Big VEX sale at RadioShack [Archive]

Rick TYler

14-03-2006, 22:37

Since that first thread up above was moved from this forum to the VEX forum, can we please ask the mods to not move this again. Just because it has to do with Vex doesn't mean that other people on CD don't want to see it and since the Vex forum is supposed to be about FVC or so it is labeled, many people don't check it regularly.

I didn't even know it had been moved in the first place. I'm all about FRC, but VEX is just too cool as a play set to pass up. We might put on a local VEX tournament in the fall as an add-on to the FRC season. I think FRC folks would like to know about this deal.

RoboCoach

14-03-2006, 22:57

This VEX sale is great! Radio Shack has all but a few items at 50% off.

Over the holidays I bought my son a VEX kit, and he needed some stuff for added functionality, so we went and I stumbled into this sale. Wound up walking out with a kit and accessories for myself, and another kit and some accessories for the robotics club I run at my son's school. Hopefully this stuff will periodically go on sale.....

jeffmorris

15-03-2006, 05:23

Billfred

15-03-2006, 07:38

This is rampant speculation, but it may just be that RadioShack wants to drop their stock on Vex parts back a little bit during the spring and summer, when I'd imagine the demand is lower. Then, in the fall when you have the holiday season and the 2006 FVC, the stocks in stores would increase.

Made sense to me, at least.

Alex Cormier

15-03-2006, 08:27

Rick TYler

15-03-2006, 11:23

Normally, RadioShack only does a big discount on items that are being discontinued. This is an unusual product line, though, and it's hard to tell what their plans are without talking to the product manager. There are a few reasonable scenarios.

1. Summer is the slow season in electronics. They might be dumping inventory as a seasonal reduction.

2. The product line is being discontinued due to slow sales. Two local stores report that sales have never been that great and that buyers are turned off by a "$300 Erector Set." Without a lot of marketing, this has been and will continue to be a niche product and may not need national distribution in 7,000 stores.

3. The current products are being replaced by new models. The shelf life for a consumer elctronics product used to be 12-18 months. I don't think it's more than six months these days. We might see a new VEX kit at a lower price point with a different set of electronics.

4. RadioShack may still be testing price levels. If they find a price point at $150 but not $300, they might retune the product, or just reduce the price permanently.

5. RS may have decided that VEX is not a mass-market product, but is still worth handling in a limited way. You might only find it on their Website, or in the largest stores, but not everywhere. If RS is planning to make money on VEX, I wouldn't care much for this possibility. If they can't sell 20,000 kits a year (as a guess), the product probably doesn't have a future with RadioShack. If they view it in part as a promotional item, they might still carry it.

My personal best guess is that VEX will get sold off to a smaller reseller that can stick with it despite its small (for RadioShack) sales volume.

All in all, if you want VEX stuff, I'd buy it now. Most of the possible reasons for the sale are not good for us robot people.

GeorgeTheEng

15-03-2006, 11:42

My personal best guess is that VEX will get sold off to a smaller reseller that can stick with it despite its small (for RadioShack) sales volume.

All in all, if you want VEX stuff, I'd buy it now. Most of the possible reasons for the sale are not good for us robot people.

I'd tend to agree. I think RS could market this online and as an educational tool via other avenues and keep up some sales volume. But do they see this or are they looking at the current bottom line.

I'll admit that if I had kids, $300 is a lot to spend for something like that.

Of course if VEX becomes a permanent part of FIRST and it explodes similarly to FLL, then they may have a base for continued production.

MrForbes

15-03-2006, 12:10

Our school got a few VEX kits, so we went to RS shopping for parts...they did seem about twice as expensive as they should be! so the 50% off sale puts the price about where it should have been in the first place (if they had actually wanted the product to sell)

We scoped out 3 local stores yesterday at lunch time, 2 did not carry the VEX line, the other store which is newer, in the mall, does have them but was not marked down and the counter people had not heard about a sale.

I'll check back frequently to see what happens.

Also a friend of mine has a 10 yr old grandson who is trying to get into this stuff...my friend would buy the VEX kit at $150, but not at $300.

MikeDubreuil

15-03-2006, 12:14

Most of the possible reasons for the sale are not good for us robot people.
I agree. I bought a Vex Ultrasonic Range Finder from Radio Shack and the manager was shocked I wanted one. He had moved all of the Vex stuff to the storage room. He said no one showed interest and he never sold any Vex products.

Vex needs to find a store where the customers are willing to spend more. For instance Brookstone or The Sharper Image.

Gdeaver

15-03-2006, 12:21

It's more than 300$ list buy in. Add the programming kit - 99$ , some more metal, servo's, motors, sensors and it's easily > 600 list. Thats a hard consumer pricing point. However, cut that in half and that looks really good. especial for First teams who are used to the cost of FRC competitions. I would like to see VEX become more ingrained in First. There are many team that for many reasons can not continue with the large robots. Vex is a method to keep them involved. Also there are many schools that just can't over come the cost and mentor hurdle but could do VEX. Radio shack held on to the Boebot for along time and lost money. I believe they thought they could overcome the problem with the VEX line. I don't think educational robotics really fits with a mass marketer. I commend Radio Shack with thier effort. The other factor is Lego is going to be making a big push late summer. If you have looked at what LEGO is up to, it's impressive. Radio Shack may have been scared away from the market by LEGO.

Greg Needel

15-03-2006, 12:31

Radio Shack is not doing well and i expect them to do whatever they can to increase profits. I also expect vex not to die off perhaps another company plans on buying out the vex brand ;)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-0602210223feb21,1,2586683.story?coll=chi-technology-hed

MrForbes

15-03-2006, 12:39

It's my observation that RS has mostly turned into just another cell phone dealer in a very crowded market....which does not bode well.

Tom Bottiglieri

15-03-2006, 13:44

Stuart

15-03-2006, 14:26

yeah you can fix that by buying male to male connectors.

