Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Yup.

This website has some useful info...

Of particular interest might be the "Tri-Color" LED section...

http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/led.htm

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Well, the Analyst would have a set of free hands... :p

EDIT: <T25> seems to prohibit flags for this purpose, but maybe they could just do the signals without the flags?
EDIT2: <T26> seems to indicate flags or similar devices would be allowed, depending on the interpretation of said devices not communicating with anything or anyone outside of the arena

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

I like the idea of robot LEDs to indicate which tube you need. You could even use a FIRST Logo sticker and insert the colored LEDs into the logo.

Before suggesting ways to communicate between the Alliance Station and the Feeder Station, please read Section 5.5.7 Special Equipment Rules of the Manual ::rtm:: It is one of those sections that people rarely read and then they have to be told not to wear Bluetooth headsets in the Arena.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

The bi-color ones intrigued me however they are a few bucks a piece on digikey compared to tri-color being about a buck a piece.

A consideration with the tri-colour is how the fact you have the common cathode that would somehow have to switch sides if you wanted to run it off a spike switching direction.

Additionally blue and red LEDs run at different voltages so you have to factor in resistors and how to potentially run it off a single spike. The nice part about two sets using the diode breakdown voltage is you can use a single spike and a little breadboard rather than potentially two spikes.

I suppose you could hook up one color to the positive on the spike, one to the negative and the cathode to the negative on the power distribution board.(provided there isn't a rule against this, because it wouldn't be protected by a circuit breaker as those are only on the red blocks) You could also have it merge in with the spikes negative which may violate rule R43) below.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Use a laptop to flash the color fullscreen

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Yes. This seems to be the most effective way. :rolleyes:

...And when it isn't flashing full-screen color, it shows random pictures of funny kittens to distract the other team!

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Holy cannoli, keep it simple folks! The analyst has 2 free hands, 2 simple sets of red/white/blue cards or a 3-sided color-coded signalling post will allow communication with both Feeders. Don't we have TWO robots to build?:yikes:

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Another idea for a low tech system, just a simple poster that the analyst would hold up signaling which shape and which side to load on, similar to the play calling cards that Oregon uses in NCAA football like this: http://media.spokesman.com/photos/20...52 f96b62dbc7

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

I would say using LEDs are the best option. Seems like a lower chance of getting the desired game piece wrong.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Another low tech option would be to have the analyst hold up their right arm for one color, left for another, and both for the third. the exact colors can be decided before a match

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

One thing to consider when making a decision on this is that you don't know what feeder you're actually going to be talking to. Even if you have a teammate as a feeder, you might need to bail on his side of the field and go for the other side. I think you really should assume you're always communicating with a complete stranger, that you MAY have talked with before a match.

Also, how, exactly, are you going to accurately direct your communication at a particular feeder? If they both have robots incoming, how are you going to communicate with both simultaneously? And will they see you behind a plexi wall and a rack full of logos? And do you want them to be concentrating on your signalperson across the field, or the incoming robot?

Just a few things to think about before you settle on LEDs or other robot based signaling methods.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

It's been said more than a few times, but READ THE MANUAL! ::rtm::
In this case, see
Signaling items are definitely illegal.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Light up your robot either blue, red, or white. One thing I have learned from watching drivers and being on the drive team: you all will be looking at the robot and not each other most of the time so use the robot as the messenger. It will also make dealing with HP's from other teams a whole lot easier since you are never guaranteed your human player will be putting tubes in or always be going to one side of the field.

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Ah, it may seem so, but read on.
I believe the legality of signaling cards, flags, paper, etc. depends upon the interpretation of <T26>

Re: Communicating with Feeder
 

Based on T26, it seems legal to bring a signaling device to the driver's station.