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Just wondering whether arduinos counted as "remote control boxes" and would be allowed to be played outside the 25x25 box.

iProcrastinated wrote:Just wondering whether arduinos counted as "remote control boxes" and would be allowed to be played outside the 25x25 box.

Yes and yes

Also, I just realized that I am powering two of my servos through a usb connection with my laptop. Would this violate the voltage rule?

iProcrastinated wrote:Also, I just realized that I am powering two of my servos through a usb connection with my laptop. Would this violate the voltage rule?

Depends on what voltage your laptop operates at i believe. Can someone else verify this?

windu34 wrote:

iProcrastinated wrote:Also, I just realized that I am powering two of my servos through a usb connection with my laptop. Would this violate the voltage rule?

Depends on what voltage your laptop operates at i believe. Can someone else verify this?

The rules states that the internal voltage of laptops do not need to be checked.

The rules also state that "Only commercial batteries, not exceeding 14.4 volts as labeled, may be used to energize each of the Device's electrical circuits," and "Laptops/tablets not connected to a wall outlet may be used to control the Device..." (emphasis added)

My interpretation is that the laptops/tablets may control the device, but not power it, unless their battery voltage is 14.4 volts as labeled or less. However, most laptop battery packs do not exceed 14.4 volts (mine, for example, is only 11.1), so you may still be clear.

I thought that USB ports could only supply 5V anyways, so the internal voltage of the laptop should have no effect on how much voltage is being supplied?

iProcrastinated wrote:I thought that USB ports could only supply 5V anyways, so the internal voltage of the laptop should have no effect on how much voltage is being supplied?

This is also what I've heard, both on this site and elsewhere.

It is true that a regular USB 2.0 port can only supply 5V. However, this situation is no different than a higher voltage battery powering a 5V regulator. In addition, with USB power delivery, voltages up to 20V can be provided over a standard USB-A/B connector.

My coach is still concerned about having arduinos, batteries, laptop, and wires outside of the 25 x 25 box. Are there any officials that can confirm/deny for sure or are there any rule clarifications or something of that sort that straight out say that arduinos are allowed outside?

Sorry for doubting windu34, but my coach really wants me to take no chances.
Thank you.