Joe Matt

15-03-2006, 14:55

The VEX offerings here in Philly seemed picked over, with only a few additons still in stock and only one starter kit after I visited two stores.

Unfortuantly, I'm poor so I couldn't buy one. *sigh*

Ryan Foley

15-03-2006, 15:03

yeah you can fix that by buying male to male connectors.

Male to male connectors? Where can you buy them? I have one of the 2001 IFI systems I wanted to use with the VEX stuff instead of that one in the starter kit.

Vince lau

15-03-2006, 15:12

It looks like the sale is only in the US stores. I called two radioshacks here and they both say its selling at $360 CDN. So which teams are coming to the Toronto or Waterloo regionals :P

jeffmorris

15-03-2006, 15:46

Radio Shack was the first store to sell personal computers in late 1970s. In late 1980s, they discontinued their line of personal computers and started selling IBM computers for a few years then Compaq computers. I know that during Christmas shopping season, there are piles of stuff blocking paths for some disabled people. Did Radio Shack get into trouble for blocking paths for some disabled people?

Dan Petrovic

15-03-2006, 17:25

Yep. Parental unit headed over to our local Radio Shack and purchased the last two. One for my family, and one for the team.

Adam Y.

15-03-2006, 18:24

I just got the starter kit, programming module, and 2 sets of omni wheels.

My initial impression: the IFI engineers made it really hard for FIRST people to use vex. They swapped all the connectors on the vex controller from male to female and vice versa, so that nothing from FRC KOP lines up. Now I have to go buy 14 AA batteries :(
The battery that Radio Shack sells for the vex competition is pretty much a standard design that you can get anywhere. You wonder how do I know this?? Well, I've bought about five sets of batteries from toys r us that are probably the same batteries even down to the connector.

I think that Radio Shack isn't doing well and plans to close some stores. Is Radio Shack planning to drop VEX Robotics product line? Both Radio Shack and Vexlabs still have some items out of stock. Does the company that makes VEX Robotics run into problems?
It's probably just a random sale. I just remembered that I almost bought a BOE-Bot after realizing how heavily discounted it was. The Basic Stamp kit next to it was not on sale though so who knows.. RS may have decided that VEX is not a mass-market product, but is still worth handling in a limited way. You might only find it on their Website, or in the largest stores, but not everywhere. If RS is planning to make money on VEX, I wouldn't care much for this possibility. If they can't sell 20,000 kits a year (as a guess), the product probably doesn't have a future with RadioShack. If they view it in part as a promotional item, they might still carry it. Supposedly, it was going to be one of their top five money makers of the 2005 holiday season. What a scary concept. Hey if you guys really want to find out call the 1-866-vex-robotics. Im not joking vex really does have a hotline.Our school got a few VEX kits, so we went to RS shopping for parts...they did seem about twice as expensive as they should be! so the 50% off sale puts the price about where it should have been in the first place (if they had actually wanted the product to sell)
No. They are actually the cheapest products out there if not slightly more expensive.. Just because they seem expensive does not mean that they are not comparatively cheap.I agree. I bought a Vex Ultrasonic Range Finder from Radio Shack and the manager was shocked I wanted one. He had moved all of the Vex stuff to the storage room. He said no one showed interest and he never sold any Vex products. What? Is this the one of Massachusetts avenue? They told me they ran out of room.

irishninja

15-03-2006, 19:46

AAGHAGHA. I WANT ONE SOOOOO BADLY. Anyone have an old one theyd be willing to sell?

Faith

15-03-2006, 21:08

I don't know why the sale is going on, BUT...

It is good for me. Before, my parents wouldn't allow me to buy even the starter kit :(... Now they let me buy it, and I have the programming kit and the optical shaft encoders and I'm going back to get omni wheels and maybe some other stuff.

I almost didn't buy all of it in after I went in the store because the guy at the desk said that the starter kit wasn't marked down... then a lady came and told him he was wrong and asked why he hadn't put the sign up for it... and then he decided he had lost it...

I'm going to get the power pack too - to bad that isn't half off... I think it will be worth it in the long run though.

Stuart

15-03-2006, 21:12

man radio shack isnt going to know whats going on by the end of this week

Faith

15-03-2006, 21:13

I was wondering... While there is a sale, what do people suggest to buy :confused: ? Just trying to decide - I don't have enough money to buy everything :(...

Billfred

15-03-2006, 21:42

The starter set (obviously), then I'd suggest at least one more motor. Bonus points for two more motors, or perhaps a servo instead of a second one if your style of robot building leans that way. I'd also recommend a wheel set, just to let you get a full set of four bigger wheels that won't sit funky. And after seeing FVC 171 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/tags/fvc171) and FVC 4 (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/tags/fvc4) in action at FVC Orangeburg, most forms of material handling just beg for the tank tread kit.

Alex Cormier

15-03-2006, 21:52

Also as stated above what else shall i venture into? Do i need that programming kit?

Joe Ross

15-03-2006, 22:11

I bought out most of everything at one radio shack and most of the sensors at another ;)

Gdeaver

15-03-2006, 22:24

Don't forget the programing kit. With out it the VEX is a square bot RC. Also the Easy-C in the box is marginal. It's 50$ for the upgrade EASY-C. Skip the sonar sensor and go for a 60" range Sharp IR sensor- 12$.

Nawaid Ladak

16-03-2006, 01:26

Rick TYler

16-03-2006, 01:38

im sort of new to this Vex thing, so i want to buy a kit for myself and the team, my question is. do you really need the programming kit, or can you just use some of the stuff from the FRC kit. (i can find male to male connectors), and otherwise, is the programming kit also on sale.

The programming kit contains a compiler and IDE for the VEX robotics controller. I don't know if the standard FRC code will work. I do know, which is why I posted, that the programming kit is on sale for $50.

Tom Bottiglieri

16-03-2006, 07:01

You can program the vex controller in MPLab if you wish. Just set up your project for a pic18f8250 and import the vex library, linker files, UserAPI header file, and anything else you want from the EasyC install directory.

