Eh, this is one of those questions that is inevitably asked about a hundred times in different places throughout the season. The real answer is:
Code:
<R78> All equipment connected to the Joystick Ports of the IFI 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. Power-passive devices (e.g. joysticks that draw their power
solely through the IFI Operator Interface joystick port) are permitted.
So, not everything is permitted (like I cannot use my laptop as a programmatic input device) but joysticks/devices that are either (1) solely powered through the joystick port itself or (2) solely powered by the USB Chicklet are fine. IFI/FIRST just don't want you to accidentally turn your controller into a [really bad] toaster oven.
-Danny