Q&A Discuss: Rotating-Light Placement

[CD47-Bot]

Thread created automatically to discuss a question in the Q&A Forum.

Rotating-Light Placement

We are thinking of designing a robot that will tip on its side. In M8, the rule states:

Robots must use the rotating light provided in the kit to display their alliance color (red or blue). The light must be mounted upright on the robot so that the color is always visible from a distance of at least 100 feet.

Should "upright" be in relation to the starting position or the position we plan to operate the robot in?

Also, if the light is obscured from a certain direction, 1) will it matter all that much? 2) can we use a second light?

I'm hoping someone can answer from experience before I go deal with the rather slow FIRST board...

Thanks.

[rolocroz]

We on 852 would like to know more about this: in Team Update #5, it said:

PAGE 18, RULE M8

There have been numerous design questions relative to the nstallation/placement of the rotating light. The purpose of M8 is to insure that your drivers, the referees, the scorekeeper, and the judges can identify your robot and that the audience has some idea of who’s who; and to make sure that it is installed to enable EASY CHANGEOVER OF THE LIGHT LENSE.

A momentary “loss” of visibility of this beacon is allowable; however, 99% of the time FIRST requires that the top 4” of the light be visible.

Does this allow for mounting inside a transparent polycarbonate robot?

[Jeff Waegelin]

I would assume so, if it is visible from all sides, but only if it is still visible from all sides. Just make sure you can get to it easily.

[Gamer930]

I would suggest that you mount it into a transparent polycarbonate robot or have some kind of STRONG protection around it. Looks like there will be a lot of pushing and battling rams :-)

[rolocroz]

Great. Thanks for the response!

[Katie Reynolds]

I know that last year, the inspectors were pretty picky about the light being mounted upright ... but then again, they only see it during inspection. I would ask FIRST about this one.

- Katie

[rolocroz]

Will do.