Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

We've put together this collection of bloopers from the VEXpro Product Unveiling Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cub5oruWA7k

Enjoy!

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Could someone comment on how much torque the belts components can take? I'm thinking of two applications in particular.

First, if I want to do a WCD with 4" (or even 6") wheels, what is the right toothcount pulley to use, given that I want a reasonable factor of safety? Let's just say that I want to be able to have the robot traction limited (instead of ratcheting limited) when it's reared up on two wheels.

Second, if I use a 60T pulley and a 15mm wide belt, could I use it to raise an arm? What about the shock loads that the arm would see when it changed directions? Would the belt ratchet under those conditions? What if I wanted to raise the robot up on the arm, a'la 1538?

Generally, could you publish some kind of torque ratings for these components?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

These are awesome!
"Is that soup port?"
"no, support, my bad."
:D

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Would you mind posting CAD of the 18T sprockets please

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Sorry for the delay, that CAD is now posted on the #25 Sprockets page.

Here's a link:

http://content.vexrobotics.com/cad/S...-3488-STEP.zip

Best,
Ricky

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Components for the Versachassis show that the frame won't be shipped until January 10th, and the motion components until January 15th.

http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/st...sachassis.html

What's up? Is this another Talon fiasco where I won't be able to get spare parts until April? I was pretty excited to add this option to our playlist, doesn't really look like a good choice now.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Likewise.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

We're working through a shipping issue on the frame components right now. They are shipping from our supplier tomorrow and January 10th is a worst-case shipping date from our warehouse.

The motion components have had a January 15th ship date since the product announcement. We're doing all we can to ship them sooner and will get them our ASAP.

We want this stuff in your guys' hands as badly as you do. Thanks for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.

Best,
Ricky

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

What is the difference other than price between the 3' 1/2" Hex Stock (217-2753) $11.99 and VersaChassis Hex Shaft (217-3437) other than the price ($9.99)?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

The VersaChassis HEX shaft is a ready made axle for the VersaChassis system.
If you have lathe capabilities it will be more cost effective to buy the Hex stock. But basic axle functionality is present with just the VersaChassis Hex shaft (snap ring groove, encoder hole, tapped shaft end).

Hope this helps,

-Aren

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thanks, that helps a lot.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thank you, Ricky. We know you guys are working hard to get the stuff out to us.

One question: we received a partial shipment, minus the frame components. Will I get a second shipping notification when the frame is shipped?

Thanks again!

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Yes, you will receive another notification once the rest of the order ships.

Best,
Ricky

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Our entire order said it shipped, but then if I check tracking it says its 1.00 lbs.

This order is definitely more like 50 lbs. Why does UPS show 1.00? xD

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Any idea on the current lead time for the 3 cim ball shifter? It says one week right now. Also will WCP be able to keep up with orders this year? The single speed 3 cim gearbox from them seems like a good WCD option to me, but I'm not sure when I'd be able to get it.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Have you released any information for adapting the 2 CIM ballshifter to the VersaChassis?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Yes we will be able to. Should be shipping out all our VEXpro items today/tomorrow and you should be seeing all WCP related items shipping out next week.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

All of the components for the 3 CIM Ball shifter are in our assembly facility here in Greenville. They are currently being inspected and kitted. We are pushing to have these shipping this week.

We got started on the manufacturing of the WCP items a little later than we wanted. Both WCP and VEX are pretty particular about design details so we released the drawings to production later than we wanted. The dates on the VEXpro website for the WCP items are still our expected ship dates. Please note that this is an initial inventory problem only. Once the items arrive, WCP, The Robot Space, and VEX will have plenty of inventory for the entire 2014 season.

We are working on the application drawings for this and should have them by the weekend.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thanks. That's great to hear.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Minor question on the .500 hex Versahubs... can they be press-fit into Vexpro wheels and other Versahubs designed to take bearings?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Yup, the hub diameter of the VersaHub is 1.125", same as the bearings.

-Aren

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Are the wcp gearboxes compatible with any encoder mounts?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

You guys released a teaser to the 2014 drive in a day chassis on twitter earlier this week. Do you have an estimate on when it will be listed for sale?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

The single speed gearboxes accept a s4 encoder on the back.

The dual speeds do not have any encoder mounts. What we prefer in a WCD config is to put the encoder on the wheel shaft. Every VersaShaft for the WCD comes with a 1/4 hole that allows encoder mounting.

I know manuals aren't released ATM. We are trying to have them done this weekend so teams have more information/how tos available to them.

