Radio Shack to discontinue VEX?

[jeffmorris]

I am very MAD at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well. I think that I'm mad at VEX Labs for not stocking items like sensors. I think that I wasted my money on VEX Robotics products because I can't buy items that are out of stock. Right now, I'm using the car-based robot like a R/C car. I was planning to make a "smart" car using sensors to avoid objects. I think that the company that makes the VEX Robotics line ran into problems. If I can't get the VEX sensors that I need to make a "smart" car, I will sell the VEX Robotics products that I wasted my money on. I bought the starter kit, power pack, metal kit, wheel kits, tank thread kit, gear kits, light sensor kit, line following sensor kit, and other items. I need the VEX sonar sensor kits.

[Rick TYler]

Start calling stores. I found a sonar kit at the second store I called.

[Greg Marra]

We were able to find the ultrasonic rangefinder sensors at Radioshacks are... less traveled. Try finding one out in the middle of nowhere and see if they have any in stock.

[wkethman]

wire your own. its really easy and lots cheaper. you can outfit the vex kit with 10 touch sensors for 2 dollars a switch ...much cheaper and so get a range finder for 15 and outfit it to the controller...very easy

[Michelle Celio]

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

I am very MAD at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well. I think that I'm mad at VEX Labs for not stocking items like sensors. I think that I wasted my money on VEX Robotics products because I can't buy items that are out of stock. Right now, I'm using the car-based robot like a R/C car. I was planning to make a "smart" car using sensors to avoid objects. I think that the company that makes the VEX Robotics line ran into problems. If I can't get the VEX sensors that I need to make a "smart" car, I will sell the VEX Robotics products that I wasted my money on. I bought the starter kit, power pack, metal kit, wheel kits, tank thread kit, gear kits, light sensor kit, line following sensor kit, and other items. I need the VEX sonar sensor kits.

Don't blame Radio Shack or VEX, you can't expect every location to carry every product you need. Just give it some time and look around. Maybe you should think of a different idea to use your VEX kit on, be inventive. When you encounter a problem, work around it, don't just give up. It could be the worst mistake you ever make. (wow thats a little serious but it sounds good)

[Timothy D. Ginn]

Radio Shack is discontinuing the selling of the VEX robotics system? (that seems strange and I just haven't seen any official announcement anywhere that I'd be expecting). Are you sure this isn't just part of the whole recovery plan for the company that includes "liquidating inventory"?

At any rate, the Canadian Radio Shacks never stocked VEX in the first place... so, I doubt it'll make any real difference to the Canadian teams one way or the other.

[Justin]

I think VEX is a great program and has been a positive experience for those involved. From what I saw of the VEX event at the UTC Regional fun was had by all most importantly the kids involved. I like the teams that have used VEX as something for their younger members to be the stars of, to often Freshman and Sophomores are pushed to the outsides of well established FIRST teams not intentionally but it is often hard to break-in VEX gives them something they can own.

Secondly, Radio Shack is a business. They have to be realistic about it. I heard a story of some people going to but a VEX kit and the Radio Shack guys bragging that they were the sales leader in the state after they had sold one kit. Radio Shack is also in trouble financially and they need to turn a profit unfortunately, to our dismay, VEX isn't helping them do that. At UTC I talked to a few people in the know in regards to VEX and FIRST in general and without saying more than I should I think that we can all reasonably and safely assume that VEX, or some future form of it, is not gone forever.

Justin

[Gdeaver]

You are not limited to the Vex sensors. Ultrasonic sensors are not the only option for object detection and avoidance. I particularly like the Sharp IR sensors. I used a Sharp GP2Y0A02YK. It is an analog sensor that returns the distance to an object out to 60". You use the GetAnalogInput function to read the sensor. The nice thing about this sensor is that it has a narrow cone of detection. I mounted the IR sensor on a VEX servo. By sweep the servo back and forth and reading the returned value I was able to program the square bot to avoid and turn away from an object blocking it's path. The other useful sensor is the shaft encoder and they are still available from radio shack as of 3PM today. There are many other devices that can be added to a VEX bot. The VEX package is a good start for robotics. You just need to add your imagination and play with it. To really use the power of vex you'll need the programing kit. The EASY-C that is included with the kit will get you going however the EASY-C 2.0 upgrade is much better. I believe the Daventech SRF04 sonar sensor is compatible with the vex hardware and software if you have to have sonar. And Radio shack has not publicly stated that they are discontinuing the VEX line.

