Power/failsafe LED

[maddox]

There seems to be a problem .As several Dutch competitors dont get the whole idea about the power on LED. Also, carefull reading of the rules gives a few other questions.

Purely in the rules we have this.
4.3. In addition to the main power light (See. Batteries and Power no. 6.8.) showing the main power is activated. It should also indicate if the robot is in €œfailsafe€, €œoff€ or €œzero€ position.


On the FRA mainpage we get this rule.

As off 1st January 2004 all middleweight, heavyweight and superheavyweight robots running at FRA events will be required to be fitted with an exterior power light as a clear visual indication of whether the robot is in a powered state (i.e the removable link is in and the robot is active)

Now, what is realy needed? And how and in what colors.
I can see some confusion brewing. If Team A uses a red led to indicate Link in and team uses B a red light to indicate failsafe active on channel 1
Also, all our channels are failsafed(except for some who failsafe 1 complete shut down idea)Do each need a failsafed light?

Lots of questions needing to get an answser

[duff]

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but I didn't feel this question warranted its own thread....

I know the rule says surface mounted LED, but I've found my power LEDs are far more visible behind the HDPE armour, and also less prone to being damaged. Can I mount them behind white HDPE as long as they are visible, or will I fail the tech check on this?

Cheers,

Rhys

[psychostorm]

Obviously you mean with a hole for the light to shine through right?

[duff]

Nope, the LEDs are more noticeable behind 10mm HDPE, no holes drilled. Sounds a bit odd I know, here's the pics:





I'm guessing it's probably not going to be allowed, but just thought I'd check.

[leorcc]

As long as it is visible, I would allow it.

[typhoon_driver]

Should be fine as long as it operates as it's meant to.

[teamstorm]

I would say not - the LED shining through like that could easily be washed out if the robot was parked under one of the lights providing illumination to the arena. There is no reason not to have the LED mounted to be clearly visible through the armour and all teams manage this without an issue.

Also - there is no way that the LED can be 'brighter' through the armour ! You may perceive a glow around the LED, however that washed-out effect is what will make them stand out less under bright light.

The simple solution to this is to buy an LED that is designed for the job rather than start wondering if the rules flex enough to allow a bodge.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/push-b...tches/6903390/

Connect this up to one of your RX plugs, brilliant bright LED, stainless steel surround, not going to get damaged - job done properly and no need to bodge by trying to shine it through the body of the robot.

Ed

[duff]

Cheers for the advice guys.

I'm aware it's not actually brighter shining it through the armour, but it seems more noticeable because of the glow you mentioned. I'll get it surface mounted though to avoid any issues. I know it's not the best solution, but this build has been done on quite a strict budget, and I wasn't aware that there was stuff available like the LED you posted. Cheers for the link though, I'll keep that in mind for future.

[Mega Masher]

Does this rule apply to Featherweights too?

[teamstorm]

That's you need one - yes !