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Unread 04-04-2006, 09:13
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
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Re: Can Wireless Video Cameras Be Used?

Jack and Dave,
I brought this up simply because it was interpreted that way in the past. Cameras being non-functional decorations, that is. I personally would love to see more video coming from a robot camera for crowd appeal. Often cameras are used in kit form and the power supply is pretty suspect. It is still necessary for inspector to see how the camera is mounted on the robot. As you know, parts that are not securely attached become missiles in a defensive game. So we need to know that parts on robots are securely attached and will not injure participants or damage other robots.
Consumer grade cameras are now often supplied with Nickel Metal Hydride batteries which pose a serious fire threat if damaged and exposed to the air. For that reason, I would defend the single supply rule in most cases. I know this sounds a little strange, but why would anyone want to subject an expensive component to the abuse suffered during a normal match if it's only purpose was to bring back "cool" pictures. Recording media that uses spinning mechanical systems (video heads and hard disks) as part of the record process, suffer from centrifugal force issues that affect the recording process.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.