[FTC]: Reed Switches And HiTechnic Prototype Board

[robertsun]

The rules allow for a HiTechnic Prototype board and ANY Compatible sensor...

That means we can basically use any sensor we want?

How about reed switches?

Have any experience?

What type works?

Thanks

[Michael Coleman]

Reed switches with exposed glass envelopes would probably not be permitted per rule <R3>c. Broken glass on the field would likely be considered a hazard.

This is a good question for the FTC Q&A forum if you want to be certain.

[PAR_WIG1350]

Originally Posted by robertsun

That means we can basically use any sensor we want?

Sensors appear to just be the tip of the iceberg:

Originally Posted by FTC Q&A forum

Originally Posted by FTC4494
Is it legal to use an arduino-type microcontroller (or any other microcontroller/IC for that matter) to process signals on the NXT prototype. I understand that I am limited by the power from the prototype board, and that there is no i2c or other serial communication available on the prototype board.

A: There is nothing in the rules that prohibit it provided that all other portions of Rule <R5>d are followed.

I would have to agree that the glass encapsulated reed switches might be ruled a hazard, but non-glass reed switches should be fine provided no rules are broken in the implementation, but you should Q&A it just to be sure.