I see a lot of robots that seem to have a different understanding of what upright means.
Am I wrong or is there not a requirement that the light be mounted more or less vertical?
Joe J?
M8. Robots must use the rotating light provided in the kit to display alliance color (red or blue).
The light must be mounted upright on the robot such that the color is visible in at least 4
locations 90 degrees apart around the sides of the robot from a distance of at least 50 feet.
The light should be mounted to allow easy changeover of the colored lens before matches.
See Section 2.1.2 for wiring information.
We mounted ours sideways off our arm last year and never had a problem, I doubt FIRST would really force you to change it unless they felt it was in an area to be broken, remember their are a lot of rules they don’t enforce, I think this one will be added to the list.
We mounted our light on the side until I checked the rules again. Last year, the rules was the light must be visible from 4 sides. This year, they added the term UPRIGHT, specifically. It is even mentioned on the Inspection Check List as “Changeable rotating light (Red & Blue) easily accessible, visible from 4 sides of robot and mounted upright.”
I’m not sure why they would be so specific this year, but … we moved the light to the UPRIGHT position just to be safe.
Pretty much the reason FIRST want the light upright is to make sure spectators from all 4 side of the arena a easily identify which alliance a team is on. Last year wasn’t as important because it was really ONE alliance on the field, and the light color only used for the 1.1x multiplier when scored a big ball.
It was great to seperate which team is which when the accouncer called out teams’ name, and good for scouting to easily identify which robot they should be doing… But the light wasn’t necessary last year.
This year, the light is supposed to help spectators to easily understand the dynamic of the name. So that they will understand when 2 red is pushing against a blue robot while the other blue robot go for balls, etc.
I really do suggest teams mount their light upright, because chances are, FIRST will require you to put it upright if you didn’t already do so.
The reasons for mounting the light upright, could also be the aggressive nature of the competition this year. When First recommends bumpers around the robot you know things are going to be viloent. Anyways, in the past year they introduced a light that is held on by velcro, not a belt, while they are much easier to change, they could easily fall off when mounted upside down or pointing to the side.
