It is no secret that the Yappin' Yodas have struggled with light sensors. It has been a two year struggle and we are only just beginning to get some traction. The list of variables and built in limitation with the NXT kit really makes it a challenge.
One area that this coach investigated is the lighting. Each year we go to an event and the lighting on the table looks almost blue vs. the warm yellow at our house. Last year at States, light sensor driven programs that worked flawlessly at home failed. Folks are still sore over that. But, to reinforce persistence, we still fight with them.
Further, for rookie teams they don't even suggest a light over the table for the home practice mat. To me, if you are using light sensors, that is just one more variable when you get to the competition. Supposedly, a well shielded light sensor will do well regardless of ambient light. I am still from Missouri on that one.
I looked at the lamps used at Bishop Brady and I was told by a judge they were spec'ed by USFirst. They were GE T8 32w Daylight 6500k. Vs. our old lamps which were GE T12 Ecolux 40w Chroma which have a color value of about 5000k. For $8 I was able to find a 6500k tube in T12 so that is what we use now. If nothing else, we are trying to isolate the variables.
To learn more about Kelvin and temperature color go HERE. And if you really want to see the marketing science behind lighting, read this GE brochure. If nothing else, it makes you realize there is real science behind EVERYTHING around you.
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