[Mike Schroeder]

Originally Posted by Han Tzu

What do the rules say about large flashing lights or neon or gigantic hazard lights on the actual control panel?

First, you should read the rules before posting questions about them
second here are the rules regarding the operator interface :

Originally Posted by page 18-19 of the section 5

5.3.8 Operator Interface Rules
<R64> The team number settings on the Operator Interface must be set to the team number assigned to the team by FIRST.
<R65> The Operator Interface Console designed by your team must fit on the 69” wide by 12” deep shelf in the Alliance Station and the radio modem connected to the Operator Interface must be able to reach the mounting bracket on the operator stations. Be sure to leave at least 48” of slack in the 9-pin cable.
<R66> Teams are permitted to connect a portable computing device (Laptop computer, PDAs, etc.) to the RS232 Output of the Dashboard Port of the Operator Interface for the purpose of displaying feedback from the robot while competing in Competition matches. Please note that AC power will not be available at the playing field so these devices will have to run on internal batteries.
<R67> Teams may not use Innovation First Operator Interfaces from previous years’ competitions.
<R68> No external equipment may be connected to the Tether Port of the Operator Interface during a match.
<R69> 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 may not be connected to Joystick input ports on the Operator Interface.
<R70> The Competition Cable at the Alliance Station must connect directly to the Competition Port on the Operator Interface. No intermediate connectors, cables, or “pigtails” are permitted.