neon/strobes on bot
 

Does anyone know the rules/guidelines for having lights on the bot other than the ones provided?

I know that you can't use the green cold cathodes supplied in the kit=no brainer.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I think anything that would act to distract the cameras would be out of the question. Strobe lights would probably be out as well. Maybe something like underglow but I doubt it.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

All I can say is check the rule book.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I f there isn't a rule against it, does that mean it will fly?....like if just for kicks, i wanted to put a fog machine on our bot....there obviously isn't a rule against that........................and no, I'm not serious

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Gotta be powered by the main battery via a 20 or 30 amp breaker and not be green. They are classed as NFDs (non-functional decorations) unless they are jamming opponents' vision systems, in which case they are classified as illegal. Section 5.3.11 has more details. You can't break weight or size limits.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

If you are planning on using any green lights, please don't do that. I think it will be against the rules.

If you are thinking about using lights (red, blue or any other) to decorate your robot, you should be fine. Keep in mind that during inspection you will need to include all your decoration when you weigh your robot.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

thanks.. I don't have a rule book on hand..I'm working on some ideas to make our future bots a little flashier ///no pun intended///

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I believe that particular argument would be illegal due to blocking the drivers' view. :)

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Umm... try USFIRST.ORG

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

i believe there is a rule that you can only use the LED lights provided, most likely to prevent teams from trying to distract the opponents drivers, and to not impair vision as to gain an unfair advantage

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I'd say strobes are out of the question for matches just because of their potential to distract drivers and/or cause seizures. underbody lights, as long as they're not green, are probably fine as long as they don't flash too brightly. I'd suggest just some LED's/cold cathode tubes mounted on the underside of the robot just to cast a soft glow on the carpet.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Don't use red or blue unless you can change colors quickly. Those are reserved for alliance identification.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Please read the robot rules again and reference the exact rule if you find it.

lukevanoort, there is no reservation as to color that I know of, save that you can't use green similar to the lights.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Answer,
5.3.11 Non-Functional Decoration Rules
Teams may add “Non-functional” decorations to robots under the following conditions:
<R101> Decorations must be on the robot at the time of final inspection, and must not cause the robot weight or
size to exceed the Rule requirements.
<R102> Decorations must not affect the outcome of the match, and must be in the spirit of “Gracious
Professionalism.”
<R103> Any decorations that involve broadcasting a signal to/from the robot, such as remote cameras, must be
cleared with FIRST Engineering prior to use. Teams may not use 900 MHz camera systems.
<R104> Decorations may draw power from the 12v electrical system as long as they are powered via a dedicated
20A or 30A circuit breaker and do not affect the operation of other control system components.

Additionally,
R31> No devices or decorations are permitted on the robot that are intended to jam or interfere with the
operation of the vision system (i.e. changing robot color to confuse opponent’s vision system).

Apply the flowchart as needed.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Technically, I dont think that blocking driver view is illegal...just not all that GPish.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

According to the GDC, anything that impairs the driver's view is unsafe and therefore a violation of <S01>.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Cody's a real character isn't he?

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I think these questions should be banned. These are clearly stated in the rules.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Theres a difference between blocking a drivers view, and blinding him with a lazer.

A few years ago in the 2003 competition one team clibed to the top of the ramp in the center then unfolded a large black tarp and blocked the apposing alliance from seeing their bots. Back then it was perfectly legal, im pretty sure the same concept is still legal.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I'm not so sure. From the GDC's response, I think ANY device that blocks the view could "potentially interfere with their ability to safely control their robots." I wouldn't rely on this strategy this year, do to the fact that they're being EXTRA STRICT with flying balls in the mix.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

Gentlemen,
In 2003 there were no restrictions on size after the match start. This year, you may only grow to a 60" cube as a maximum. Hard to block someone's vision in that small a footprint.

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

ya espessically us tall drivers that could look right over it ;P

Re: neon/strobes on bot
 

I agree with that(6'4" tall driver talking here)

Josh
Team Driver/Designer