[Al Skierkiewicz]

Eric,
The LED outputs on the OI are the 5 volt power supply through a resistor. They were designed so that you don't need to add a resistor you just connect the LED straight to the OI output. (The OI REf Guide on the IFI site explains this) The internal resistor value was chosen to provide an LED current of 10 ma. If you add external resistors you will lower the LED current even more, perhaps making them so dim you can't see them. We have used LEDs on the operator station for many years to do exactly what you are asking. We have software that helps us calibrate everything on the robot and select a variety of auto mode solutions. We do not use the LED inside a switch but rather mount them individually so that we can identify them with labels. PM me and I will give you my email if you need anything further. Time is short, good luck.

It is not legal to externally power any other devices connected directly to ports on the OI except the Chicklet. You can have a custom box, powered by external power (you supply) and connected to the dashboard that can use dashboard data to display whatever you want.
<R79> 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 participating 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.
<R83> 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 can not be connected to joystick input ports on the Operator Interface. Powerpassive devices (e.g. joysticks that draw their power solely through the Operator Interface joystick port) are permitted. The one exception to this rule is Innovation First Incorporated USB adapters (IFI Part Number USB-CHICKLET) may be used to connect USB devices to the joystick ports of the Operator Interface. If used, this USB adapter must be powered with a 7.2V battery similar to the back-up battery. Teams can not use power from the competition port or any other source to power the USB adapter. The USB adapter must be positioned within the OPERATOR CONSOLE so that the indicator lights may be seen during inspection and operation in a match.