Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

This goes out to the 50 teams that have the kits already. Are they worth buying? I liked the EDUbot/Robovation kits when they came out but did not feel they were worth the cost. I really think that these VEX kits could make robotics more accessible to schools and youth organizations, if VEX can deliver on their promise. So you have had them for about two weeks now, what have been your experiences? Unfortunately I will not be at Championship with my team(Go Royal Assault!) to see the Vex Challenge first-hand.I am thinking of buying a kit of my own when they're available. I am really interested in your feedback.
Thanks

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I'm not on a Vex team, but I did get a couple of minutes of quality time with one at Palmetto.

Knowing that they're $300 (and the Robovation kit that rookies get goes for $595 on IFI's website, or just the controller itself is $250 without a radio), I'd say they're worth the money. The materials look pretty much like Robovation materials, but the controller and radio look and feel a bit more finished than the Robovation's setup. (The radio felt good in my hands--but then again, I have big hands. I can't use anything but the XBox Duke controller. So you might want to watch out if you've got really small students.) Programming remains a mystery, although I did notice that they're using non-standard ports on the back of the controller itself, which makes me think there's some proprietary something-or-other going on within. (Little do they know that we have folks like Kevin Watson in our camp. Fwahaahaa. :))

If I had the money right now, I would buy one. (But that's another story.)

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

My FLL team worked with a Robovation kit this summer, as the basis for a robotic "Avatar" project. Since we have received Vex kits to prepare for the FIRST Vex Challenge in Atlanta, we have compared them in detail, and just about every area is improved, some substantially.

The microcontroller is similar in capability, with 16 I/O ports and interrupt ports still present. Thesolenoid outputs have been removed, but the connection of up to two R/C receivers is allowed, each through a single cable (the Robovation controller uses up to eight cables for one receiver). The battery pack connector now accepts standard 7.2v NiCad battery packs without an adapter.

The R/C transmitter and receiver is included, a modified Futaba 6-channel digital system that seems very suitable to its purpose (and will drive 8 motors/servos, in a configuration where you slave two motors to each differential drivetrain). There is also a mode to use two transmitters with one receiver to control the chassis and manipulator(s) separately.

The "Erector-like" mild steel building components and the same, with a couple of new ones added. Delrin bearing have some new configurations, and axles are still square. 3 sizes of gears have been added, but the sprockets and chains have been removed (I understand they will be added back into the system in the Fall). The three motors are similar, with a better finish and a clutch added. A servo is also included (120 degree), in the same form factor as the motors. The wheels are MUCH better - no more soft foam that cannot bear weight without deforming. The hardware is still hex-driver oriented.

The programming system is absent, but should be available in the Fall. I understand it will be C based, with a Visual layer (on the idea of Mindstorms) available for simplified coding. Only limit switches and bumper switches made the beta kit, but as many as six new sensors should be available in the Fall.


All in all, my team loves them, and at half the price of the Robovation kit, with a very capable R/C system included, with many design upgrades, I feel that the Vex Robotic Development Systems are a great buy, and I look forward to our town group, the Sharon Youth Robotics Association (http://syraweb.home.comcast.net/), sponsoring a number of Vex teams in addition to FLL teams in the Fall.

I have seen the Vex kits already in several Radio Shack stores, at least here in Massachusetts, so you should be able to get a look soon. Also, we have posted a Vex-oriented website at http://eaglevex.home.comcast.net/, with lots of pictures, to chronicle our reponse to the FIRST Vex Challenge this Spring.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Here's an article with some pictures. Looks kind of like an erector set.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Ive been playing with our kits, and they are a lot of fun, and Id say they are worth the money. But if you want a better deal, wait about a year or so for the fully programabble versions (at least thats when I THINK they are supposed to come out). Expect a lot of other cool goodies in May also.
The only problems I have with the kits are that there is only 1 PWM extention, so you cant space the motors out very much, and thats theres only 3 motors (and 1 servo). It even tells you how to build a 4-wheel drive, but doesnt give you enough motors =P. But you will be able to buy individual motors, so that solves that problem.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Hello Ken: I think the VEX Kit is worth the money. I am an adult mentor for our newly formed robotics team and we are participating in the VEX pilot program. I cannot compare it to any other kits as this is our first year in a robotics program. I wish some of our students were here to tell you about the Vex kit. They really have been getting alot out of it. Everything in the kit seems to be of good quality especially the electronics. The metal pieces are easy to work with as far as cutting and bending if needed. A good selection of fasteners and spacers is included as well as a couple of different types of limit switches. There are no belts, chains, or pulleys though and I think that would be a nice addition in future kits. It would be nice to see some timing gears and belts of various sizes and my bet is that there will be in future kits. They did a very good job with this kit. We are a small budget private school and probably would not have been able to start a robotics program without a kit of this kind. I highly recommend VEX! Our team will be competing in Atlanta and our students are very excited about going. The VEX kit has really ignited the enthusiasm of our students and our robotics program.
Thanks,
Greg

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I'd say so. Be prepared to buy the battery kit for $50 at your local Radio Shack. Also, it seems both kits I know of ended up with the same freq crystals, so he and I are considering getting the 4 crystal set so we can run at the same time.