Gdeaver

16-03-2006, 07:32

You have to buy the programing kit. The module that is included with the kit is more than a cable. There is also a USB to serial cable included. MPLAB can be used if that is preferred to EASY-C.

Ellery

16-03-2006, 11:09

Seems that the sale is on till June at 50% off everything pretty much according to the sales guy I spoke to just now. The reason I was told was they are clearing out the old kits to make room for the new ones (I wonder what is different between the old and new kit?) But none the less an awesome deal.

Ellery

ericand

16-03-2006, 12:23

I went and bought a kit in Portland last night. Knowing exactly what I needed, was a bit of a pain. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good list of kits that would give a good base set of parts?

What I got:
Base kit
power kit (extra batteries)
programming kit
Metal frame pieces
Gears
2 extra motors
2 extra servos

I wanted to get the optical shaft encoders, but they were out.
Any other suggestions for "must have" components?

Greg Needel

16-03-2006, 13:39

Nawaid Ladak

16-03-2006, 13:47

Im trying to get my cousin and his school involved in robotics, and i think this is the best idea to do it with, if only i could find some video of VEX bots playing a FIRST game (this years or last) i think it would be very helpful, can someone help me

KathieK

16-03-2006, 14:02

I don't think we caught any video at the New Englad Regional Vex Event last week in Hartford, but there is some video from the Delaware event posted here (http://moe365.org/lego/tournament2005/first_state_tournaments_media_links.html). If you do a search in the Vex forums (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=146) you may find others.

cire

16-03-2006, 22:16

Well i went out and bought some stuff:

tank tread kit
shaft encoders
2 motors
2 sets of omni wheels
wheel kit
ultrasonic sensor

Time to build something really cool!

irishninja

16-03-2006, 22:20

I did to with my friend.
Starter kit
Omni wheels
tread
sprocket and chain

Anyone know where I can find the programming kit for less than 50 dollars?
Anyone know how to get the old build challenges on the VEX site?

ChuckDickerson

17-03-2006, 23:56

The sale is now also available online (http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=vex) and runs through the end of JUNE. (EDIT: Oops, June not August! I read 8/31 instead of 6/31! My eyes must me starting to go!)

With all the geeks :) here on Chief Delphi doesn't ANYONE work at Radio Shack that can give use the inside scoop on why they are blowing these out? Are they coming out with something new or are they just trying to beat the new Lego Mindstorms NXT to the market or something?

Elgin Clock

18-03-2006, 01:13

How much did everyone spend, and what did they get specifically?

Like.. for 100 bucks, what did you get.

or.. 200 bucks, 300, 400, etc..

Just wondering.

irishninja

18-03-2006, 01:19

For 200 I got

Starter Kit
One set of Omni Wheels
One set of treads
One set of sprocket/gears

Steve S.

18-03-2006, 07:23

It looks like the sale is only in the US stores. I called two radioshacks here and they both say its selling at $360 CDN. So which teams are coming to the Toronto or Waterloo regionals :P

You Could order online from Radioshack

skimoose

18-03-2006, 11:49

Elgin Clock wrote: How much did everyone spend, and what did they get specifically?

Well if anyone doubts that this sale is worth it. I bought:

(1) Starter Kit
(1) Hardware Kit
(2) Motors
(2) Tank Tread Kits
(1) Chain & Sprocket Kit
(1) Programming Module

Cost before taxes $300 the same as the starter kit at regular price!! :yikes:
(tapped into some of my Atlanta money for this)
I've got two more weeks to stock up on sensors and other goodies!

FYI to all teams. During the UTC regional we were in a pinch to correct some code. All we had was a new Dell notebook without a serial port. Well I fired up MPLabs and IFI loader and plugged in the Vex USB to Serial adapter from the programming module, set IFI loader to the correct port and it worked flawlessly. EasyC for Vex was already loaded on this notebook, so I believe the correct driver was loaded by EasyC. Simple as that. :cool:

Ryan Foley

18-03-2006, 12:04

for around $100 I bought

(2) Motors
(2) Pairs of omni wheels
(1) Servo
(1) Tank Tread Kit
(1) Hardware Kit
(1) Gear Kit

I imagine I'll probably end up getting more stuff (programming kit, more motors, hardware, and sensors) before the sale is over.

AV_guy007

18-03-2006, 21:36

note to all: the vex ultrasonic sensors work quite well. we are actually using 3 of them on our robot this year!

Mr. Freeman

19-03-2006, 16:42

I just bought the base kit and some omni wheels for $170 (give or take $5).
I'm going to order the programming module and the battery pack online.

By the way, I talked to the people at 3 radio shack stores. The first one I visited had sold out and said that they weren't selling them any more.
The second one said that they shipped their stock back to somewhere and weren't selling it any more.

The third store had 3 kits left, I bought one. The guy there also said they were discontinuing the sale of vex.

team222badbrad

19-03-2006, 18:39

If the rumors of Vex are indeed true, I can see why.

Their packaging is about as white as staring at a wall.

Also the "cartoonish" pictures probably don't help either, I think they need to show whats actually inside.

Secondly you go to radio shack's website under the Vex starter kit page, click on accessories and only a few show up.

They also do not seem to know when this promotion is going to end the website now says 6/3/06.

Mark McLeod

20-03-2006, 13:31

Visited a few stores in the area and found one store selling the rechargeable battery kit for half price as well. Several stores are not participating in the sale.

Alex Cormier

20-03-2006, 13:47

Heres the official word (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=474109&postcount=40) on the Vex Situation that i posted in another thread.

ChuckDickerson

21-03-2006, 12:24

Anyone else notice that VEX is no longer on sale on the Radio Shack web site? I wonder what this means in the stores?

team222badbrad

21-03-2006, 12:44

Anyone else notice that VEX is no longer on sale on the Radio Shack web site? I wonder what this means in the stores?

