Rookie Question that I should probably know… haha 
If I want to have just a simple, one color LED strip of lighting, no arduino or such, where is the best place to wire the lights in to turn on when the robot is powered?
Thanks.
If you don’t care about having control of them (on/off from roboRIO), you can just wire them in to the PDP.
If they are 12v LEDs then you can plug them directly into the PDP if you want them on while the robot is on. 5v LEDs can plug into the VRM.
If they can be powered off 5V, then the easiest is to connect them to the VRM, use the 500mA port if it is safe to do so, 2A connection otherwise.
If they are 12V, you can do the same, or wire directly to the PDP as others have said. Don’t forget the breaker.
We powered our camera ring light off a solenoid output on the PCM because it can handle 12 volts at up to 500mA. (Note, check if your PCM is set to 12 volts instead of 24 volt output). This way we can turn the light on and off in software.
I bought a set of IKEA DIODER lights hoping to have them installed on the robot - we would just plug them into the PDP - but alas they were too far low on the list of priorities in the pit. Next year!
If it’s a 12v strip you can just wire up to the pdp, like a motor controller.
If it’s 5v you can wire up to the VRM’s 5 volt slots.
Any other voltage would not be simple.
Thanks guys! Thought it was that simple, Just wanted to make sure!
We use a spike relay
http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/all/217-0220.html
I have heard some teams use their VRM, but id be careful of your current draw.
If you’re using pneumatics and have 12v LEDs, you can plug them into the PCM.
We have two sets of lights for driver signals, one that lights up when a ball is in the robot and one that lights up when the shooter wheels are up to speed.
only if they draw less than 2 amps. I know this from bad experience.
As many said before it depends on the voltage and amperage needed to run the LED strip. What we have been doing is purchasing a LED system such as
http://www.amazon.com/SUPERNIGHT-5-Meter-Waterproof-Flexible-Changing/dp/B00ASHQQKI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1459372620&sr=8-7&keywords=amazon+led+lights
You can easily cut the wall A/C adapter cord and connect it directly to the PDP using, at most, a 20 amp breaker. You can check the output of the wall adapter to verify it is a 12v output before wiring it into the PDP. This will allow you to use the control module to change colors and run fun flashing LEDs in the pits… You will need to cover the IR receiver when on the field, or put a connector for easy removal. The control module will retain the last setting. That way in the pits you can select your alliance color and turn off the disco effect.
Just be sure to use some additional insulation. We found out this year that many times the only thing between the LED strip electrical cut/connections is just the 3M adhesive, which isn’t always covering as well as it should. We use double sided foam tape, just be aware of over bending the LED strip. There are usually cut points every so often you can wire to bridge tight bends.
Any questions PM me and I can send you detailed pictures.
Good Luck
Aloha!