Upcoming Products - 9/16/2008 [Archive]

John V-Neun

09-16-2008, 02:17 PM

There have been a lot of questions about what is coming down the pipeline and when it will be released. I always try to do my best to give you guys as accurate a picture as possible, as soon as possible. I am proud that we have had a steady stream of products releasing since the launch of the VEX Robotics Design System in the summer of 2005.

Unfortunately sometimes there are unavoidable delays associated with the product development process which cause things to take longer than anticipated. This makes it sometimes VERY difficult to judge when a product will be ready for release. Having said that, here are a few things in the pipe, and some ROUGH release time-lines:

VEX Analog Yaw Rate Gyroscope V1.0 - November 2008 Release
VEX Analog Accelerometer V1.0 - November 2008 Release
VEX High Strength Gear Kit - November 2008 Release
VEX Wheel Leg Kit - November 2008 Release
VEX Power Expander - December 2008 or January 2009

VEX High Strength Sprocket & Chain Kit - Early 2009 Release
VEXnet 1.5 Upgrade Kit - Early 2009 Release
VEX-LCD - Early 2009 Release

VEXnet 2.0 System - TBD, 2009

Again, I'm sorry I can't provide more detail, but I wanted to give everyone a quick update.

Regards,
John

VEX Gryo & Accelerometer Details:
http://www.vexforum.com/showthread.php?t=5481

VEXnet Preview FAQ:
http://www.vexforum.com/showthread.php?t=5441

MarkO

09-16-2008, 03:27 PM

We appreciate ALL the information, and this will let ALL OF US start saving those Extra Pennies up to invest in VexLabs parts.

underdark

09-16-2008, 04:30 PM

here here

I've always appreciated whatever information your could get for us. Please pass along my thanks to the rest of the company (especially to those who don't read the forums) for being so open with us about your product developments.

Drego

09-16-2008, 04:56 PM

Thanks for the update. It's great to have new stuff to play around with.

Could you give us a general idea of when the official field kits are coming out?

Robokid123

09-16-2008, 06:32 PM

I know you have gotten millions of questions about product releases, but just wondering what about the compass, how come it didn't make the list?

The one mentioned in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0wFOxgHnks

Thanks,

Ben

vexbot

09-16-2008, 06:51 PM

I just wanted to say "Thanks" for the product updates too!

I know that you can't always tell us what's going on and like you said sometimes things take longer to develope than expected. I know that we have all been bugging you about the new products and I know we all appreciate the update.

It was especially nice to see the heavy duty chain and sprocket kit on your list. I haven't had any problems with the original kit, but I know other people have. Thanks for the hint about it in an earlier post. It will be a great addition.

As previously stated, now we can start saving up our money.

I know you have gotten millions of questions about product releases, but just wondering what about the compass, how come it didn't make the list?

The one mentioned in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0wFOxgHnks
Thanks,

Ben

I was also wondering about the Vex Compass too.

Thanks,

pacoliketaco

09-16-2008, 06:51 PM

this sounds great. high strength chain and gears... i will defiantly want to buy some of these.

vexbot

09-16-2008, 07:35 PM

corpralchee

09-17-2008, 01:27 PM

Yay! Better chain and sprocket!

BMX670

09-17-2008, 02:02 PM

Thanks for the update. Wonder what the wheel leg kit could be...

MarkO

09-17-2008, 02:15 PM

Thanks for the update. Wonder what the wheel leg kit could be...

IIRC it is the Vex RCR VexMini Crab Walker (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xBZx7Vgdgc).

BMX670

09-17-2008, 02:35 PM

Oh... I know what you're talking about now.

Technic-R-C

09-17-2008, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the update. Wonder what the wheel leg kit could be...

Check out the latest issue of Robot magazine. A picture of the leg kit is inside.

Technic-R-C

corpralchee

09-17-2008, 04:21 PM

Do you mind posting a scan of the image so that those of us without access to robotmag will be able to see?

Technic-R-C

09-17-2008, 04:37 PM

Here it is, pretty cool, huh!

Enjoy

Technic-R-C

BMX670

09-17-2008, 06:24 PM

Oh, nice. I need to subscribe to Robot.

vexbot

09-17-2008, 09:46 PM

There was a picture of the VEX Wheel Leg Kit in the November/December issue of Robot Magazine which just came out.

