[Debbie]

Hi,
We started a new FTC team this past fall. We went into it thinking we needed around $500 based on what we read on the website. We ended up spending close to $2,000. What we didn't know until later was that you need to purchase 2 kits if you want to have 2 controllers. You need 2 of a lot of things. At our competition, we spoke to a couple of veteran teams that stated they purchased a lot of stuff on ebay a lot cheaper. We will try that next year. I am sure you CAN do it for $500, but you would only have one controller, not 2 and you would have to build on the small chasis rather than a larger one. We were pretty consientious with our spending, but it was very close to $2,000 by the time all was said and done. We also wasted some money on over night shipping as the competition grew closer. Then we found out we were allowed to use equivalent parts and we could have gotten some stuff at the local hardware store. LOL Live and learn! :-)

You can do a fundraiser through Innovation First and sell hexbugs. They are microcomputer bugs that react to sound and touch. They sell for $10. The team makes $5 - 5.50 profit depending on how many you order. They sell pretty easy! This really helped us earn the additional money needed. Visit hexbug.com for more information.

We ared a jr. high team, and really enjoyed this competition. I wish FIRST would have this as their official jr. high program.

If you are starting a team in 2008, don't go overboard on buying materials as it will be the last year they are using VEX. There will be a new platform after Dec. 2008.