Hello!
We are trying to use a class I laser on our robot to align it during the initial setup for the match. Then we will turn it off after we align. It uses 5V and consumes 5mW. It will be going through a hard toggle switch from the VRM. The VRM has 2 ports of 5V/500mA and 2 ports of 5V/2A. The radio already uses one of the 5V/2A. Are we allowed to use a laser in all three available ports, and could we use up to 3 lasers? Thanks for any tips or advice, or anything else we might want to think about!
THE RADIO DOES NOT GO IN THE 5V/2A PORT!
The radio should be plugged into one of the 12V/2A ports, and nothing should be plugged into the other port. If your laser is 5V 5mW (i.e. 1mA), you can power it from any of the 5V ports on the VRM. You can even wire a few of them together (in parallel) in one port since the current draw is so low.
<edit> make sure it’s a Class I laser, otherwise it’s illegal</edit>
Out of curiosity, where did you source your laser from?
Thanks! Yes, you are correct, our radio is plugged into the 12V, sorry about that. It was our understanding that you are not allowed to run anything in parallel, though.
I am not sure where the lasers were purchased from. They were provided by a sponsor. They are definitely class 1, though.
I just read over the custom circuit rules again and I see nothing prohibiting parallel wiring (and why would they if you consider the whole assembly one custom circuit).
Just a word of caution regarding inspection. Make sure you have sufficient documentation to ensure your inspector can verify your laser(s) is Class 1, and meets all the requirements regarding use and installation. :] :]
Class I lasers do not seem easy to find. Anybody have a suggestion for one that is affordable, obtainable and legal?
T. Wolter
While it might not violate an electrical rule (to be determined by the LRI at your events) it may raise the ire of the field supervisor and Head Ref for delay of game. There are better ways of doing what you expect the robot to do during auto.
The head ref at miami valley allowed teams to bring out tape measures or lasers for alignment purposes during robot setup prior to the start of a match. Although, I never did actually see anyone using a laser, I personally brought out a tape measure.