Several of the parts seem a little on the expensive side, so I have started to look into home-brew parts. I have NO idea if that will be legal on a FRV team, but I don't really care. Mine will be used for private use, and team prototypes. (Example - the base squarebot uses almost all the shaft collars and bearing plates.) Dr. Joe's list of McMaster Carr parts is a good start.

I hope that the championship webcast will show some Vex stuff too, or at least I hope to see some pictures. My buddy and I are building triple play robots, with bamboo Tetras. I just wish they would get the programming device out soon.

It's good to know the local radio shack people.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Standard Hobbyist RC batteries work just fine. In my opinion, you can get much better batteries (3000mA-h NiMH) and a charger from Tower Hobby for about the same cost as the Radio Shack kit.

I know that the rule book recommends using NiCd batteries because they can supply more current with lower voltage drop than NiMH, but again, in my opinion, even with 8 motors it is not that easy to draw that much current from these motors. They are internally protected for overheating which means if you use the motor at anything close the their stall current for any period of time, the breakers are going to turn the motors off momentarily. HERE is a link to the IFI website where they have a table of what currents were allowed on the Isaac system (fore runner to VEX).

Also, the rule book does not apply generally, only to the Atlanta Tourney.

For what it is worth.

Joe J.


P.S. In answer to the question, "Are the VEX kits worth buying?" I have to say, "Yes, undoubtedly." There are flaws. Improvements can always be made, but it is a very solid concept. One that I am sure will introduce robotics to 1000's of folks who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Well done, Innovation First, Radio Shack, & FIRST. JJ

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

The vex kits are available online now, http://www.radioshack.com/category.a...0%5F000&Page=1
And I'm considering going out to get one. It looks very cool :)

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

DOH! That's a great idea! Tower Hobbies is a GREAT place. I'll have to remind the other VEXers in my area. (Grumble grumble... I've only used them for gas powered products, forgot about the battery powered side of the hobby.)

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

WooHoo!! I am definitely buying one ASAP. :D It sound like everyone is having a great time with them. I would like to wait for the fall to get the improved kit that Lil' Lavery spoke of, but I need to get one now so I can show it to my school administrators to get things off the ground for possibly starting a VEX team in the fall. Thanks everybody for the feedback.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Hi,
Our team just bought a VEX starter kit and some accessories from Radioshack this week. I took the stuff home and worked with my 9 year-old. We followed the Inventor Book (comes with kit) to build the basic drive unit or SquareBot. My son had no problems building it.

Connecting the controller and plugging into the correct port was difficult for him only because he was unfamilar with these FIRST programming and electrical concepts.

It was a lot of fun. Of course, we had to build an arm to pick up 'tetras' so it would be interesting. The default code in the controller was sufficient and can allow for a lot of ideas without needing any programming.

Here's what you need from Radioshack to get started.
1. Starter Kit $300
2. Battery kit $50.

You can do lots of stuff for $350.

Now, lots of add-on kits come from Radioshack. In order to do lots of problem solving exercising such as hanging, picking up balls, stacking, scooping,etc. these add on kits are helpful if you have the money.
1. Extra hardware $80
2. Chain drive kits ?
3. Motor (1) kit $20
4. Servo (1) kit $20
5. Gear kit $13
6. Tire kit ?
7. Cutting tool ? (need to do lots of cutting of metal for various designs)

Call it about $180 since I don't know the price of three items above. This now comes to $530.

The robot does have an autonomous mode. This requires a jumper and the user cannot control the robot with the transmitter (I think!). To have fun doing this, one could use various sensor kits.
1. Programming kit ?
2. Line sensor kit. ?
3. Ultrasonic range finder ?
4. Encoders ?

Don't know these prices. Bet its around $120 or more. Please let me know the exact values.

Now for a price of $650 plus tax you and your teams can do really complex normal and autonomous things.

Radioshack only listed four items yesterday...although they stock everything in their system. (Do a search for VEX brand to see what's available).

Oh yeah, if you have an EduRobot kit, you can borrow and use most of the hardware for this VEX robot (brackets, screws, nuts, etc.)