I saw this earlier today, if the sale is over, good thing I ordered stuff from their website yesterday!

I still need to pick up the battery kit which was out of stock online so I might run to a Radio Shack tonight.

irishninja

21-03-2006, 12:45

Anyone else notice that VEX is no longer on sale on the Radio Shack web site? I wonder what this means in the stores?

Read the threads. Theyve stopped offering it. All out of stockitems won't be replaced. VEX can still be bought at www.vexlabs.com

Rick TYler

21-03-2006, 13:23

Anyone else notice that VEX is no longer on sale on the Radio Shack web site? I wonder what this means in the stores?

It is available, just type "VEX robotics" in the search box. The prices listed are not on sale and a lot of parts are out of stock, though.

ForgottenSalad

21-03-2006, 14:29

Does anyone know if the stores themselves are continuing the sales? I was planning on buying one today or tomorrow and was annoyed to see the sale tags gone from the website... :(

ChuckDickerson

21-03-2006, 14:31

Read the threads. Theyve stopped offering it.

What threads? I have read all the VEX threads on CD in the last few days that I have seen and not one post indicates that the sale is now over that I have found. Could you please point me to it? Thanks.

BTW: I ran by the local RS today at lunch and bought what few motors, servos, gears, etc. they had. It was all still on sale in the store.

Ethulin

21-03-2006, 14:33

Does anyone know if the stores themselves are continuing the sales? I was planning on buying one today or tomorrow and was annoyed to see the sale tags gone from the website... :(

Wow, the price changed just last night, I checked at 11pm and it was 150, now at 11am it is back to 300.

The sale thing last night said it would be until like the 12th of July or something.

ForgottenSalad

21-03-2006, 14:38

Wow, the price changed just last night, I checked at 11pm and it was 150, now at 11am it is back to 300.

The sale thing last night said it would be until like the 12th of July or something.

:D Called my local radioshack, they said the stores are offering the sale through the 1st... I'm estatic.. They only have a few left though... Guy doesn't know about any restocking, so it looks like this is it for RS and VEX partnership.

*Runs off to find a way to come up with $200 (kit+programming kit) by tonight* :P

ChuckDickerson

21-03-2006, 14:40

It is available, just type "VEX robotics" in the search box. The prices listed are not on sale and a lot of parts are out of stock, though.

Yep, but the web site had everything on sale last night when I went to bed but this morning it was back to full price. I'm starting to think even Radio Shack doesn't know what's going on. First everything was on sale in the stores but not online. Then it was online also thru August 31st. Then June 31st. Then June 3rd. Now gone. Some stores seem to have the sale some don't. Some stores think it is through April 2nd, my local store said June. Some store personnel think it is going to only be sold in select stores and online yet the info from Radio Shack (Corporate) seems to indicate they are discontinuing it altogether. I don't know what to believe any more. All I know is I got a bunch of stuff while it is on sale including 4 starter sets, 1 programming kit, and a whole bunch of extra sensors, motors, servos, wheel kits, gears, sprockets, and the one track kit I could find.

Katie Reynolds

21-03-2006, 14:48

Wow, the price changed just last night, I checked at 11pm and it was 150, now at 11am it is back to 300.

The sale thing last night said it would be until like the 12th of July or something.Wow, that's extremely disappointing. I posted in one of the Vex threads yesterday; the website then said the sale would last until 06/03/06.

Guess FRC #857 won't being getting a Vex kit afterall.

JoeXIII'007

21-03-2006, 14:49

How much did everyone spend, and what did they get specifically?

Like.. for 100 bucks, what did you get.

or.. 200 bucks, 300, 400, etc..

Just wondering.

Hmmm... I have already breached the $200 mark:

Starter Kit
Power Pack
Omniwheel kit (though I'll probably never use it)

What I Still need to breach the $300 mark:

Programming kit
More gears
More wheels
More motos and servos

I think that will suffice for now. If I need more material to build with, I could always find a way to integrate K'NEX with the Vex kit. And if I need metal or wood: dad's garage has some pretty nifty scrap.

Oh the possibilities. :rolleyes:

-Joe

ChuckDickerson

21-03-2006, 15:19

Post deleted.

sanddrag

21-03-2006, 15:22

I swear, if RadioShack did this just to create a short frenzy over Vex....

well, short sale and still carrying it is better than long sale and dropping it. Now I don't know what's going on. Are they keeping it, are they dropping it?

Maybe VexLabs called up RadioShack with a "Hey, you're undermining our sales!" LOL

ForgottenSalad

21-03-2006, 15:26

Just out of curiosity, if Radioshack DOES drop the product line, will whoever produces the product line keep manufacturing more that other retailers (ex. vexlabs.com, subsection of IFI) will continue to sell? Or is it if radioshack does indeed drop the line, will that end production of VEX?

Rick TYler

21-03-2006, 15:38

I was simply trying to point out that VEX was no longer ON SALE at the Radio Shack website. I understand that VEX is still available FOR SALE at VexLABS. Is there maybe a misunderstanding between the difference in ON SALE and FOR SALE?

My bad. I didn't read your post carefully enough. Sorry about that.

Gamer930

21-03-2006, 15:45

I traveled 30 miles to get my VEX Kit yesterday. The radioshack I went to had everything I wanted to get :) It was way out in nowhere in a mall. $350 spent in 2 hours. Expensive trip but will bring a lot of fun and joy this summer and years to come :) Call ahead before you go to any store.

It also seems like their store available on their website is pretty accurate because I called all stores that were closer to me and they were actually sold out.

We need to start flooding ChiefDelphi with all VEX creation pictures.

irishninja

21-03-2006, 17:22

ChuckDickerson

21-03-2006, 18:00

I would like to greatly apologize. When I read your post, I interpreted as being that RS had stopped restocking VEX. This has been stated several times previously, which is why I was annoyed. The VEX kits are still on sale in stores, but yes that may not last long. Again, I am very sorry.