Each Wheel Leg has a large hub with 4 spokes coming out of it and each spoke ends in a curved foot pad with some kind of tread on it. If I remember correctly, they are 6 inches in diameter.

Sorry for the duplicate information, I must of missed Technic-R-C's post

BMX670

09-18-2008, 07:05 AM

If those teeth match up well enough with the ones on the Vex gears, you could create an interesting movement pattern with them by using them as gears themselves.

Quazar

09-18-2008, 09:11 AM

If those teeth match up well enough with the ones on the Vex gears, you could create an interesting movement pattern with them by using them as gears themselves.

If the final product matches the picture above, then I think the "teeth" on the feet look way to large to mesh with Vex gear teeth. Still, I suspect folks will come up with all sorts of interesting and unexpected uses.

Cheers,
- Dean

dylanjkj19

09-18-2008, 05:17 PM

What is the Vexnet? Thanks for the new parts! (:(Although I don't have enough money for new parts:()

Technic-R-C

09-18-2008, 05:19 PM

Vex Net is the new wireless system.

Technic-R-C

dylanjkj19

09-18-2008, 05:43 PM

Vex Net is the new wireless system.

Technic-R-C

Thanks! I did a little research on the forum and I can't wait until it comes out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D

BMX670

09-18-2008, 07:06 PM

Vexnet is the new Wifi connection system for Vex. There's more information on it here (http://www.vexforum.com/showthread.php?t=5441).

EDIT: I think there the three of us posted at almost exactly the same time.

Ken Delaney

09-19-2008, 08:49 AM

I know this does not effect the VRC season but any update on the new hex bugs release? I read in an ad in botmag the were due in september. I was thinking of using them in a raffle.

BMX670

09-19-2008, 06:44 PM

I think I heard next month on those.

striker0

10-11-2008, 05:36 PM

What about the Vex RC Mini and it's accessary kits? They weren't on the upcoming products list and neither was the Vex Pro (Qwerk) Microntroller.

Is there any information that you could give us on them?

Thanks

I know this thread is old, but I'm also curious about the Vex Mini. I've been finding the same tidbits of information. But my question is who will be selling the kit? I don't know of any radio shacks in my area that will be selling them. Or are they being delayed for reasons beyond comprehension?

corpralchee

10-11-2008, 06:42 PM

Radio shack hasn't sold VEX in a long time. Also what they have been selling is old stock. I doubt they will be selling VEX anytime soon either.

smartkid

10-14-2008, 10:37 AM

VEX Wheel Leg Kit - November 2008 Release

Whaaat? This is news, cool, but when did IFI start developing VexLegs?

-Smith

BMX670

10-14-2008, 01:19 PM

I asked this question earlier in the thread. Take a look (http://www.vexforum.com/showthread.php?t=5501&page=2).

John V-Neun

10-15-2008, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the update. Wonder what the wheel leg kit could be...

Sneak Peak of the VEX Wheel Leg Kit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imMSu0wxUIo

MarkO

10-15-2008, 01:25 PM

Sneak Peak of the VEX Wheel Leg Kit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imMSu0wxUIo

You Guys (and Gals) have too much dang-gum fun (and call it work)!!!

Drego

10-15-2008, 09:00 PM

You Guys (and Gals) have too much dang-gum fun (and call it work)!!!
Agreed, the legs look pretty cool too.

lyncas

10-16-2008, 07:33 AM

VEX keeps leading the field in Kit Robotics. I don't know how a FIRST kit of parts will ever keep up with a VEX kit technology !

As I was watching the slow motion analysis, I was thinking about how difficult these wheel legs (aka whegs) would be to program an autonomous mode. You would definitely need a gyro and possibly a magnetometer.

corpralchee

10-16-2008, 08:29 AM

I think it would be a very bad idea to expect to get much out of these in an auto mode. They seem to be more just for fun. HOWEVER if the game ever included a ledge these would be quite useful.

BMX670

10-16-2008, 12:51 PM

I agree. They're perfect for letting you step over small objects without the risk of jarring loose anything your robot is carrying. We could really use some of theses for the competition I'm in right now. the current method we will be using to pick up the goal object is basically a big spatula.

