NiCad Battery for decorative use? [Archive]

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nreyesciena

15-02-2007, 21:36

Is it legal to use any extra NiCad backup batteries to power decorative lights in the console case?

tdlrali

15-02-2007, 21:52

No, anything on the OI side has to be powered by the OI, except the Chicklets.

Tristan Lall

15-02-2007, 22:33

Don't connect them to the OI through the joystick ports. If it doesn't connect to a joystick port, it's not covered by the no-external-power rule (e.g. laptops attached to the dashboard port have batteries).

All equipment connected to the joystick ports of the Operator Interface must be powered solely through the power available through the port. External power sources of any type are not permitted on any equipment connected to the joystick ports. Portable computing devices can not be connected to joystick input ports on the Operator Interface. Powerpassive devices (e.g. joysticks that draw their power solely through the Operator Interface joystick port) are permitted. The one exception to this rule is Innovation First Incorporated USB adapters (IFI Part Number USB-CHICKLET) may be used to connect USB devices to the joystick ports of the Operator Interface. If used, this USB adapter must be powered with a 7.2V battery similar to the back-up battery. Teams can not use power from the competition port or any other source to power the USB adapter. The USB adapter must be positioned within the OPERATOR CONSOLE so that the indicator lights may be seen during inspection and operation in a match.

And it should go without saying that you don't want to install large green lights in places where robots can see them.

IndySam

15-02-2007, 22:35

Is it legal to use any extra NiCad backup batteries to power decorative lights in the console case?

yes, you can have things powered like decorations or computers by batteries.

Note, I don't think lighted consoles are a good idea. The drivers have enough sensory input without adding other distractions. Also carrying around heavy consoles can be a real drag after a long day of competition.

nreyesciena

16-02-2007, 12:21

THe decorations werent gonna be connected to the joystick ports or anything but okay I understand the point. Anyways on the heavy aspect i'm gonna be the operator and it isnt as heavy as we thought it would be so weight isnt really an issue. Thanks for the replies!

whytheheckme

25-02-2007, 00:21

Tristan Lall

25-02-2007, 00:55

Say I have a bunch of 12V devices on my OI... And going between the device and ground I have a little 5V $2.79 RadioShack relay. Can I use the output pins on Port 3 to allow power though to the 12V devices? No (Very, very, very, very little) power is being consumed, the relays are simply getting a signal to allow power through.External power sources of any type are not permitted on any equipment connected to the joystick ports.That doesn't sound legal. The external 12 V is connected to whatever load you've got, and the relay is connected to the joystick port and the 12 V supply (though one feeds the coil and the other is switched).

Dave K.

25-02-2007, 12:05

'Power Passive'....

Say I have a bunch of 12V devices on my OI... And going between the device and ground I have a little 5V $2.79 RadioShack relay. Can I use the output pins on Port 3 to allow power though to the 12V devices? No (Very, very, very, very little) power is being consumed, the relays are simply getting a signal to allow power through.

Is this legal?
Jacob

No. There are two relevant postings on FIRST's Q&A forum.

See this one (http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=278&highlight=opto%2A) and this one (http://forums.usfirst.org/showthread.php?t=413&highlight=opto%2A).

If they won't allow an opto-coupler, they aren't going to allow a relay.