Lights on the Control Panel

Han_Tzu · February 7, 2005, 9:58pm

What do the rules say about large flashing lights or neon or gigantic hazard lights on the actual control panel? :yikes:

Mike_Schroeder · February 7, 2005, 10:08pm

First, you should read the rules before posting questions about them
second here are the rules regarding the operator interface :

page 18-19 of the section 5:

5.3.8 Operator Interface Rules
The team number settings on the Operator Interface must be set to the team number assigned to the team by FIRST.
<R65> The Operator Interface Console designed by your team must fit on the 69” wide by 12” deep shelf in the Alliance Station and the radio modem connected to the Operator Interface must be able to reach the mounting bracket on the operator stations. Be sure to leave at least 48” of slack in the 9-pin cable.
<R66> 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 competing 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.
<R67> Teams may not use Innovation First Operator Interfaces from previous years’ competitions.
<R68> No external equipment may be connected to the Tether Port of the Operator Interface during a match.
<R69> 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 may not be connected to Joystick input ports on the Operator Interface.
<R70> 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.

Han_Tzu · February 7, 2005, 11:09pm

Thank you for trying to help Big Mike, but I thoroughly read the rules before asking. Maybe I should specify. I am thinking of using hazard lights running off of an independent battery system, and none of it would connect to the OI at all. Just some aesthetics. Anyone certain of what to make of this situation?

Al_Skierkiewicz · February 8, 2005, 7:59am

Think about the other teams…today your opponent, today your teammate. Don’t bring a distraction to the field.

ttedrow · February 8, 2005, 8:07am

Considering that your team and partners are standing behind a piece of reflective Plexiglas, I don’t thing this would be helpful to anyone

Billfred · February 8, 2005, 1:30pm

I’m going to echo the other fine folks on this thread, but I will point out that many teams do add lights to their control boards.

The trick is to keep it reasonable. Everything in moderation applies to FIRST as well.