I need a flashlight for our bot

[snowballz]

I don't know where to get a flashlight for the robot, and i dont know what the specs of a good one is. PLEASE HELP

[kjohnson]

Some teams use flashlights, but this LED is available at AM and can be wired to your robot without modification: http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-2089.htm

[snowballz]

so i can see this with my eyes right because we're not doing the autonomous part

[ferret_guy]

so i can see this with my eyes right because we're not doing the autonomous part

Yes it emits visible light

[Alan Anderson]

What do you want to use the flashlight for? The suggested "light engine" module provides wide angle illumination, perfect for use with the camera and the retroreflective goal borders. If you have different requirements, it might not be suitable.

[snowballz]

But we're not using a camera so would it still work?

[Botwoon]

But we're not using a camera so would it still work?

Retroreflective tape only appears lighted if you're looking at it from the same vector as the light source.

If you're doing what I think you're doing - trying to cast a relatively focused beam of light at the wall (not just the tape) to give your drivers a visual cue to indicate that they're on target - then no, it *probably* wouldn't..

[snowballz]

So what should I use then? I'm really sorry this is our first year

[Alan Anderson]

What you should use depends on what you want to use it for.

What do you want to use it for?

[akoscielski3]

The OP wants a normal hand held flashlight, not a ring light or anything of that sort. Just wanted to clarify that for them :P

[snowballz]

I need something that can light up the tape and/or the area around it to give our drivers an idea of what they're aiming at

[inkspell4]

I need something that can light up the tape and/or the area around it to give our drivers an idea of what they're aiming at

Without utilizing a camera you will not be able to use the reflective tape for what you need because the tape is retroreflective and not just reflective.

[dcarr]

I personally have both of these flashlights at home and they are fantastic.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VV7SFG/ref=wms_ohs_product
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0020XF0JQ/ref=wms_ohs_product

However, I have not tested them on a robot for goal alignment purposes. Why not try a few different options (ring lights with a camera, LED flashlights for 'photon-cannon' style) and see?

[snowballz]

Like I don't need it to reflect I just need the area to be highlighted

[Alan Anderson]

So you basically just want to shine a spotlight in the direction your robot will be shooting?

If that's what you're trying to do, I suggest that you go flashlight shopping and find one that will work for your purposes. Then figure out how to power it legally, using the robot battery. You can also search the forum for the phrase "photon cannon" and maybe get some useful information.

[snowballz]

Yeah basically, so is there any restriction on how many lumens? And I tried photon cannon but could find anything

[inkspell4]

Here is a whole thread about photon cannons: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110946

[snowballz]

Thanks you very much guys

[dcarr]

Yeah basically, so is there any restriction on how many lumens? And I tried photon cannon but could find anything

There are no rules on this. Just don't intentionally try to blind the other alliance drivers and you should be fine.

[Garrett.d.w]

I have one of these for working on my car.
http://www.maglite.com/maglite_pro_LED.asp

I tried using it as a potential photon cannon in the shop the other day and I think that it would work quite well. If you focus it, the spot of light is easily visible from 50 ft away in a variety of lighting conditions. (your results may vary ;) )

Good luck :)

[Orion.DeYoe]

What you should use depends on what you want to use it for.

What do you want to use it for?

I think they're making a photon cannon...

[EricH]

There are no rules on this. Just don't intentionally try to blind the other alliance drivers and you should be fine.

As to that, I would suggest doing a simple test: have your drive team stand under the goal, about where the driver station of your opponents would be. If they can't see when the light is on and pointing in their direction, assume that you'll be blinding your opponents, which could fall under R08, part A of the blue box, which would cause a nice chain reaction leading to a redesign. Note that it doesn't have to be designed to limit vision, just used to, or just cause an unsafe condition. Get the light so that it doesn't blind the drivers, then have them go to their own station's distance and see if they can see it. Repeat until you get it aligned.