Concerning controllers and the player zone

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Weepy

Could the control console theoretically be placed on the floor? I want to suggest to 2047's programmers to allow our bot to read commands from a dance pad. We're currently using an Xbox 360 controller, and according to our programmers they said that a dance pad wouldn't be hard to work with.

I'm just worried about any possibly rules preventing the control console from being on the floor. As long as it's within the taped off area, is it legal?

As far as I know, yes. Section 8 has the rules on this.

8.3.8 Operator Interface Rules
<R77> The team number settings on the Operator Interface must be set to the team number assigned to the team by FIRST.
<R78> The OPERATOR CONSOLE designed by the team must fit on the 60” wide by 12” deep shelf in the Alliance Station (excluding any items that are held or worn by the DRIVERS during the match).
<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.
<R80> The Operator Interface must be positioned within the OPERATOR CONSOLE so that the indicator lights can be clearly seen during inspection and during operation in a match. The ports on the Operator Interface must be easily and quickly accessible. This will greatly facilitate analysis by field personnel in case of problems during the competition.
<R81> Teams cannot use Operator Interfaces from previous years’ competitions.
<R82> Nothing can be connected to the tether port of the Operator Interface during a match.
<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.
<R84> The competition cable at the Alliance Station must connect directly to the competition port on the Operator Interface. No intermediate connectors, cables, or “pigtails” are permitted.