Drego

10-16-2008, 02:25 PM

These are coming out next month right? As BMX said, they would really help for the Elevation Competition.

BMX670

10-16-2008, 05:30 PM

most likely next month. I'd say that they will at least be out before Christmas.

Also, i didn't get the chance to thank the engineers for that sneak peek video in my last post (school server blocks YouTube,) so thanks!

Allan K.

11-04-2008, 11:34 PM

Can someone update me with the status of new products?

I'm particularly interested about the status of the Vex Power Expander as I plan to use it on a robot destined for a competition in December...

- Allan K

Allan K.

11-13-2008, 02:25 AM

I'd appreciate a response to my last post please. Our competition is three weeks away and I'd like to build my robot with knowledge of updated release times for the power expander...

- Allan Kuan

BMX670

11-13-2008, 07:10 AM

It should be available late 2008 or early 2009 according to this (http://www.vexforum.com/showthread.php?t=4781&highlight=power+expander) thread. Unless one of the engineers is in the mood to divulge more, then that's all the information there is.

John V-Neun

11-13-2008, 09:23 AM

Unless one of the engineers is in the mood to divulge more, then that's all the information there is.

I'm always in the mood, sometimes I just don't have any information I can give!

I'd appreciate a response to my last post please. Our competition is three weeks away and I'd like to build my robot with knowledge of updated release times for the power expander...

- Allan Kuan

I got an update today, it sounds like the Power Expander won't be ready until Q1 next year. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

-John

corpralchee

11-13-2008, 09:52 AM

So does that mean it won't be ready for use in the college division?

BMX670

11-13-2008, 01:41 PM

off topic: is there an IFI college division or is it just First that has one?

Allan K.

11-13-2008, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the update, although that is one long delay... = \

Then again our team may be able to survive without it...

- Allan Kuan

Drego

11-13-2008, 07:53 PM

off topic: is there an IFI college division or is it just First that has one?
Yes there is, here (http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-elevation.shtml). Under Appendix F

John V-Neun

11-13-2008, 08:03 PM

So does that mean it won't be ready for use in the college division?

It should be out in time for college teams to utilize it. You may just need to do your initial prototyping and early building without them. I'll let you know when I find out more.

-John

BMX670

11-13-2008, 09:51 PM

Yes there is, here (http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-elevation.shtml). Under Appendix F

thank you, that affects my college decision now.

octanetripledax

01-06-2009, 04:21 PM

darn vex is already at least a month behind with the gyro, accelometer, and high strength gear kit. any new updates? prices, release times, etc?

Quazar

01-06-2009, 05:54 PM

I would caution folks not to be to judge IFI too harshly regarding any advance information they provide. The new products were announced before finalizing the design and/or manufacturing them, so the dates (and possibly even the specs) are estimates and not guarantees.

If we criticize them for missing dates, then we are just teaching them not to pre-announce future products. I think of any future product announcements as bonus info, and I assume the details and dates are subject to change without notice.

Obviously we want to get these new products in our hands, but I think we can trust that IFI will offer them for sale as soon as they are ready.

Just my $0.02.
- Dean

(octanetripledax: I don't mean to single you out. I'm actually reacting to many comments in several threads)

octanetripledax

01-06-2009, 06:11 PM

vexbot

01-06-2009, 08:04 PM

It would be nice if they posted an new update though - just to let us know how things are going.

I know that I'm just as anixous as everyone else is for the new products to come out, but I know things don't always go as planned.

pacoliketaco

01-06-2009, 08:36 PM

...but I know things don't always go as planned.

isnt that the truth...

Rick TYler

01-06-2009, 09:28 PM

One other thing to remember is that IFI certainly uses contract manufacturers for their plastic and electrical parts. Their primary business is in building computer equipment racks, so I'd bet they outsource the other parts. With the worldwide credit problems and general anxiety their suppliers might be delayed.

Just guessing...

Anyway, my son and I did two Christmas projects: a 2-speed transmission that fits in a 1-1/2" wide channel, and a complete Elevation 'bot that weighs only about 7 pounds. It was a good vacation. :)