There’s been lots of rumors swarming around that Radio Shack was killing the VEX Robotics line of toys. I got some news a month or so ago, but hesitated to post about it since it was totally unconfirmed. However, most of the VEX stock in my area was placed on deep discount and sold within a weekend.
The Vex kit is frustrating to use. The most annoying thing is how the servos connect to drive shafts. You end up building complex (and heavy) metal assemblies with lock collars to keep the shafts from sliding out of the servos. The wheels and treads are great. I just wish they bolted on to the servos. I soon lost interest and went back to futaba and hi-tec servo-based robots. The Vex is great for miscellaneous spare parts but, overall, I’d suggest saving your money for other items.
Think about it. Look it up in the dictionary. It’s aptly named. You’ll find it frustrating from the instant you open the box.
I know it’s silly to complain about assembling something in a robotics kit, but having to un-shrink-wrap and assemble the manual was a bit much.
One nice thing, the first “squarebot” is described and explained so badly that you’ll end up doing things the wrong way first, so it will only get easier when you start building on your own.
Good luck.