We'll demo our VEX robot next Monday when are team meets to make preparations for the nationals (we won't be doing VEX competitions.

I definitely like the stuff. Hope to find low cost substitutes for the add-ons in the future.

Regards,
ChuckB

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

White Wolf,
I haven't gotten a clear answer on programming the VEX controller. What language is the VEX controller programmed in? Can you select a different language (i.e. Visual, C, PBASIC, or other)?

Thanks,
Chuck

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

The kits at the stores already (yes I have seen personally 2 stores in CT that carry them already) is version .5

(Side note - It was pretty funny seeing the looks we got looking at the kit, not one time, but on 2 separate visits to the same store in one day while wearing FIRST logo plastered shirts and hats, and the second time with a friend riding a Segway in the store with us.)

What is V1.0 gonna bring? Maybe I shall wait till that one comes out till I get one... May take me that long to save up enough to get one anyways, even with the relatively cheap $299.00 price tag for the starter kit..

I want a pair of Vex safety glasses first though, but they do look like child's sizes.. :eek:

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Being a member of the buisness portion of WildStang I have not been really active in the building of our FIRSt robot but have joined the vex team. I think it is really cool. I like to see it as advanced legos. In many ways it is like if Legos and Erector sets were bread together, Vex would be born. It is fairly easy (it has to be if I can do it) but still has its challanges. Over all I would reccomend it. It has taught me some basics of engineering and design.

I know it already has its own section at the local Radio Shack in Woodfield Mall.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Version V1 will have many features that .5 doesnt have. It will probably be programmable, and even if they arnt in the starter set, there will be a plethora of new and cool parts (wheels, ect.). But V.5 has everything you need to make a simple bot that works well.
If your just using it for personal use, Id recommend buying the starter set- $300
Battery Pack and charger-$50
1+ Motors- $20 each

That will allow you to build a 4 WD, or a 2 WD bot with a servo and up to 2 motors (if 2WD) for other features such as arms, ect.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

extra metal ($70?) would help too, espectially if you plan on cutting some of it.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I can not wait to get one! It drives PWM's, and im surprised that I seem to be the only one who is planning on building a decent sized bot (not out of the parts that come with it), and using the ability to drive pwm systems to run a high voltage side of things...like cim motors via victors... :D . I will probably buy the starter kit and build the robots and get used to the system (more than I already am, I kicked butt playing with 'em down in atlanta) then move to a larger chassis and really push what it can do. I have been drawin up plans, and ideas since I got the first email about VEX, and I can't wait to see what you guys come up with. I already know that I will be able to interface just about whatever I want, as long as I can figure out the pin-out's it shoudn't be too hard. There is so much stuff out there that works with PIC's. I can't wait to explore what is possible. I also plan on starting a vex team for next years comp, while at the same time mentoring a FIRST team, all along with work, and college, I love challenges.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I personally haven't been able to get alot of hands on experience with our robot so this kit is the next best thing im definently getting one.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

The current v.5 controller is porgrammable - look here

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

When will the V1 be relased?

Will it also be 300 dollars, for all these extra features?

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I would also like to know when the V1 will be released. Thanks

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Probably not. They will probably sell the new parts as add on modules.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I think these are an excellent bridge between FRC and FLL, it sticks with the simple complexity of legos (yes it's an oxymoron, but it describes lego perfectly), while advancing into working with custumizable parts. I personally am looking into buying a set, and I think the kit is a great resource for FRC teams, as well as a good introduction to creating specificly modeled parts for teams in between FLL and FRC. I looked at them quite a bit at nationals, and we're working out the details of having them at IRI (don't quote me there, I don't know the specifics). I hope someone starts a VEX team near me!

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I dont know when the V1 starter set will be realeased, but the programmable module, omni-wheels, tank treads, chain and sprocket sets, and more sensors will be released in the August-Sept time frame according to the VEX people I have talked to.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

I stumbled on the VEX kit almost by accident. I was on Radio Shack's website looking for something else and happened to notice the VEX kit. I got pretty excited when I first saw it and started doing some research (including this forum). I went to Radio Shack today after deciding that it looked like a good deal. I picked up the starter kit along with a couple of expansion packs.

I've got to say that it's pretty impressive. They have done a great job putting everything together, incuding the packaging. I was surprised by the quality of some of the components. I was expecting much cheaper pieces.

I haven't had time to play with it much yet, but it seems like a great kit. My biggest complaint so far is that there are some add-on parts that are not available yet.

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

omni wheels?! :D :D oo i want a set even more!

Re: Are the VEX kits worth buying?
 

Popular Science magazine thinks so.
June issue has a one page with a layout of all the parts.