Answered: Decorative electronics

[RoboDesigners]

In light of this thread: https://vexforum.com/t/leds/20717/1

1. Would using any non-VEX battery pack for any decorative features (lights, etc.) be allowed? (I don’t think so, but just wanted to know)
2. Would using non-VEX LEDs as a decorative feature be legal, if they were powered through the VEX controller? (i.e. for a glow under the robot)

Thanks…
//Andrew

[Karthik]

@RoboDesigners

In light of this thread: LEDs - UNOFFICIAL Tech Support - VEX Forum

1. Would using any non-VEX battery pack for any decorative features (lights, etc.) be allowed? (I don’t think so, but just wanted to know)

This would not be legal. Here’s the applicable rule:

@VEX Gateway Game Manual

<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 c. To ensure reliable wireless communication, it is required that all teams connect a charged 9V Backup battery to their VEXnet system using the VEXnet Backup Battery Holder (276-2243).
d. Any VEX 7.2V Battery Pack is legal, in the quantities described above.

@RoboDesigners

2. Would using non-VEX LEDs as a decorative feature be legal, if they were powered through the VEX controller? (i.e. for a glow under the robot)

This would not be legal. Non-VEX components, even if non-functional, may not be powered via the VEX Microcontroller.

[RoboDesigners]

Thank you!

P.S. Just noticed you passed your 1000th post!

[Karthik]

@RoboDesigners

Thank you!

P.S. Just noticed you passed your 1000th post!

You’re welcome. Please note that the answer above was edited 20 minutes after posting.