Power/failsafe LED

[robotic_ants]

Power/failsafe LED

Yep 2 lights, Conundrum Mk1 has two lights one red and one green in the back because of the two systems and the link is joined together so it cuts both circuits off. Always passed safety checks.

Chris - http://www.featherweights.org/forum

[typhoon_driver]

Power/failsafe LED

Well you will probably all hate me for bringing back this thread but here we go,

If you were to use one of the fans to keep your robot cool as here http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Akasa_Fans_97.htmlhttp://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...a_Fans_97.html
and it was wired up to work exactly like the power LED which is required by the rules, would it count as the LED or would you have to have a seperate one?

[Guest]

Power/failsafe LED

This will make you lot unhappy from the sound of that IBC thread. In our pushy feather, Hellbringer, we had a 80mm computer fan with 3 rather bright LEDs in it. It was such a nice fan as it moved more air then my brothers desk fan. Anyway other then the lights on the IFI Victor 883s and the Volt Watch it was the only lights in the robot. It was also mounted on the inside surface of the robot with a 80mm dia hole to allow the air though and made it very visable.
Now for the bit you wont like. The fan was under the robot. With 10mm of ground clearance it caused a really nice red glow from under the robot. Everyone knew the robot was on. Do neons as we call them counts as power lights?

Why does the rules say Surface mounted rather then Clearly visable?

Im Australian and I dont think Ive every read any rules all in one sitting so you can ignore me if you want.

[babeth]

Power/failsafe LED

Let me hazard a guess here, quite a logical one...: in most of the arenas in Europe we have coloured lighting that changes constantly (spotlights) and that will drown out any glow that comes from underneath your robot. The issue is that we must be able to clearly see a distinctive lightsource on the robot.

[RogueTwoRobots]

Power/failsafe LED

Rule 6.8 - All Featherweights, Lightweights, Middleweights, Heavyweights and Super Heavy Weights, must have at least one surface mounted non-filament power light that is illuminated when power is supplied to the robot. (I.E. when the link is in.) The power light can be any colour but must be non-flashing and be in contrast with its surroundings.

I bought a blue coloured LED for my bot and then decided to read the rules afterwards (silly I know - shouldve read them first ) The majority of my robot is blue and I thought to myself Well thats the LED useless since it doesnt contrast. But would it be suitable if the panel on which it will be mounted (which is clear to see, it isnt tucked away or anything) were to be painted completely white. This way the blue dot of the LED would be distinguishable. Would this be likely to pass a safety check seeing as it contrasts with the mounting panel or would the fact that the rest of the robot is blue count as its surroundings and not be allowed.

Regards,
Jamie

P.S. Theres a pic of it on my profile - imagine the panel with the Scotland flag was painted white with the blue LED in the middle

[Guest]

Power/failsafe LED

Why not put it in the middle of the St Andrews cross?

[stu]

Power/failsafe LED

Lenny if its the type of blue LEDS alot of people use - im sure it will be more than fine.

Mr Stu

[RogueTwoRobots]

Power/failsafe LED

Cool, thanx for that.

Steve, I thought about putting it in the middle, but I wasnt sure about the contrast thing, but I might be tempted now

[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.