Chief Delphi - Separate Powered Flashlights?

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Re: Separate Powered Flashlights?

You would want to use a 20 amp breaker on the spark so a RI wouldn't tell you that you needed 12 AWG wire to your light ring. :] I would be inclined to use a PCM (pneumatic module) rather than a Spark. It would need to be set to 12V

Re: Separate Powered Flashlights?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilleya (Post 1636046)

This is a common misunderstanding, the led will only draw the amount of current that it requires for operation at the specific supply voltage. This is the same for any motor. Just because it is on circuit capable of 100amps does not mean that it will draw 100amps, it will draw exactly what it needs whether 0.1amp, 1 amp, 100amps or even 1000amps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshall (Post 1636050)

The LED rings you and most teams use are 12V automotive rings. They already have resistors in series.

I was about to say something about Ohm's Law, but I was too slow.

Re: Separate Powered Flashlights?

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshall (Post 1635046)

T

But hey instead of clarifying the ambiguous wording, they've said that if the COTS computing device is designed to use a battery then it's fair game so we'll see about that :)[...]
I have hopes that FIRST will see the light and clarify the ruling next year or sometime soon but until then we'll keep trying new stuff. They fixed the scanning LIDAR stuff after a couple years: http://www.firstinspires.org/sites/d...0_09_24_41.pdf

Well, I think they FINALLY did a little clarifying. Probably decided that since 900 wasn't asking, it was safe... ;)

https://frc-qa.firstinspires.org/qa/332

This time, they went into intent. Basically, COTS computing devices that contain (are sold with installed) battery solutions are in, and devices that are not... are not. It's a start at clarity... but not fully there yet.

Re: Separate Powered Flashlights?

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricH (Post 1636893)

I'm glad they finally published something explaining the intent (I'm not convinced they explained the purpose though - maybe they can use that dictionary to look up the difference - yes, I'm still bitter). I genuinely appreciate the response and clarification.

Also, still nothing stopping me from using a laptop to power a TX1 over USB. :)

EDIT: Q303 is entertaining and I'm pretty sure Q&A just shot people in the foot because I know I've heard of teams (and seen at least one team in person) using laptops without the screens and keyboards to save on weight. This is new.

Re: Separate Powered Flashlights?

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilleya (Post 1636046)

Allister,
Your description is close. If you modify the circuitry, you can force more current through an LED up to and including the point at which the LED fails. As you pass the specified operating current, the LED may not get any brighter but the additional current is given off as heat in the device. Due to the very tiny wires used to wire the LED die to the outside world, failure often results in burning that wire open. However, that is not the guaranteed failure as a meltdown of the die may result in a short.