VEX Kits ARRIVED!!!

[BrianBSL]

As far as I know, there is currentally no provision for programming the Vex kits, however there is a serial port that uses a 6 conductor phone connector, but I am not sure of the pinout of this, nor do I want to assume that the code from the 2004 EDU-RC's is compatable with these kits without hearing from someone at IFI/IFO/RS. In addition, there is some type of IR port on the controller, although I am not sure what this is used for. There is also no autonomous mode in the game.

The transmitter also adds a teather port on the back side. All kits came with the same crystal set (all 12 of ours are chan 61). The reciever uses a 4 conductor phone cable, leading me to believe there is some sort of data modulation going on there, although I haven't had a chance to really look into it. The rules say you can use 2 transmitters to control your robot, allowing a driver and operator. The default code is quite robust for default code, and configurable with jumpers that come in the kit.

As far as battery packs, although it is not clearly specified in the rules, they do say you can not modify the battery pack, therefore I believe they want you to use rechargable AA's (we just ordered 100 of them and will be making adapters to charge these packs with the old Robovation chargers).

[devicenull]

I guess it's possible to modify the controller to put a couple of the joystick ports on the outside.. They would be limited to what the old joysticks are.. but thats not a major problem. Joystick controller would be very cool

I would love to have the spec's of this kit released, as I'm going to get one as soon as they are released, and I have the money for it.

Maybe I should make a wall adapter for it with like a 25 foot cord, just for testing it

[jamesgecko]

When the kit hits 1.0, there will be coding stuff. There is actually a section in the manual marked "Programming", but it's empty atm. I'm guessing we'll be able to have code in the october comp.

[seanwitte]

I saw the kits yesterday and the system is pretty impressive. The Vex team my Dad is working with built the default "Square Bot" in the manual and had it driving around. The kit comes with large, sturdy plastic gears instead of the sprockets and chain in the Robovation kit. Removing that slop in the drive base made a huge difference, and with the rollerblade wheels its drives great.

The controller looks like a repackaged version of the mini-RC, complete with a set of interrupt inputs. The radios are really nice as well, I'm amazed at what they include for only $300.00.

[Collmandoman]

Would be a fun thingto use the camera with.. if that even works

[Scott Chambliss]

VEX Motor and Servo Information

The following information on the VEX motor and servo were derived from test conducted on April 28 with the test setup indicated. The hardware components are form the VEX kit. The measurement instrument is a HALAD +/- 150 gram gauge. This data is provided to any team who wishes to use it at there own risk. Hopefully official specifications in more detail will be released soon.

Supply voltage beginning of test (controller off) 8.21 V
Supply voltage controller on but no motor load 8.14 V
VEX controller current (no motor load) 95 mA
Controller and motor with no load 300 mA
Motor speed no load 100 rpm
Controller and motor with (motor stalled) 1.6 A
Stall torque (100 gram @ 24.5 in) 2,450 inch grams

Note torque limiting clutch did not activate in stall condition.
Torque limiting clutch measured manually. 3,185 inch grams.

The similar torque measurements (Qty 50) for the servo were less consistent.

Supply voltage beginning of test (controller off) 7.92 V
Supply voltage controller on but no motor load 7.73 V
VEX controller current (no motor load) 85 mA
Controller and servo with (servo motor stalled) 1.3 A
Stall torque reading ranging from 100 grams to 140 grams at the end of a 22 inch arm.
2,200 inch-grams
to 3,080 inch grams.

I hope this helps other in their design effort.

Gardner Chambliss
VEX Team FRV-48
First Team 1648