Apology graciously accepted. I was just a bit confused when I saw the negative rep. Thanks for clearing it up! No harm, no foul. :)

Ben Piecuch

21-03-2006, 20:16

All,

I just got back from my local Radio Shack. I will only state the deal I got, and not try to guess what everyone else is experiencing. Also, I did not talk with the salesperson, as he wasn't even sure what VEX stuff they had. I was afraid I would confuse him if I asked any "real" questions... So, here's what I found.

EVERYTHING VEX is 1/2 price. The basic kit, the additional materials kits, sensor kits, programming kit, even the power pack kit is 50% off. (I didn't think the power pack would be on sale!)

So, I walked out with just about everything I could get my hands on. However, I still need to find a Chain and Sprocket Kit.

1 Starter Kit
1 Metal and Hardware Kit
1 Power Pack
1 Programming Kit
1 Encoder Kit
2 Motors
1 Gear Kit

Total = $300 before tax (no fair you NH folks!)
Not too shabby. YMMV

BEN

Rick TYler

21-03-2006, 21:24

I'm sort of embarassed. This is what I bought for myself^H^H my sons:

2 Starter kits
Programming kit
2 sets omniwheels
1 chain and sprocket set
4 sets of optical encoders
6 extra motors
2 sets limit switches
1 ultrasonic sensor
5 4" Poof balls (not from RadioShack)
12 2-1/2" foam balls (not from RadioShack)
2 gear sets
1 metal set
1 set of tracks
Power pack set
Extra set of crystals

Do I need to buy the line following kit? I'd like another sprocket-and-chain set, but the local stores are sold out.

Even with sale prices, I don't like to think about what I spent. My MasterCard is weeping.

Hi. My name is Rick and I am a Roboholic.

team222badbrad

22-03-2006, 00:11

So far I got in order for highest $ to lowest $:

1 starter kit
1 programming kit
1 metal kit
1 battery kit
1 line follower kit
1 sprocket & chain kit
1 wheel kit*
1 tank tread kit
3 motor kits*
1 servo kit
2 omni kits*
1 light sensor kit
1 encoder kit
2 gear kits*

*These items are on the way from radioshack.com, good thing I ordered before they stopped selling them half price!

After tax $448.2

Items I could not get out of stock:

1 more sprocket & chain kit, 1 more tank tread kit, and the ultrasonic range finder kit another $45.

Accesories I don't have/don't need:

crystals upgrade kits A & B, safety glasses, limit switch kit, transmitter & receiver kit, and bumper switch kit.

I think I am set to build something cool and work my butt off to pay for it.

Yes I got the battery kit for half price as well, this was not on sale when I visited the store on thursday 3/17/06, good thing I waited.

Stuey83

22-03-2006, 19:48

I've wanted to pick up a Vex kit for a while but it was just too cost prohibitive. I saw the sale on RadioShack.com and then was devestated when I looked the next day and saw that all the parts were back to full price and nearly all the parts were out of stock.

So I went to my local vex carrying radio shack and spoke with their manager. Vex and RS aren't breaking their exclusive to RS deal. Vex (probably) isn't releasing a complete upheaval of their product line. At most, they might introduce new products, but that's it.

So why are the products on sale now seemingly out of the blue? The daytime manager said that the sale was aimed at providing those who want to get into the Vex system to do so at a price they can and will afford to pay.

I then went back to the RS a few hours later to pick up another gear set once I saw how few there were in the starter kit, and I spoke to another knowledgeable associate. He said that in fact the Vex components are on sale every now and then and that they were on sale last month and during the winter holiday season. He also said that they were trying to get the products out to a wider audience, and that a lot of people were actually picking up Vex starter kits and accessories as they're good for demonstrations (I imagine in introductory physics courses or engineering courses).

So... even if you missed out on the online sale, the stores which normally carry Vex products should still have them on sale (ALL Vex were reduced 50%). If you don't have it in your budget to pick up a kit or accessories for yourself now, keep checking the online circular for your local RS store. I didn't try this yet, but that's what the guy said.

Anyways, this is what I bought:

Stater kit
Tread set
2 Sprocket sets
Hardware set
2 motors (I wanted 3 but took all they had)
1 servo
Wheel set
Power pack
Gear set

And I went to Sam's club and picked up some extra AA batteries just in case.

Why didn't I pick up the programming kit? B/C they didn't have the ultrasonic sensor I wanted, and since I have a Basic Stamp waiting to take control of the servos.

I wanted a second starter kit but all they had was one. When you think about it, these are really good prototyping kits and can be used in many more applications such as case modding.

Faith

22-03-2006, 20:45

I went to Radioshack once and bought the starter kit, the programming kit, and opticals sensors. Then I went a second time and bought a chain and sprocket kit, an extra motor, a battery pack, and two sets of omniwheels. I was going to go a third time, to a different store with everything in it, but I didn't have time, so I sent my dad with a list to buy an ultrasonic sensor, tank tread, a wheel kit, and a gear kit. When I got home I discovered he had also bought me a hardware pack, and my parents decided (without telling me until now!) that they will pay for it all!!! :) My life is awesome right now, especially because I'm about to go to Boston Regional tomorrow :D.

Madison

22-03-2006, 21:42

I stopped by Radio Shack on my way back from work today.

$310 later, I have a starter kit and bag full of other stuff. I'm not really sure what I got -- I took practically everything that was left on the shelves.

I may not keep it all; or any of it. I honestly don't expect that I'll use it as, similarly to Lego, I find it too limiting.

If I decide not to keep it, I'll perhaps make a list of what I have here. Better to sell it to someone who'll make good use of it than return it to the store, I guess.

Edit:
I bought... (this is the quantity of packages, not items within packages)

1 Starter Kit
1 Wheel Kit
1 Hardware Kit
2 Omni Directional Wheels
2 Limit Switches
1 Motor
1 Servo
1 Gear Set

Dillon Compton

23-03-2006, 00:24

If I had _any_ spare funds right now, I'd be all over this.

