Are the VEX kits worth buying?

[White Wolf]

Originally Posted by cbolin

I haven't gotten a clear answer on programming the VEX controller. What language is the VEX controller programmed in? Can you select a different language (i.e. Visual, C, PBASIC, or other)?

FVT-42 The Hitchhikers

Our team got folded in to the Vex world last October at RoboNexus where we participated in a demonstration FIRST competition. Radio Shack was there and showed several teams the Vex box and described the basic system. They swore the team to secrecy, which I am proud to say, the team quite nicely honored. I ended up signing a non-disclosure statement with Radio Shack because I was looking to partner with them (and FIRST) in a National Science Foundation grant to use Lego-League, Vex, and FIRST.

Through RoboEducators, I will soon take a leap down the rabbit hole and learn a bit more about what is on the Vex horizon. I currently only know a minuscule amount more than the rest of our Vex community.

I'll ask what can be told to this forum, so folk don't have to resort to the Delphic oracular techniques of old. I can understand Radio Shack wanting to preserve their business opportunities by carefully managing the flow of Vex info. I certainly also know the value of advance knowledge for optimizing education (as well as the delight of just knowing stuff.)

[KelliV]

Being a member of the buisness portion of WildStang I have not been really active in the building of our FIRSt robot but have joined the vex team. I think it is really cool. I like to see it as advanced legos. In many ways it is like if Legos and Erector sets were bread together, Vex would be born. It is fairly easy (it has to be if I can do it) but still has its challanges. Over all I would reccomend it. It has taught me some basics of engineering and design.

I know it already has its own section at the local Radio Shack in Woodfield Mall.

[Lil' Lavery]

Version V1 will have many features that .5 doesnt have. It will probably be programmable, and even if they arnt in the starter set, there will be a plethora of new and cool parts (wheels, ect.). But V.5 has everything you need to make a simple bot that works well.
If your just using it for personal use, Id recommend buying the starter set- $300
Battery Pack and charger-$50
1+ Motors- $20 each

That will allow you to build a 4 WD, or a 2 WD bot with a servo and up to 2 motors (if 2WD) for other features such as arms, ect.

[Rabid_Llama]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

Version V1 will have many features that .5 doesnt have. It will probably be programmable, and even if they arnt in the starter set, there will be a plethora of new and cool parts (wheels, ect.). But V.5 has everything you need to make a simple bot that works well.
If your just using it for personal use, Id recommend buying the starter set- $300
Battery Pack and charger-$50
1+ Motors- $20 each

That will allow you to build a 4 WD, or a 2 WD bot with a servo and up to 2 motors (if 2WD) for other features such as arms, ect.

extra metal ($70?) would help too, espectially if you plan on cutting some of it.

[coreyjon]

I can not wait to get one! It drives PWM's, and im surprised that I seem to be the only one who is planning on building a decent sized bot (not out of the parts that come with it), and using the ability to drive pwm systems to run a high voltage side of things...like cim motors via victors... . I will probably buy the starter kit and build the robots and get used to the system (more than I already am, I kicked butt playing with 'em down in atlanta) then move to a larger chassis and really push what it can do. I have been drawin up plans, and ideas since I got the first email about VEX, and I can't wait to see what you guys come up with. I already know that I will be able to interface just about whatever I want, as long as I can figure out the pin-out's it shoudn't be too hard. There is so much stuff out there that works with PIC's. I can't wait to explore what is possible. I also plan on starting a vex team for next years comp, while at the same time mentoring a FIRST team, all along with work, and college, I love challenges.

[Leon my zi]

I personally haven't been able to get alot of hands on experience with our robot so this kit is the next best thing im definently getting one.

[fowlerm]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

Version V1 will have many features that .5 doesnt have. It will probably be programmable, and even if they arnt in the starter set, there will be a plethora of new and cool parts (wheels, ect.). But V.5 has everything you need to make a simple bot that works well.
If your just using it for personal use, Id recommend buying the starter set- $300
Battery Pack and charger-$50
1+ Motors- $20 each

That will allow you to build a 4 WD, or a 2 WD bot with a servo and up to 2 motors (if 2WD) for other features such as arms, ect.

The current v.5 controller is porgrammable - look here

[Keith Chester]

When will the V1 be relased?

Will it also be 300 dollars, for all these extra features?

[Leon my zi]

I would also like to know when the V1 will be released. Thanks

[Adam Y.]

Originally Posted by Keith Chester

When will the V1 be relased?

Will it also be 300 dollars, for all these extra features?

Probably not. They will probably sell the new parts as add on modules.

[IronVulture]

I think these are an excellent bridge between FRC and FLL, it sticks with the simple complexity of legos (yes it's an oxymoron, but it describes lego perfectly), while advancing into working with custumizable parts. I personally am looking into buying a set, and I think the kit is a great resource for FRC teams, as well as a good introduction to creating specificly modeled parts for teams in between FLL and FRC. I looked at them quite a bit at nationals, and we're working out the details of having them at IRI (don't quote me there, I don't know the specifics). I hope someone starts a VEX team near me!

[Lil' Lavery]

I dont know when the V1 starter set will be realeased, but the programmable module, omni-wheels, tank treads, chain and sprocket sets, and more sensors will be released in the August-Sept time frame according to the VEX people I have talked to.

[locnar]

Originally Posted by Ken Delaney 357

This goes out to the 50 teams that have the kits already. Are they worth buying? I liked the EDUbot/Robovation kits when they came out but did not feel they were worth the cost. I really think that these VEX kits could make robotics more accessible to schools and youth organizations, if VEX can deliver on their promise. So you have had them for about two weeks now, what have been your experiences? Unfortunately I will not be at Championship with my team(Go Royal Assault!) to see the Vex Challenge first-hand.I am thinking of buying a kit of my own when they're available. I am really interested in your feedback.
Thanks

I stumbled on the VEX kit almost by accident. I was on Radio Shack's website looking for something else and happened to notice the VEX kit. I got pretty excited when I first saw it and started doing some research (including this forum). I went to Radio Shack today after deciding that it looked like a good deal. I picked up the starter kit along with a couple of expansion packs.

I've got to say that it's pretty impressive. They have done a great job putting everything together, incuding the packaging. I was surprised by the quality of some of the components. I was expecting much cheaper pieces.

I haven't had time to play with it much yet, but it seems like a great kit. My biggest complaint so far is that there are some add-on parts that are not available yet.

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

I dont know when the V1 starter set will be realeased, but the programmable module, omni-wheels, tank treads, chain and sprocket sets, and more sensors will be released in the August-Sept time frame according to the VEX people I have talked to.

omni wheels?! oo i want a set even more!

[RoboMom]

Popular Science magazine thinks so.
June issue has a one page with a layout of all the parts.