Control Box Bling
 

We here at team 1418 believe that if you are going to do something, do it well. In holding with this belief we have created a tricked out custom control box (thats legal right? It's just a box full of switches connected via a cable to the control system.) Anyway, we were wondering if we are allowed to have "Non-Functional decorations" (in this case, a cold cathode) inside our control box. It would run on a 9v, and we thought that perhaps we aren't allowed to have a power source inside the case. Oh, and for those of you who want to see it, we'll be posting some pics soon :D

Re: Control Box Bling
 

First, let me say that I completely respect your philosophy ;-)
There aren't really any rules about that kind of stuff. I'd say the only thing you need to be aware of is there are no power sources at the driver's station, but since you're running it off a 9v, you should be good. My only advice is it helps of the OI is easy to carry - last year we made one that folds up into itself and has a nice handle or two.

Re: Control Box Bling
 

Yes, this is allowed (as long as it doesn't somehow hinder another team). We've used neon on our control box for the last 2 years. A piece of advice: we found that cathode tubes generate a lot of RF noise, so you may want to consider keeping the lights as far away from your radio modem as possible.

Re: Control Box Bling
 

Just wait till you see what we have in store.

Re: Control Box Bling
 

last i used cold cathoed tubes and i had no problem with interference but i wasn't running off of 9v i was using 12v and it would shine brighter there are pics of it in the gallery if you like to take a look