drag it along the ground.
- While effects are active, a large swing of the hilt will deactivate them.
- The Battle Mode state is not saved after power off. The initial state can be set with the "BattleOn" parameter in setting.txt.
Hilt Settings Mode (Color, Blade Length, Brightness)
| Item | Function Description | Operation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Enter Mode | Starts Hilt Settings Mode | While in standby, press the main button and rotate the hilt in one direction along its long axis |
| Switch Adjustment Items | Switches in order: Color → Blade Length → Brightness | Click the main button |
| Color Adjustment | Blade is displayed divided into 3 color zones Tip = Main Color (MC) Middle = Sub Color (SC) Base = Action Color (FC) |
Rotate the hilt to mix colors. Click the main button to switch the adjustment target. (If you do not want to change the current color, skip by clicking the main button without rotating the hilt.) |
| Blade Length Adjustment | Adjusts the illuminated length to match the actual blade length | Rotate the hilt, align the white dot at the tip of the light column with the blade tip, and save |
| Brightness Adjustment | Changes the blade brightness | Rotate the hilt to adjust brightness and save at the desired brightness |
| Save and Exit | Saves the adjusted settings | Long-press the main button |
| Exit Without Saving | Discards the adjusted settings | Swing the hilt vigorously |
※ Color adjustment is invalid when certain full-color offset effects (FlipMode=5 in TG light effect files) are in use.
Operation Manual (Double Blade Model)
In double blade models, the side further from the USB port is the "forward (main) side" and corresponds to Main Blade 1. Unless otherwise specified, operations and settings are the same as for a single blade.
The two sets of main/sub buttons can independently operate the blades on their respective sides (operations are the same as for a single blade). The following are operations specific to the double blade:
| Item | Function Description | Operation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Power ON | Sound font change sound plays, and enters standby state | Long-press the main button on the forward (main) side while in Power OFF state |
| Simultaneous ON for Both Blades | Illuminates both blades simultaneously | Twist while in standby state |
| Simultaneous OFF for Both Blades | Turns off both blades simultaneously and returns to standby state | Twist while blades are ON |
| Simultaneous Color Change for Both Blades | Changes the color of both blades simultaneously | Press the sub button while rotating the hilt in one direction (Clockwise when viewed from the front of the forward emitter = next, Counter-clockwise = previous) |
※ For double blades, LED count settings are done in LEDCFG.txt directly under the SD card for Main Blade 1, Main Blade 2, and Sub Blade respectively. Parameters for Main Blade 2 can be set independently in the blade2 folder within each sound font (Bank folder), and for Sub Blade in the blade3 folder. If corresponding files are not present, they will follow the settings of Main Blade 1.
Power Management (Battery and Charging)
Battery Installation Direction
- Generic Core Unit: Install with the positive terminal forward (connector side) and the negative terminal backward (speaker side).
- Dedicated Core Unit: Install according to the positive/negative markings on the unit or near the battery.
- If installed incorrectly, a red warning light will illuminate. Promptly reinstall in the correct orientation.
- Installing the battery incorrectly while the USB cable is connected will damage the board. Circuit damage due to incorrect installation is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty (paid repair), so always confirm the orientation before installation.
Battery Specifications
- Single Blade (Generic Core Unit): Unprotected flat-top 18650 lithium-ion battery (discharge capacity 10A or more).
- Double Blade: Unless otherwise specified, unprotected flat-top 21700 lithium-ion battery (discharge capacity 10A or more).
- Recommended Battery: KEEPPOWER IMR series (18650 / 21700). These have obtained PSE certification under Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act and can be used safely in Japan.
- For dedicated core units, please check the model number listed on the exterior of the included battery.
Charging Method
| Method | Content |
|---|---|
| Charge Battery Separately (High Efficiency) | Remove the battery from the core unit and charge it with a lithium battery charger (please prepare separately). |
| Direct Charging to Core Unit | Connect the included USB cable to the USB port of the core unit and charge from a power adapter, power strip, PC USB port, etc. Chargers of 5V/1A or more can be used (voltage must be 5V only, current 0.5-3A). |
- The orange charging indicator on the core unit will light up during charging.
- The area near the charging chip may reach temperatures of 70°C or higher. To prevent burns, avoid touching this area (charging board) during charging.
- Charging is complete when the orange indicator automatically dims or turns off.
Charging and Battery Handling Precautions
- Charging should be limited to 5 consecutive hours. Avoid charging while unattended, such as during sleep.
- To prevent complete battery discharge (over-discharge), even if not used for a long time, it is recommended to charge it approximately once every two weeks.
- Due to the characteristics of lithium-ion batteries, if not used for a long period, remove the battery from the device and store it.
- If the battery is depleted or its voltage falls below the recommended value, replace it with a new one.
Power Saving and Low Power Warning
- Power-saving mode is enabled by default. If the standby state continues for a long time, the power will automatically turn off.
- When the battery voltage drops, a "Low power" or "Recharge" voice will play. Promptly charge or replace the battery.
- If the voltage drops further, the power may unexpectedly turn off due to hardware protection.
- Signs of low power: Deterioration of sound quality or noise, dimming of the blade, increased color difference between the blade tip and base, power turning off after a clash or motion activation, etc.
Estimated Operating Time
- Approximately 40 minutes is a rough estimate for normal red illumination.
- Operating time varies greatly depending on the total power consumption of blade length, color, and brightness.
- With white illumination + full-length blade + maximum volume, operating time may be less than 15 minutes with one battery.
- Without a blade inserted, only emitter illumination + mute, it can be used for over 8 hours with one battery.
Customization and Software Updates
- Sound fonts, light effects, and various parameters can be customized by editing the MicroSD/TF card (card reader recommended, or USB mode connection via the included USB cable). Detailed editing methods are for advanced users and are omitted from this page.
- This chip supports user-initiated firmware updates. For update software and procedures, please contact the retailer from whom you purchased the product or the manufacturer (UltimateWorks) support desk.
Other Information
- Precautions Page: Precautions｜ATTENTION
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Compatible chip: UW Asteria 2.x (based on firmware v1.098)