[artdutra04]

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

I visited the web site at http://www.ifirobotics.com/ and found out that their mini-robot kit is similar to Vex Robotics Kit except for electronics, motors, and wheels. Would buying parts from http://www.ifirobotics.com/ and/or http://www.vexlabs.com/ be cheaper than buying from Radio Shack's web site?

The parts on the InnovationFIRST (IFI) website are for use in FIRST and the mini EDUbot (Robovation) robotics. The Vex Robotics kit evolved from the EDU kit, so all the metal components are essentially the same and can be used either way. However, the EDUbot motors will not work with Vex (They have four pins, instead of three). Do you have one Vex kit? If so, I would recommend the RadioShack Metal Kit. For $80, you double all the metal components you get in the kit, which are needed if you want to build complex arms and manipulators. Once you already have the extra metal kit, then I would look to VexLabs to buy additional parts a la carte if needed.

Originally Posted by mechanicalbrain

Strictly speaking after you get the vex kit you dont NEED anything more. Go to hobby shops and also go to hardware stores. You can get servos, sensors, cable, and anything else you might want or need. their might be a few things in particular (I can't think of any) that you might need to get from FIRST or radioshack (Which is overpriced as it is).

I wouldn't say that after you get the Vex kit you don't need anything more from RadioShack. All the expansion kits are very useful! I have had the Vex kit since the day after it came out, and so far I have bought:

• Vex Starter Kit
• Vex Battery Pack
• One Additional Vex Motor
• Vex Metal Kit
• Two Omni-Wheel Packs
• Tank Tread Pack
• Additional Vex Gear Set
• Additional Wheel Set
• Chain and Sprocket Set - very useful!

and I will say that each one of these is well worth their cost. My local RadioShack must love my business, as that's about $500 so far. And I have yet to get the programming module and all the new sensors, and maybe a pneumatics kit from VexLabs eventually... I will post pictures of my Vex robot sometime soon here, and I am currently working on a White Paper that deals with Vex, so that is keeping me busy at the moment.

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

Is it possible to create automotive-type steering system?

Yes. You can do this with only the starter kit. Power the back two wheels with the two motors, and the steering with the servo.