Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge

[i_am_samus]

Dang already? I don't think I've gotten my account information yet...when did you get yours?

Speaking of... I need to make that account.

How do you know it'll get here today? I hope it comes today too so I have all weekend to play around with it and make the generic model.

[smartkid]

Two days ago they made me an account on IFI and sent me an e-mail explaining how to order the parts. I made sure that I got my information to them quickly.

My Vexplorer did not get here today... Still waiting

For my parts from VexLabs they gave me a tracking number from UPS. It went through as a special "purchase order." Just an FYI, they will not charge you sales tax on your order from VexLabs, only shipping.

However I'm guessing that our Vexplorer's aren't coming from VexLabs. I think Revell (which I believe sells Vexplorer's) is supplying the Vexplorer's. VexLabs probably decided to give us the $100 to spend after the competition was announced. And I'm sure Robot Magazine is doing something here...

Anyway looks like we won't be getting anything until at least Monday but luckily I'm on spring break.

-Cody

[i_am_samus]

Did you get the letter from revell yesterday? What did they need our SSN for?

[mplanchard]

Regulations that govern contests are very strick in the US, especially when students are under the age of 18 and companies are requiring personal information. The students who receive the top prizes, including the $5000 scholarship, or the VEX Robot ($299), and the $100's of material offered by VEX labs will be sent tax information on their award. This is the law and why your social security number is required.

Even when SolidWorks Corporation presents small cash awards, we need to report information to the IRS.

Still, the tax requirements should not prevent you from participating, most students don't make enough income to file a tax return.

Marie

[smartkid]

Exactly, and yes I got the letter. Lots of legal stuff they want you to agree to but after reading the two pages I didn't see anything that I deemed as unsafe to sign on.

The SSN is for taxes, and like mplanchard said, if you don't make an income then you don't get taxed.

[mplanchard]

Correct Smart Kid. There are companies such as IFI, Revell Monogram SolidWorks Corporation, Robot Magazine, and of course a famous judge, all coming together to promote robotics with financial prizes. As a result, multiple companies and multiple students lead to paragraphs of legal terminology and tax documentation.

Lesson learned: when you are a public company, you just can't have a simple contest and give a prize away without the legal team getting involved. Most engineering students think about becoming design or manufacturing engineers, but there is a totally different side of engineering that involves tax laws, legal contracts, international export, and patents.

For now - just enjoy the contest and have fun with the design.

Marie

[smartkid]

I think it's interesting that they supposably shipped us the Vexplorer's before we signed the paperwork to begin with. I haven't signed or agreed to build anything for them. From a legal standpoint they just sent me some parts.

Now OF COURSE I fully intend to see my design through and compete but it is interesting that someone could have entered and for just sending an e-mail get $300 worth of free Vex stuff.

-Cody

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by smartkid

I haven't, but I'm hoping to get it today. I've already ordered my $100 in parts and have a UPS tracking number for those, should get to me by the 9th.

-Cody

Now, what did you order?

[smartkid]

My design was the go anywhere, see everything bot. A stair climber among other things.

I got my information from IFI on how to order and I spent a few hours with paper planning everything out. My FTC team happens to have a few Vexplorer's assembled that we're laying around so I grabbed one during lunch and looked it over and saw what comes with the Vexplorer as far as usable parts.

My order consisted of these...
----------------
The Vexplorer tank tread add-on kit (Extra traction)
Two extra Vex-Blue Vexplorer motors (Will be needing these, very useful)
The flashlight kit (To see in the dark)
C-Channel
Bar locks
A 100 pack of the lock nuts (the ones you cant get off without a wrench)
A handful of extra screws
Longer 12" shafting (2pk)
----------------
Total with shipping: $99.16

One hundred bucks doesn't go very far on the Vex site, but I'm happy with what I was able to get and I think these parts will serve my design well.

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by smartkid

My design was the go anywhere, see everything bot. A stair climber among other things.

I got my information from IFI on how to order and I spent a few hours with paper planning everything out. My FTC team happens to have a few Vexplorer's assembled that we're laying around so I grabbed one during lunch and looked it over and saw what comes with the Vexplorer as far as usable parts.

My order consisted of these...
----------------
The Vexplorer tank tread add-on kit (Extra traction)
Two extra Vex-Blue Vexplorer motors (Will be needing these, very useful)
The flashlight kit (To see in the dark)
C-Channel
Bar locks
A 100 pack of the lock nuts (the ones you cant get off without a wrench)
A handful of extra screws
Longer 12" shafting (2pk)
----------------
Total with shipping: $99.16

One hundred bucks doesn't go very far on the Vex site, but I'm happy with what I was able to get and I think these parts will serve my design well.

what is your shipping charge? Also how is this possible, i tried it and came with well over $100. did we get a discount or something?

[psyco_klown]

i would guess about $8 or $9 shipping but i put same information and i end up getting about the same under $100

[smartkid]

Originally Posted by Alex Cormier

what is your shipping charge? Also how is this possible, i tried it and came with well over $100. did we get a discount or something?

Shipping was $9ish. Know that sales tax was not included.

Tank tread - $25
Vexplorer motors - $20
The flashlight kit - $13
C-Channel - $18
Bar locks - $3.45
lock nuts - $2
A handful of extra screws - $2
Longer 12" shafting - $5
----------
Total: $88.45
+ $9 shipping
----------
Real total: $97.45

Like I said, these numbers are rounded but my total was $99.16

* Note that the motor pack comes with two motors...

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by smartkid

Shipping was $9ish. Know that sales tax was not included.

tank tread - $25
Vexplorer motors - $20
The flashlight kit - $13
C-Channel - $18
Bar locks - $3.45
lock nuts - $2
A handful of extra screws - $2
Longer 12" shafting - $5
----------
Total: $88.45
+ $9 shipping
----------
Real total: $97.45

Like I said, these numbers are rounded but my total was $99.16

err, not fair. my shipping comes in at $11.26

[smartkid]

Interesting, what state are you in? From Texas to Florida is like 2000 miles.

Also, fiar is fair, what'd you order?

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by smartkid

Interesting, what state are you in? From Texas to Florida is like 2000 miles.

Also, fiar is fair, what'd you order?

I am up in NY. haven't sent the order in yet, when I was going to they went out of stock on the wrist. So I am waiting for tomorrow so it'll ship the same day.