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Alternative to VEX? — Parallax Forums

Alternative to VEX?

TinkersALotTinkersALot Posts: 535
edited 2013-01-19 03:02 in Robotics
Is there a source for integrated drive kit components like Vex offers but whose prices won't vex me so?

I really like the idea of being able to purchase complete drive assemblies, or inter-operable parts like they offer since I don't have access to any kind of machine shop and have a need for well built mechanical systems, but need a more economical alternative. Are there any other vendors I can look at?

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,255
    edited 2013-01-17 19:30
    Vex actually has some good values, their mecanum wheels are a real bargain.

    Have a look at http://www.roadnarrows-store.com/ and you'll agree. :)
  • TinkersALotTinkersALot Posts: 535
    edited 2013-01-17 20:46
    erco wrote: »
    Vex actually has some good values, their mecanum wheels are a real bargain.
    QUOTE]

    drats....okay...erco....I was hoping for another answer, but....well.....I may just have to do it.....finger hovering over buy button......
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-01-17 21:44
    Electronic Goldmine http://www.goldmine-elec.com/ has quite a variety of items that are reasonably priced. some times you just have to watch for specific items to show up as they do not always have the same items.
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,255
    edited 2013-01-18 08:42
    I buy a lot of stuff (mainly components) from the Goldmine, they do have good prices and a wide variety of stuff. Be careful, though. Sometimes the prices are great because they have no specs on the parts. That sets off warning bells in my head, much like buying most any online bargain with "no reviews yet". :)

    Another thing to be wary of is when they casually toss the word "robot" in the title or description. "Robot" wheel, "robot" motor, etc means nothing except that they can't imagine what it's good for. Search "robot wheel" at http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/searchprods.asp and look at the oddball items that pop up. Cheap plastic wheels off toys or lawnmowers, or something that looks like a roller off a fridge or a bedframe. That likely wouldn't be your first choice for a chassis part. :)
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,255
    edited 2013-01-18 08:49
    Getting back to the OP's question about modular drive assemblies, or inter-operable parts, some toys might work for light-duty stuff. Obviously LEGO is out there now. Older systems include Capsella and Robotix (1980's toys) which can be found on Ebay. Sometimes cheap, sometimes not.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/COOL-CAPSELLA-6000-MOTORIZED-WORKING-IN-BOX-ROBOT-/281051611821?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416ffb42ad

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-85-Robotix-R-1500-Series-Motorized-Building-Boxed-Set-Bront-/321054465127?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac0565c67

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Maxx-Steele-Robot-Erector-Set-by-Ideal-1986-Complete-No-32206-/140905831924?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20cea45df4
  • TinkersALotTinkersALot Posts: 535
    edited 2013-01-18 09:41
    thanks for the links and ideas gents. this place rocks with good ideas (which negates the rocks found in my own skull). Cheerio!
  • rwgast_logicdesignrwgast_logicdesign Posts: 1,464
    edited 2013-01-18 10:53
    Wow thats great stuff, I didnt know about those kits. Another option is to pick up some gear motors and standard erector sets.
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,387
    edited 2013-01-18 17:45
    I'm noticing a trend among our internal top hackers, robo makers and inventors. They're starting to buy modular components or entire pre-made systems and use them as robotic platforms. In the past, we mostly built what we needed, but they're getting a lot done quickly when they buy built-up systems (robot bases, rock crawler R/C chassis, etc.).
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,255
    edited 2013-01-18 18:22
    Modular? ACK!

    Not this country boy, gimme scratch-built or gimme death! That goes for the robo chassis and the PCB! And the programming, for that matter. I just love reinventing the wheel, but simpler each time.

    Like maybe using tau instead of pi...
  • TinkersALotTinkersALot Posts: 535
    edited 2013-01-18 18:23
    Ken Gracey wrote: »
    I'm noticing a trend among our internal top hackers, robo makers and inventors. They're starting to buy modular components or entire pre-made systems and use them as robotic platforms. In the past, we mostly built what we needed, but they're getting a lot done quickly when they buy built-up systems (robot bases, rock crawler R/C chassis, etc.).

    I do have a pile of mismatched screws in a can in the garage. I use that whenever I need the one oddball nut or bolt. But when I want something to work well, I prefer the confidence of pre-collected-piles of yes-they'll-work-correctly-together-parts.

    The last thing I want to see when I am rolling out my "oh gee thing" is to have the bubble gum coated twine unravel into the duct tape which causes the ballpoint-pen-springs to bounce across the room, because I may not be wearing the proper eye protection for such an occurence -- know what I a mean?

    Now, if Parallax would offer part piles like those that vex me so, I could be a happy buyer.
  • Martin_HMartin_H Posts: 4,051
    edited 2013-01-19 03:02
    Ken Gracey wrote: »
    In the past, we mostly built what we needed, but they're getting a lot done quickly when they buy built-up systems (robot bases, rock crawler R/C chassis, etc.).

    Time is a fairly precious commodity. Many times you have a distinct project goal in mind, and reinventing the entire wheel just to achieve this goal takes too long. For example if your goal is to experiment with beacons, buy beacons and then do the experiment.

    Conversely, sometimes the journey to the goal is the more interesting part of the project. That's when I tend to scratch build.
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