[lukevanoort]

I have to admit, I was overjoyed to read the flag rule this year. Last year I was a rookie, so I can't speak about the old rotating lights (although I have tapes of old matches), but those LEDs were darn near impossible to see. The way I see it there are four problems: the blink time is too long, they are too small (for visibility), they aren't bright enough, and they aren't eye catching. The blink time is just a programming thing and could be easily changed (I think). The next two issues can be solved by upgrading the LED. However the last one is hard, and is a fault with the flags too. If a robot goes haywire in auto and comes charging at you, are you going to notice something with little blinkers on it or a flag? Definatly not, it needs power. The rotating lights are better in this respect but they are a bit bulky. So, I'm going to go with the independent unit that can be quickly mounted, not included in the wieght limit, and self powered, as well as a diagnostic LED. It just seems to solve the most of the problems with either system. (Assuming the lights aren't huge)