Let me know if you questions.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

+1

Definitely eager to see CAD, pricing, and estimated ship date on DiaD2014 as we make design decisions. We put together a 2013 DiaD in the off season, and we find it to be very nice.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thanks so much for your quick answers. It happens that I just did a design with the single speed speed gearbox. So that works just fine.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Paul, JVN, RC, do you have masses for the 3 CIM Ball Shifter WCD version?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

3.05 lbs

*For most products on the WCP page, if you configure the product it will update the weight for you

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Also, how do you use CIM style motors with VersaPlanetaries? I saw that you used them this way in Build Blitz, and that they could be essentially "officially unofficially" used like this in last year's version. Is there any special trick to doing it this year? How do the CIMs mount, etc?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

I had the same question. Check this out from last year.
http://blog.spectrum3847.org/2013/01...-mounting.html

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

I remember hearing something about products beings shipped from WCP will have 2 day shipping to any California team. What do you guys think would be the standard time to ship from WCP to Portland? Is Portland close enough for that, or would we have to pay for 2 day shipping to get it in two days.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

We know that teams may wish to use it for this season, so we're working quickly to get it posted. Productization includes things like final design reviews, pricing, making a webpage, etc, all of which just take time.

Team JVN used a method similar to the Spectrum post linked above, and I assume Team Copioli did the same. The only difference is that this year's VersaPlanetaries include a few minor adjustments. One is that there are new motor mounting plates - for the CIM-style motor application, you can just ignore mounting plates and mount the input stage directly to the CIM. The other is that the input stage no longer has a bearing inside; the CIM shaft fits directly into where the collar would normally go. It pretty much "just works."

The necessary disclaimer is that VEX doesn't officially recommend or support this. Team JVN used a Mini CIM (stall torque ~1 ft-lb) through a 9:1 single stage, which is as high as they were comfortable going. The numbers technically work, but keep in mind that reversing or other shock loads can lead to torque transfer much higher than that 1 ft-lb at stall. It worked in this case because it's just an intake roller (low impact), not a rotating arm or something like that.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

So, you're saying that Team JVN was "comfortable" going up to 9:1 Versaplanetary, but what is the general of "rule of thumb" stall torque maximum for the versaboxes?

We tried finding that value a little while ago, but couldn't really find it in the documentation.

- Sunny G.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Most if not all California orders ship in one day via FedEx ground. Surrounding areas such as Washington, Oregon, Nevada, etc.. ship in 2 days via FedEx ground. You can see the FedEx map here. We are just receiving our initial shipment of parts from VEXpro tomorrow and orders will start to be packaged and shipped the same day. We apologize for the delay of getting these orders out to customers as we know these orders are extremely time sensitive.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thats great. The only thing we have ordered so far is the SS gearboxes, but will most likely have a very large order sometime next week. If its 2 day ground shipping, we will try and get it in either monday night or sometime tuesday, so hopefully it would be here for saturday assembly.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Is it possible to get the 2 stage ball shifter with a 4" long output shaft? The CAD model of the "long output shaft" 2-stage shows a 1.59" long shaft.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Martin,

The "long output shaft" is intended for sprocket/pulley drives to a final ratio, as such the max length is 1.59".

If you want to extend this shaft you may look at using one of the colson live hubs as a hex extension to another piece of axle (rather deep hex bore).

Or if you're up to it you can press out the axle and insert your own (heat will be required), this may be difficult but is doable. If you take that route please pay attention to internal features you must replicate.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

I'm having issues with the CAD model for the Versa Planetary gearbox. When importing, the two halves of the case aren't lined up right (see picture), and I can't get them to line up right while having the hole for the bearing aligned.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

I'm a little curious what's going on with your model, every model I have this is not an issue, have you tried re-mating it? I'll reupload the STEP file just to be sure.

Email
Prosupport "at" Vexrobotics.com if you need more help

-Aren

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

The website now says WCP items will be shipping the week of the 20th, whereas the date that had been advertised was today, the 15th. Is the 20th for new orders at this point or for all orders? Simply: have all orders containing WCP items been delayed?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Kevin,

All of the WCP gearboxes, Versachassis hex axle and Versablocks are shipping the week of 1/20. No one has received these items. However, the entire order is not held up. All products ship when available so if you had other items on the order and they were in stock they would ship immediately.

The Versatube (1x1 and 1x2) products shipped to all customers whose orders were placed January 8 or earlier. We sold about 2x what we thought we would sell of these products, but the remaining items are due to arrive either Friday or Monday morning and we will ship them out immediately. Currently, all remaining customer demand for the tubing will be fulfilled when the remaining items arrive.

With regards to the WCP gearboxes and other products delayed, the supplier found a quality issue common to all gearbox plates that needed to be fixed immediately. WCP and VEX currently have an engineer sitting at the manufacturing facility approving each part that comes out of manufacturing. We are shipping items daily and I am confident all the remaining WCP back ordered items will ship in time before next weekend. We at VEX and WCP believe that quality overruled schedule and made this judgment call. In the end, the customers who purchase the WCP gearboxes will be much happier with our decision even though they did not receive the product in the time frame any one of us would have preferred.

