AHH! Not returning to FIRST!

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by JVN

Easier competition to win? What? Why would FIRST want to do that?

...One of the goals of FIRST has always been growth, so it makes sense that they would want to see NEW participants involved.

Having gained experience with the VEX robots from a recent team fundraiser, I would say that the "easier" part definitely applies to building the robots. Funding is definitely easier. Teams can concentrate more on playing the game, and won't need a 6-week build period.

Less work, less time, less technical know-how, less money needed--these add up to an entry-level competition in which ANY school should be able to participate.

While showing up for the VEX competition with a working robot should be much easier than in FRC, winning the competition may actually be trickier, especially with a "level playing field." Driver skill will become the deciding factor, I think.

VEX should also be easier for FIRST to support; they won't have to come up with a new KOP every year, for instance.

[JVN]

Originally Posted by KarenH

Having gained experience with the VEX robots from a recent team fundraiser, I would say that the "easier" part definitely applies to building the robots. Funding is definitely easier. Teams can concentrate more on playing the game, and won't need a 6-week build period.

Less work, less time, less technical know-how, less money needed--these add up to an entry-level competition in which ANY school should be able to participate.

While showing up for the VEX competition with a working robot should be much easier than in FRC, winning the competition may actually be trickier, especially with a "level playing field." Driver skill will become the deciding factor, I think.

VEX should also be easier for FIRST to support; they won't have to come up with a new KOP every year, for instance.

Karen,
I agree 100% with what you've said.
The word "accessibility" is a cornerstone of the FVC program.
Your words hit my thoughts about Vex, right on the head.

However, that isn't what I was talking about.
Easier to be a part of? Yes.
Easier to win? No.

Everything I know about Vex, all my experiences playing with it at work, all my previous FRC experience, all my experiences building robots, all my experiences mentoring students leads me to believe that the Vex program is going to be incredible. The payoff is there.

I'm extremely excited for all those participating in the pilot year tournaments, and envious that I didn't have this stuff when I was a FIRST particpant.

John

[TheRoche]

I have searched the threads, and I am still not quite sure what vex is. I heard some talk about radio shack, so do you buy the kit(s) there and build a small robot to compete? Also, do you use an autonomous mode or can you drive the robot? If someone could explain this, it would be much appreciated.

[KathieK]

You may wish to see the Vex Challenge page on the FIRST website; the Vex Robotics website; and the Chief Delphi forum devoted to the FIRST Vex Challenge (At the top of the Chief Delphi website, click on Chief Delphi Forums then scroll down to Other then to FIRST Vex Challenge.)

[TheRoche]

Hey, thanks for the links. Now I get what VEX is. Thanks!