Separate Powered Flashlights?

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by Dwight_2

I haven't read truly deep into the rules this year but last year they didn't have a problem with it as long as it didn't distract drivers

Flashlights are allowed. the OP was asking about a flashlight with it's own battery. Only COTS Computing Devices are allowed to have their own battery. A regular flashlight has to run off the Robot's battery.

[evanperryg]

Originally Posted by 7698q

Can we have a separately powered battery on a flash on the robot or is that not allowed? It says in the rules on page 82 it is fine for cameras, but does a flashlight count as a COTS?

If you use a normal flashlight, it has to be wired up to the robot somehow. In the past, we've used dowel rods as dummy batteries that press wires up against the battery terminals.

[ctt956]

Originally Posted by evanperryg

If you use a normal flashlight, it has to be wired up to the robot somehow. In the past, we've used dowel rods as dummy batteries that press wires up against the battery terminals.

Not a bad idea. Here's a video on how to build that setup. If you go that route, make sure the voltage to the flashlight is adjusted as necessary.

[aidanl78]

Originally Posted by 7698q

Can we have a separately powered battery on a flash on the robot or is that not allowed? It says in the rules on page 82 it is fine for cameras, but does a flashlight count as a COTS?

What we have done in the past in solder in positive and negative leads to the flashlight and hook that up to a spike or plug it directly into the PDP

[Al Skierkiewicz]

One of the questions we are going to ask when inspecting...
"Is this a computer acting as a flashlight or is it is computing device?"
Any flashlight used on the robot must be powered by the robot battery. Computing devices with USB peripherals are allowed as a very particular exception. An USB powered light is not an acceptable use of the computing device and/or the USB power. If you have seen self powered flashlights (or torches if that is your regional term) then consider yourself lucky if they have not been found by your inspector.
I have specifically copied the new R07-M so that everyone will be aware. Bright lights exceed a variety of rules and/or standards provided by UL and other governmental agencies because of the optical exposure to the human optical systems and the possibility of long term damage to the same.

[marshall]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

One of the questions we are going to ask when inspecting...
"Is this a computer acting as a flashlight or is it is computing device?"
Any flashlight used on the robot must be powered by the robot battery. Computing devices with USB peripherals are allowed as a very particular exception. An USB powered light is not an acceptable use of the computing device and/or the USB power. If you have seen self powered flashlights (or torches if that is your regional term) then consider yourself lucky if they have not been found by your inspector.
I have specifically copied the new R07-M so that everyone will be aware. Bright lights exceed a variety of rules and/or standards provided by UL and other governmental agencies because of the optical exposure to the human optical systems and the possibility of long term damage to the same.

LOL.

[FrankJ]

Keep in mind many of the flash lights on the robot are legally wired to he robot battery. To the casual observer appear to be battery powered because the battery compartment is still there.