using non-vex motors

[MarkH]

Does anybody know how to hook up non-vex motors to the vex controller and be able to control them? I've looked it up, but have not found anything. Is it impossible?

[Billfred]

There's some discussion on VexLabs' forums about it, but long story short: it can be done.

Arguably, the easiest way to do it would be to go to IFIRobotics.com and select something from their Victor line. (If you weren't aware, IFI created the EduBot, later dubbed Robovation, which is the granddaddy of Vex.) You'll need to get a male-to-male PWM cable, which can be done by using a Y-cable (just don't plug anything into the female end of it). The Vex controller will then use it like a motor. (And by motor, I mean a plain motor, not a servomotor.)

Now, those are designed for 12V (or, if you use the right ones, 36V or 48V). Did I jump the gun in assuming that that's what you need?

[Gdeaver]

Remember the vex is designed for 7.2 volt batteries. A RC car ESC will work with vex without the 2 battery supply issues. You will need to make up a battery splitter cable to supply the esc. Your First team may have some old victor 883's that you could use if you're going above 8.4 volts. If you're going to play with bigger batteries and motors, remember to do some fusing. either fuse blocks or inline fuses. With the type of transmitter and frequency RF noise can be a problem. Consult RC forums for how to add caps to the motor to cut down on the RF spew that can interfere with the radio.
My neighbor just got his kid a real big ready to run gas powered Trax truck. I couldn't help thinking about vexing it and adding some sonars and IR sensors.

[Not2B]

Originally Posted by Gdeaver

My neighbor just got his kid a real big ready to run gas powered Trax truck. I couldn't help thinking about vexing it and adding some sonars and IR sensors.

"vexing" - this is the first time I have seen it used as a verb. Excellent use. I think we'll see plenty of things vexed in the near future. But now we know what to call it.

And I think vexing an RC would be very cool.