Introduction and retirement dates for the Parallax Stingray robot platform.

RobotWorkshop

I am working on an article that uses the Stingray base and I wanted to get the correct dates for when the Stringray was initially introduced and also the date when it was retired. If anyone can help confirm those dates I would appreciate it.

Thank You!

Robert

erco

The chassis is still available sans electronics from Parallax IIRC. See also http://www.parallaxdirect.com/cart/catalog/Parallax-28980-Stingray-Robot-554.html. You can add it to your cart, not sure if they actually sell it still.

Publison

DXF files are missing also.

WBA Consulting

For the launch date, 9/30/09: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/116425-New-Parallax-Robot!-Meet-the-Stingray.

For the end of life date, I think it was in summer 2013. As of 6/5/13 they only had 7 in stock and it was the last of them.
Chris' last ditch effort to find replacement motors to keep it alive was in August: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/149643

For the Stingray files,check out this thread: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/149814

RobotWorkshop

WBA Consulting wrote: »

For the launch date, 9/30/09: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/116425-New-Parallax-Robot!-Meet-the-Stingray.

For the end of life date, I think it was in summer 2013. As of 6/5/13 they only had 7 in stock and it was the last of them.
Chris' last ditch effort to find replacement motors to keep it alive was in August: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/149643

For the Stingray files,check out this thread: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/149814

Andrew,

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thank You!

Robert

Whit

Don't know how you found that Andrew! I looked and looked.

Robert - Glad you got the info - I look forward to your article.

WBA Consulting

Well, as long as you guys will keep it to yourselves, I will tell you my secret..... My original post was just going to be about the design files since I was one of the people looking for them once before (and made MDF plates for my Stingray on a laser). After I submitted my post, I noticed the related threads at the bottom of the page included the Announcement Thread. So, since the answer was given to me, I edited my post and added it. Sometimes after posting a question, the related threads listed at the bottom of your post will answer it.
Lastly, while updating the post with that, I remembered one of the main reasons for its demise, the motors, and so Chris' thread on that was an easy find.

erco

WBA Consulting wrote: »

remembered one of the main reasons for its demise, the motors, and so Chris' thread on that was an easy find.

I thought the main problem was the controller board: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/136743-MSR1-Board

Chris Savage

erco wrote: »

The chassis is still available sans electronics from Parallax IIRC. See also http://www.parallaxdirect.com/cart/catalog/Parallax-28980-Stingray-Robot-554.html. You can add it to your cart, not sure if they actually sell it still.

Interestingly, they're not on our distributor list. Hmmm...

Chris Savage

erco wrote: »

I thought the main problem was the controller board: http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/136743-MSR1-Board

There was a laundry list of things that could not be resolved within a reasonable time frame.

NikosG

Chris,
Have you ever thought to make slightly different the stingray Robot?
You can make it a litle bigger in order to be compatible with ARLO Robot motors , HB-25, and the rest Parallax products!
Have you seen my design on Artist Robot?
It is almost a Stingray Robot...

Chris Savage

Well there is already an Arlo and the successor to the Stingray is the Manta Ray, which can be easily customized. The motors for the Arlo aren't really practical on a mid-size platform such as the Stingray, but thanks for the feedback nonetheless. Always happy to hear other ideas.