[irishninja]

I'm not mad at Radio Shack just dissapointed. VEX is a great way to teach kids about FIRST, teach newbies about principles of engineering, and just have fun. My friend and I just bought a starter kit and some other smaller kits, but I planned on buying a programming kit, ultrasonic sensors, and the line tracking equipment. Now I can't, simply because I don't have the money to get it before it goes out of stock, and once out of stock, Radio Shack isn't replacing it.

I doubt the sudden upturn in VEX sales will convince them to continue the sale.

However, practically, even if Radio Shack does discontinue the sale of VEX, someone has to becoem the new supplier. There are too many VEX teams out there who need VEX parts. The irritating thing is that we will have to wait until the VEX kits have switched hands.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

I am very MAD at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well.

Is this speculation, or do you have any facts to back up that claim?

Just because something's on sale does not necessarily mean it's discontinued. I doubt they did not set a multi-year commitment when they developed the FIRST Vex challenge.

Don

[irishninja]

Are you VEXED at VEX? I'm sure that someone somewhere will continue the sale of VEX parts. In the meantime, anyone know what I can use as a replacement for the programming kit? (Thats not too expensive?

[JoeXIII'007]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

Is this speculation, or do you have any facts to back up that claim?

Just because something's on sale does not necessarily mean it's discontinued. I doubt they did not set a multi-year commitment when they developed the FIRST Vex challenge.

Don

When I bought my kit, the guy at the counter said it was the first one they've sold. So, there is a high probability that the item is being discontinued as far as being on store shelves.

On the same token, the set probably will still be available online for the FVC. Sort of what LEGO did with the mindstorms kit.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by jeffmorris

I am very MAD at Radio Shack for discontinuing the VEX Robotics line just because it's not selling well.

A product line like vex is a big financial risk and hasn't been paying off. You cannot be mad at a company for cancelling sales "just" because they are not selling well, Radio shack needs to make money it is unrealistic to think that a company in as bad of shape as Radio Shack (financially speaking) would take a major financial loss just to be nice guys and make sure people who wanted sensors got them. In the radio shack near my work I am the only person ever to buy a vex product, this store is in the middles of a shopping center and is very popular. These products just don't sell like they thought they would band they need to cut their losses now.

Are you VEXED at VEX? I'm sure that someone somewhere will continue the sale of VEX parts. In the meantime, anyone know what I can use as a replacement for the programming kit? (Thats not too expensive?.

Most stores still have them available hurry us and check you should be able to find one at half price (49.99) as long as you try before april 2nd. If you cant get one contact Vex labs they used to sell some. it will cost you atleast $50 to make your own so i would recommend you just try to buy one before April 2nd.


James

[Andy A.]

I recently stopped by a radio shack to check out the rumors of a big vex sale. Everything was indeed %50 off.

When I asked why, the two clerks didn't have a sure answer. One had no idea the other speculated that it was just to encourage people to buy it. Neither made any mention of it being dropped.

If two clerks from a store don't know that it being dropped, I would be amazed if that is anything but a rumor. What may happen is a significant change in the line, such that the old stock would be to outdated to sell.

I would like to see a smaller 'starter' kit, for one. Perhaps modularize the controller system so that you can buy a dumb controller and later buy a smart controller that plugs into the dumb unit. Anything to bring down the price.

Also, the clerks commented that their store had always done well with the line, and enjoyed the in store demo they had.

-Andy A.

[sanddrag]

Well, at least if they get rid of it, there will be more room on the shelves for cell phones. grrr

Does anyone remember when radio shack actually sold a plethora of electronic components?