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Originally Posted by Not2B
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.
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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