I recently noticed something unusual with the VEX IQ connector parts from different sets I own. In my competition set from last year, the connectors (white) have a half-circle dent on the edge of the bottom. However, the newer connectors (black) I just purchased don’t have this dent. Does anyone know if this is an intentional update or redesign?
Any insights would be super helpful, especially regarding competition legality!
The latest design is what’s shown on the white connector. Even though you purchased it more recently, the black connector shown here has the previous design, which means this black connector is from product inventory produced prior to the design change.
Out of curiosity, what’s the SKU number of the pack/kit you bought that came with this black connector? Which store region was this purchased from?
There is bound to be old inventory of certain packs out there that were never sold and still have this older design. Not much I can do about that, but I can check to make sure that this older connector design isn’t somehow still being included in newer kits coming out of the factory.
Nothing wrong with the previous design, other than blocking off an extra hole at the bottom that is otherwise accessible with the new design. (That’s what the semi-circular cutout is for.) No difference in competition legality.
Thanks for the reply Connor. I bought it from the Vex US store in Oct 2024. The SKU number is 228-3517. This is the URL to the SKU Corner Connector Foundation Add-On Pack - VEX Robotics. On the Vex website today, the picture is showing the connector having the “flat” edge, (which I believed was the “previous” design)
Both the flat and cutout connectors would be legal, they have the same part number.
As noted above, the notch opens up the hole below the connector. I’ve used that to pass axels close to the connector. Axel through a box arm to a claw for an example. The motor at the shoulder helps with the weight balance.
Pro tip: if you have both styles, sort them away (different box) than the cutout ones. Trust me the aggravation of building with both and finding that hole blocked deep inside the build is pretty big.
The other feature is when I teach connectors, I say “flat side / notch side” . Before then, with the tiny lip it was harder.
I do use the old school ones for teaching iterations, it’s a simple example that younger roboteers understand.
To get the axel through the notch, the connector has to be really big, or the skater has to be really small 
Just because I forgot what team made the wonderful VIQ Risers didn’t mean to open up sniping on spelling. I truly miss editing posts. 
