Answered: Are nonfunctional decorations which use VEX Electronics allowed

[brendanmcguire]

Assuming that everything is legally powered, etc. Would it be legal to use VEX electronics, such as motors, LCD, LEDs, etc. as legal nonfunctional decoration? The relevant rule in this instance would be <R7d>

d. Teams may add non-functional decorations provided that these do not affect the robot
performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the match. These decorations
must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors will have final say in what is considered
“nonfunctional”.
i. Anodizing and painting of parts would be considered a legal nonfunctional decoration
ii. Any guards or decals must be backed by legal materials that provide the same
functionality. i.e. If your robot has a giant decal that prevents Scoring Objects from
falling out of the robot, the decal must be backed by VEX material that also prevents the
Scoring Objects from falling out.
iii. If using the VEX speaker (Part #276-1504), the chosen audio must not be distracting
and must be in good taste. The Head Inspector and Head Referee will make the final
decision on the appropriateness of the audio.
iv. Cameras are permitted as non-functional decorations provided that any transmitting
functions or wireless communications are disabled. Unusually large cameras being
used as ballast are not permitted.

[VEX_GDC]

Yes, this would be legal, provided the following rules are not violated:

<R9> Robots must use ONLY one (1) VEX EDR Microcontroller.

<R11> Robots may use either:

Option 1: Up to ten (10) VEX EDR motors or VEX Servos (Any combination, up to ten) and a legal VRC pneumatic system. (See <R18>)

Option 2: Up to twelve (12) VEX EDR motors or VEX Servos (Any combination, up to twelve) and no pneumatic components, excluding pneumatic tubing.

a. 2-Wire Motors must be controlled by a 2-Wire Motor Port, either directly on a VEX Microcontroller (P/N 276-2194), or on a “VEX Motor Controller 29” module.

b. Teams may NOT use multiple 2-wire Motor Ports, 3-wire PWM Motor Ports, or Motor Controller 29 modules on a single motor.

<R13> The only allowable sources of electrical power for a VEX Robotics Competition Robot is any single (1) VEX 7.2V Robot Battery Pack of any type, unless the robot is utilizing the VEX Power Expander, and a single (1) 9V backup battery. Robots utilizing the VEX Power Expander can use a second (2) VEX 7.2V Robot Battery of any type.

a. Additional batteries cannot be used on the robot (even ones that aren’t connected).

b. Robots are permitted to use a maximum of one (1) VEX Power Expander.

<R15> Parts may NOT be modified as follows:
a. Motors (including the internal PTC), extension cords, sensors, controllers, battery packs, reservoirs, solenoids, pistons and any other electrical component or pneumatics component of the VEX Robotics Design System may NOT be altered from their original state in ANY way.

So, to summarize…
Batteries and microcontrollers: No.
LEDs or LCDs: Yes, if wired legally and not modified.
Motors: Up to 10 (or 12 if not using pneumatics), if wired legally and not modified.