Time to get someone to front me $500 by april 1st!

ForgottenSalad

23-03-2006, 19:23

Well, for $450... ( :rolleyes: Had initally told myself to stop at $350 but I didnt stop till I cleared the shelf...)

Starter Kit
Gear Kit
Limit Switch Kit
Bumper Switch kit
Power Pack
Programming Kit
Servo Kit
Optical Shaft Encoder Kit
Motor Kit (2)
Omni Wheel Kit (2)
Tank Tread Kit
Wheel Kit
Hardware and Metal Kit (2)

Also, I had a chat with store manager, said he hasn't heard anything about them getting discontinued, though he hasn't received restock on out-of-stock products. He also mentioned that items that are/are going to be discontinued are priced with a $xx.97 price point... None of which VEX is. He also said he hasn't heard anything from radio shack corporate about them being discontinued. He said he beleives they're just trying to move stock. Either way this was an amazing deal. :D

jeffmorris

24-03-2006, 15:27

Last night, I checked Radio Shack's website to see which stores have Light Sensor Kit, Optical Shaft Encoder Kit, and Ultrasonic Range Finder Kit, and found out that a store in Staten Island Mall has them. I told my mother to call them before going there. She got all three sensor kits at half-price and two movies on DVDs at another store today.

Barry Bonzack

24-03-2006, 16:36

I told a parent of one of the students on 1604 about Vex and the sale. The student received a Vex kit that night. I plan to go splurge a bit later on.

I posted some official word about RS getting out of the Vex business here (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=476318&postcount=53)

skimoose

24-03-2006, 19:49

After checking three different local stores it seems the chain & sprocket kits are getting very hard to find. If you haven't checked lately, now the battery kits are 50% off too! :ahh:

ManicMechanic

30-03-2006, 18:17

We got the enviable job of outfitting a start-up high school program for next year. All this cost less than $580 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/Fallen_Ronin/vexstuff.jpg), including tax. Two starter kits, the programming platform, two hardware kits, two battery packs, two line-following modules, and four omni-wheels.

Bill Hornung

30-03-2006, 21:34

You mentioned Erector set, I pulled out my old erector set from 40 yrs ago and found some great girders and parts for use with my vex starter kit. Saved me some money in parts. I might suggest some people do the same. Erector sets are on Ebay all time.

Normally, RadioShack only does a big discount on items that are being discontinued. This is an unusual product line, though, and it's hard to tell what their plans are without talking to the product manager. There are a few reasonable scenarios.

1. Summer is the slow season in electronics. They might be dumping inventory as a seasonal reduction.

2. The product line is being discontinued due to slow sales. Two local stores report that sales have never been that great and that buyers are turned off by a "$300 Erector Set." Without a lot of marketing, this has been and will continue to be a niche product and may not need national distribution in 7,000 stores.

3. The current products are being replaced by new models. The shelf life for a consumer elctronics product used to be 12-18 months. I don't think it's more than six months these days. We might see a new VEX kit at a lower price point with a different set of electronics.

4. RadioShack may still be testing price levels. If they find a price point at $150 but not $300, they might retune the product, or just reduce the price permanently.

5. RS may have decided that VEX is not a mass-market product, but is still worth handling in a limited way. You might only find it on their Website, or in the largest stores, but not everywhere. If RS is planning to make money on VEX, I wouldn't care much for this possibility. If they can't sell 20,000 kits a year (as a guess), the product probably doesn't have a future with RadioShack. If they view it in part as a promotional item, they might still carry it.

My personal best guess is that VEX will get sold off to a smaller reseller that can stick with it despite its small (for RadioShack) sales volume.

All in all, if you want VEX stuff, I'd buy it now. Most of the possible reasons for the sale are not good for us robot people.

BHS_STopping

02-04-2006, 13:34

When exactly does this sale end? I've heard that it ends on June 3, while other times I've heard April 2, even though that infromationwas gotten off of a price tag.

MarsBOtkid

10-04-2006, 09:57

I though that it was april2nd but when i went there on aprile secon (buying out the store on last day of sale" he told me it was extended till june 2nd.

SO JUNE 2ND

rufu5

10-04-2006, 10:21

[shameless, yet relevent, plug]

For everyone buying Vex parts now, I thought you might like to know that this summer at the Indiana Robotics Invitational, we will be holding the 2nd Annual Vex Challenge. We created a brand new Vex game and invited teams to compete last year and had teams from California to Connecticut. This year's IRI is July 21 and 22 at Lawrence North High School (same location). The game and rules are set for the use of only one Vex kit to make your robot, so all you need is a Vex starter kit and you are on an equal playing field with everyone else competing (no giant budget issues). The neat thing too is that the competition is open to anyone of any age, so if your a college student or adult who wants to compete, just grab your Vex kit and rock out!

If you are interested in the Vex competition, feel free to e-mail us at 447.FIRST@gmail.com (we are trying to get a feel for how many teams are interested in competing).

Cheap Vex Kits! Awesome Vex Game! You Can't Loose!

Ryan Dognaux

13-04-2006, 21:43

Just so everyone knows, it looks like the radioshack sale now applies online - I know the stores in the Purdue area stopped recently (I nabbed mine on the last day, thankfully I asked because they had already changed the tags back to the original prices!) However, it doesn't look like much of it is in stock. I've been waiting to get one of the powerpacks but it looks like they're all sold out. Running on 14 batteries isn't much fun :]

Steve S.

13-04-2006, 22:29

Ryan Dognaux

13-04-2006, 22:34

Hmm.... Here ya go: Power Pack for VEX (http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-standard-parts.shtml#Vex%20Power%20Pack)

Yeah I've been there - it's out of stock there too :(

Steve S.

