TOPIC: Batteries for recharge ports

If planning to use a recharge port, is it important to get a battery specifically for that, or is it possible to just wire up a SF battery for use with one? If so, what would that look like? Doesn't seem like you could just solder wires right onto the battery.

There is nothing special about the battery in relation to the charge port. You can put a regular 18650 cell into a holder like the one SF sells for $6, and solder wires to the terminals on the battery holder. Or do like SF does and actually put the wires directly onto the ends of the battery, if you're quick and don't heat up the cell. Personally, I'd rather be able to change the battery without soldering, because I plan on still using my sabers in 5-10 years when the batteries need to be replaced.

So, it'll be "interesting" when I get to that point and need to change the battery in my SF-installed hilt(s), since the wires are actually soldered to the battery and then covered with liquid electrical tape.

It's probably a good idea to use a cell with a good protection circuit though, just on general principles, and in case you accidentally short something or get polarity wrong somewhere. SF's standard Panasonic NCR18650B is a good choice.

Otherwise, this explains a bit about how to actually add a charge port, with pictures and diagrams:
https://saberforgeforum.com/forum/adaptive-saber-parts/11817-mod-add-charge-port-and-lighted-switch-to-asp

You can also make a fake dummy "battery" connected directly to a 2.1mm plug if you want to charge in-hilt in a traditional charger. The link above shows how that works too. But it's not really a battery; it can be a block of wood with pads or even just exposed wire on the ends.