Let's build a robot!

[ryanmathewson]

I'm a college Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Missouri. My friend Nick and I are both FIRST alum from FRC 1785 and both attended Championship this year to watch our team at our first championship and volunteer. Both of us were re-inspired to make a difference in the world and do something that matters, along with a re-ignition of our love for robots. That being said, we now want to build a robot!

While we don't know what purpose we want to build it yet, as poor college students our first concern is money. Since we have some experience using FRC equipment, I pose the following question to you all: Are there places out there to purchase old devices (cRIOs, power distribution boards, talons, motors, etc.) on a budget?

I'm sure there are teams out there with extras of these or functioning older versions that are just sitting in storage. Not sure if there are any willing to sell (or donate) their surplus items. Suggesting websites with cheap build items for sale (cameras, C channel, wheels, etc.) would be beneficial to seeing if this would even be a feasible project.

Also, since we are still looking for ideas, we would love any practical ideas you guys have! Thanks in advance for the help everyone!