13-04-2006, 22:36

Yeah I've been there - it's out of stock there too :(

Its in stock now :D

Ryan Dognaux

13-04-2006, 22:40

Its in stock now :D

It seems that way, but you click on the powerpack itself and it says it is not in stock - http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-power-pack.shtml

Steve S.

13-04-2006, 23:00

It seems that way, but you click on the powerpack itself and it says it is not in stock - http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-power-pack.shtml

Okay, i see. Well then go here: VEX Power Pack from robomatter store (http://store.robomatter.com/vexproducts.html)

JVN

14-04-2006, 09:23

It seems that way, but you click on the powerpack itself and it says it is not in stock - http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-power-pack.shtml

Ryan,
They are in stock. (I just walked back and double checked.)
Use the "add to cart" button directly on this page:
http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-standard-parts.shtml

-JV

Ryan Dognaux

14-04-2006, 12:16

Ryan,
They are in stock. (I just walked back and double checked.)
Use the "add to cart" button directly on this page:
http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-standard-parts.shtml

-JV

Thanks much - for some reason the 'add cart' button doesn't work in Firefox for me?

Ryan Dognaux

14-04-2006, 22:40

It seems like Radioshack knew I wanted the powerpack at a lower price because they just got them back in-stock on their website. (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104577&cp=&origkw=VEX&kw=vex&parentPage=search) After shipping it comes to about $32.00, a good deal in case anyone wants to buy one or pick up a spare.

Nuttyman54

14-04-2006, 22:52

Thanks much - for some reason the 'add cart' button doesn't work in Firefox for me?

yup, didn't work for me either when I was ordering some sprockets earlier this season. Not sure why.

UnderDark

15-04-2006, 10:21

yup, didn't work for me either when I was ordering some sprockets earlier this season. Not sure why.

They say in the VexLabs forums that it only works in IE, and that they are trying to make it work though

Robots_R_Us

22-04-2006, 17:24

Ok, Radio Shack is having a great sale on Vex....so what should a person buy?

I know the easy answer is buy everything on the shelves but let's get real...let's set some priorities.

I would like to buy everything I need now but I am just starting out so who knows what I really need...what would you buy if you were starting from scratch and were going to commit some serious money to this product line for prototyping?

What is the order of priority, quantity of each item and why?

How about extras because of the great pricing...which ones?

How important are some of the items like the omniwheels, the extra metal kit, extra wheels and gears?

Thanks

RUS

Robots_R_Us

22-04-2006, 18:49

Some additional questions...

How many motors and servos should one buy? I see that the starter kit has three motors and one servo.

How many motors and servos can one Vex microcontroller handle?

Of the sensors available, which ones are the most useful?

How many sensors can one Vex microcontroller handle?

How long does a battery pack last in a Vex robot? I understand that the time can vary but what is an average time?

How often do you need more metal structural pieces? Is the metal addon kit worth buying?

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.

RRU

Vince lau

22-04-2006, 19:15

this is what my sister brought over from the states for me. $400 later
http://www.ontfluidpowerltd.com/vex.jpg

I got:
Vex starter kit
Metal kit
Programming kit
Tank thread kit
Omni wheels
Battery Pack
Motor
Servo
Light sensor
Limit switch
Bumper switch
Gear kit

Billfred

22-04-2006, 19:26

I don't have a Vex kit in front of me, but here's my best answers:

1) FVC limited teams to eight servos, motors, or any combination thereof. The level of play was great--you'll have to decide what balance you'd want. I'd suggest one or two more motors and one more servo.

2) Eight--how convenient!

3) I haven't experimented with sensors much, so I'll pass on this one.

4) A bunch, although I don't recall the exact number.

5) Plenty long--you won't be able to drive all day, but you should be alright if you have two charging.

6) That depends on how much you build, and how precise you have to do it--if you keep your designs simple and don't cut many parts, it'll last longer than designs that require metal to be run through a blender to get to the right size. A lack of emotional attachment also helps--then you can scavenge parts from your old designs. ;)

Hope this helps!

David55

22-04-2006, 19:41

Vince, what a coincidence

This is what my sister brought over from the states for me

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2908/img37117fv.jpg

Starter kit
Programming kit
Battery pack
Tank tread kit
Chain and sprocket kit
Omni wheel kit
motor
servo
(planning on buying metal and hardware kit, gear kit and sensors)

For starters, you have to buy the programming kit and battery pack so you can use your robot (buying 14 rechargeable batteries will come out more expensive then the battery pack).
Then, I would recommend buying the metal and hardware kit, chain and sprocket kit, gear kit, motor and servo.
If you have money left, buy all the cool add-ons like sensors, tank tread kit and omni wheels.

Nawaid Ladak

22-04-2006, 23:34

Is the sale still on???, and now, when is it till

Steve S.

23-04-2006, 00:15

Is the sale still on???, and now, when is it till

read the previous posts :rolleyes:

Yes the sale is still on until June 3rd....that is the official date...June 3rd

Robots_R_Us

23-04-2006, 01:13

Thanks for the response so far....how about a few more volunteers?

I would like to buy before the Radio Shack sale is over.

RRU

artdutra04

23-04-2006, 02:35

How many motors and servos can one Vex microcontroller handle?2) Eight--how convenient!Look under the hood of your controller, and you'll see a few more cylinders that you previously thought. ;)

Gamer930

23-04-2006, 10:04

Thanks for the response so far....how about a few more volunteers?

I would like to buy before the Radio Shack sale is over.

RRU

Omni Wheels are nice. Chain and Sprocket kit and/or gear kit is good if you planning on making an attachment of some sort. Metal and Hardware kit if you want to make your robot bigger.

I also have the line following kit and Ultrasonic sensor but haven't tried them yet so will not comment on them.

Robots_R_Us

23-04-2006, 13:25

Look under the hood of your controller, and you'll see a few more cylinders that you previously thought. ;)

Would you mind expanding on this comment?

Some of us are looking for hard data to base buying decisions on.