I guarantee you everyone at VEX, especially me, will learn from this and make sure all new items are in stock prior to kickoff.

I sincerely apologize for this delay. If you require more detailed assistance or want to change your order based on this new information, please contact vex customer service at sales<at>vexrobotics.com or 903-453-0802.

Paul

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thanks, I got it. For some reason, Inventor loaded the top half at a 96% scale, so it didn't fit together right. It's working fine now.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

If we ordered from vex, but because of the delay we wanted to move our order to WCP, would there be enough stock at WCP where we could be guaranteed to get one? Or would we be pushed to the back, and potentially not even get one until even later. If thats the case, any way to get a discount on upgraded shipping, because another week delay with ground means the parts wont get here to OR until at least middle of week 4, which is WAY too late.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

If you already ordered it from us, you WILL get it before next weekend no matter what shipping method you selected.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Ah Cool. We ordered it mid December, so that helps.

Thanks for everything you guys do. Its very helpful.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

One more question about the WCP single speed gearboxes. Can we be sure that the CAD files are the correct dimensions for them? It says that the bearing block is 1.5 inch diameter, which the block holes spaced .9375 from the center, and the plate mounting holes 2.25 from the center. We wanted to wait until we have the gearboxes, but we cannot wait that long to weld, so if we can get confirmation that those are the correct numbers coming out of manufacturing that would be very helpful.

Thanks.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thad,

All WCP gearboxes have the shifter/bearing block mount holes spaced 1.875" apart (.9375"). All Plate mounting holes inline with the shifter/ holes are spaced 4.5" apart (2.25"). This allows for swapping of gearboxes in both SS/DS/3 CIM.

-RC

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Please excuse me if I'm reading into your post too much but, for those of us who haven't ordered yet, if we were to order WCP gearboxes sometime between now and the 20th (or on the 20th) when could we expect those items to ship out? I'm not sure if your post implies that you will ensure that all current orders are filled and to the purchaser by the weekend, or that there might be some sort of stocking issue? (I think it's the first.)

On a similar train of thought, but a different topic: For the items listed on the site that say 'ships before kick-off', are all of those items actively shipping out? I didn't want to assume this to be the case, but I'd imagine that by now, it must just be a minor delay in updating the website to 'in stock'.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

What I meant is that some people ordered with ground shipping over a week ago. I am promising those customers that ordered within the ground timeframe that their stuff will arrive in time for next weekend even if I have to air ship it at our cost. We at VEX understand the FRC time frame and would rather have the stuff in stock so we will make sure teams don't miss another weekend during build season.

The ships before kickoff tag should be removed from all products, but I will have my web guys double check in the morning.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

A few weeks before kickoff we ordered 3 CIM ball shifters along with WCP bearing blocks and cams. Since it sounds like the ball shifters are in stock, will those be shipped separately, with the WCP items to follow in a separate shipment when they are ready? Or will all of our items on that order be held until everything is ready?

We also ordered some replacement 54 tooth ball gears about a week ago that are on back order. Should those ship about the same time as the ball shifters?

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

If you ordered it from VEX directly, PM me your order number.

Paul

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Paul,

Thanks for the update. The transparency from your staff has been very appreciated as these new products are rolled out (and well before this too).

Our order does included items that are not WCP and we have not received them, however, they do us no good without the WCP items, so no worries there (belts, pulleys, etc.). Our order is with The Robot Space, however, and only the items they don't have on their site did we order from Vex, which we have already received.

This leads to another question - Lets say the items are approved and ready for packing and shipping on the 20th. Because we ordered from The Robot Space, it will take time for items to be distributed from Vex to The Robot Shop and WCP - will teams that ordered from those distributors and not Vex directly still receive parts by next weekend? This may be out of your control but thought I'd ask anyway.

Thanks again for your efforts,

Kev

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Kevin,

We will work with The Robot Space and WCP to make sure all customers that have orders in place receive their items.

Paul

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

We're having some trouble with VersaPlanetary motor mounting.

This documents says to use the specific motor mounting plate for each motor, however page 5 and 7 of this documents shows the generic metal motor mount plate (current attached to the motor in this picture.) Which are we supposed to use? The motor mounting screws aren't long enough to use both.

These are all 2014 VersaPlanetaries.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Use the method with the plastic plates, the second guide you posted was for the older revision mounting style. The plastic plates are better at aligning and piloting the motors to the gearbox.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Thanks, that's what I thought. I was just wondering why the generic metal plate still shipped with the new 2014 ones.

Re: Back for more..VEXpro 2014 Product Unveiling
 

Because we had them and would rather give teams the mounting option to play with / customize than just throw them away.

Working on updating that user manual, things got a fair amount simpler with regards to motor mounting this year.

Follow the drawing.

-Aren