Thanks

RRU

artdutra04

23-04-2006, 15:48

Would you mind expanding on this comment?There is a lot more to the Vex controller than what you can see on the outside. If you feel like hacking some of the IFI code (or if you just know someone who knows what they are doing), then you could unlock the Rx/Tx ports on the controller for use. A great example of something you can do with these ports is hooking up the CMUcam to the Vex controller via the Rx/Tx ports. I don't want to spoil any more surprises, but there are a few more undocumented "features" inside the Vex controller to conquer. :p

That is the best thing about the Vex kits. You can never really "master" the Vex kits, or reach the end of innovation with them. There is always something new you can try. You can always push the enevelope on what you can try to do with the Vex kits, as there are almost always undocumented features that you can try to hack and control. :cool:

Robots_R_Us

26-04-2006, 17:58

Would anyone else like to volunteer what they brought at the Radio Shack sale for Vex and why?

We are still waiting for an answer to quantify what to buy and how many.

Being it is on sale doesn't tell us what to buy to anticipate future needs.

Thanks for whatever advice you can offer.

RRU

Donut

26-04-2006, 20:28

Try consulting this thread for some ideas.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45660

Chris_Elston

26-04-2006, 20:39

It seems that way, but you click on the powerpack itself and it says it is not in stock - http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-power-pack.shtml

Don't forget about eBay. I had to get my programming kit this way. It seems out of five radio shacks within 50 miles did not have the programming kit in stock.

I got a good deal on it, more than the sale price, but not anymore than the regular price even after paying $7.00 for shipping.

-

Bob Ward

23-05-2006, 08:40

I think that Radio Shack isn't doing well and plans to close some stores. Is Radio Shack planning to drop VEX Robotics product line? Both Radio Shack and Vexlabs still have some items out of stock. Does the company that makes VEX Robotics run into problems?

I agree. Some stores are closing around me. RS blew it carrying VEX. Their markup is huge and no one wants to pay it. Those are definitely closeout prices. I think VEX is a goner at RS. The only hope for VEX products is online.

Robots_R_Us

27-05-2006, 15:39

So...any late minute Vex buys for anyone? the sale is getting to the end.

Anything you wish you had but couldn't find?

Any idea how many of each item one should stock up on at this price?

RRU

tcj103

27-05-2006, 18:57

A local Radio Shack employee told me they were re-aligning their stores. Some would be carrying less hobby related items, like resistors, transistors, soldering irons, etc and concentrate more on the consumer electronics items like Ipods and cell phones. Others would continue to carry the hobby items. My feeling is that mall stores would be the ones dropping the hobby items. Argh! Now I have to locate a specific store when I'm looking for some widget!

I also heard at Nationals that Radio Shack is dropping the Vex line, and that Innovation First is picking it up as the supplier for it. Radio Shack sales on the Vex stuff is probably an attempt to clear out existing inventory. I used to work for them many years ago, and I know from then that no stock was ever shipped back anywhere, it just went on sale until it was sold.

I'm thinking of picking up a Vex starter kit and programming kit, just to learn c+ and fool around with it at home.

Ted

Nuttyman54

27-05-2006, 19:38

We picked one up last weekend, along with any accessories we could find.

Steve S.

27-05-2006, 20:11

EricRobodox

28-05-2006, 01:29

IFI is Innovation First. Hence Innovation First, Inc. Unless, 1591, that was a question or shock of unknowing, Vex is now supplied by Innovations First, Inc and RadioShack dropped out. Its primarily due to Radio Shack not making that much money as they three way partnership; IFI, US FIRST, and Radio Shack; caused the profit to split the money. Radio Shack decided to leave the Vex to IFI and FIRST to which IFI became the dominant partner and now main supplier. I saw this coming as IFI had the EDU kits and Vex is just the next generation of EDU. There is a topic or two on this issue i think already on CD.

DonRotolo

28-05-2006, 12:08

A local Radio Shack employee told me they were re-aligning their stores. Some would be carrying less hobby related items, like resistors, transistors, soldering irons, etc and concentrate more on the consumer electronics items like Ipods and cell phones. Others would continue to carry the hobby items.
I heard exactly the same thing from two local RS managers. Thankfully, the closer of the two was one of the 'hobby' stores...

I ended up buying one or two of everything but the metal and ultrasonics - you never know what you might like to fool with.

My current summer project is to build and program a small robot (about 1/2 FRC size) to harass the local wildlife. I live on a suburban lot, and have deer, woodchucks, a skunk family and a plethora of chipmunks that I'd like to make life less comfortable for. (The squirrels, I've given up on. They Win).

The idea is to sense movement, determine if it's a critter, then move towards it making noise, all staying within specific boundaries (the lawn). When battery gets low, it finds and connects to a charging port, then goes out again waiting and watching...

The 'sense movement' part is the hardest, I'm working on a combination of motion sensor and IR camera. Unsure if I'll get it to work, but that's no reason to not try.

Don

David55

28-05-2006, 13:07

I heard exactly the same thing from two local RS managers. Thankfully, the closer of the two was one of the 'hobby' stores...

I ended up buying one or two of everything but the metal and ultrasonics - you never know what you might like to fool with.

My current summer project is to build and program a small robot (about 1/2 FRC size) to harass the local wildlife. I live on a suburban lot, and have deer, woodchucks, a skunk family and a plethora of chipmunks that I'd like to make life less comfortable for. (The squirrels, I've given up on. They Win).

The idea is to sense movement, determine if it's a critter, then move towards it making noise, all staying within specific boundaries (the lawn). When battery gets low, it finds and connects to a charging port, then goes out again waiting and watching...

The 'sense movement' part is the hardest, I'm working on a combination of motion sensor and IR camera. Unsure if I'll get it to work, but that's no reason to not try.

Don

Definitely an interesting use of a vex robot.

You could always just use the old motion sensor connected to a pan - tilt AK-47. That should solve the problem for you. :D