Hi, long time VEX builder. Storage has always been an issue since at least 2009 where I was part of this discussion Storage of Vex parts? - #2 by Foster
I now have teams that are V2 competition kits. And I don’t have kind words for the blue boxes they come in.
So I’m looking for how all of you sort your parts. I know there is a V2 version of the Team Virus inserts. For my internal part usage I’m all about the Plano stow and go trays. https://www.delmarvarobotics.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/RollingStand.jpg I have 2 of these rolling carts, and then another double wide shelf that holds another 30 trays. If you have seen Adam Savage wall of sliding parts drawers, I have that, it’s just VEXIQ parts. But it’s not portable and I need to move the roboteer’s parts around.
The Team Virus inserts need the VEX Tubs, which now look like they are out of stock. Robosource has tubs that fit the inserts.
But now I’m looking at ~$90 for storage for the V2 kit, V2 competition kit and the two tubs. You may go, “Foster, you spent $750 for kits, what is another $100?” I get that, and if that’s the best choice then I’ll do that.
Presently for teams I’m leaning towards Stow and Go trays (Plano 3700 / Plano 3750) inside a flip top tub. Trays are about $5 each, a tub that fits 6 trays is another $20.
I need something that holds:
VEXIQ competition kit
addons like extra omni wheels, a spare battery pack
The “team Virus” inserts fit great into the Harbor Freight (and Menards) modular tool boxes, and our organization has switched to this setup: Each team gets a rolling box (holds the robot), a large modular tool box (holds the 5 foam inserts for a superkit) and two organizer boxes for the small parts: https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=bauer%20modular
For schools (we don’t qualify as a self-funded community team), Harbor Freight has a sponsorship program that might pay for some boxes: https://harborfreightgivingback.com/
Yes, our “standard issue” is one 58512, one 58511, and two 58513.
Regarding robot storage, I’ve not measured the internals of the large rolling box, so I can’t know for sure, and I don’t think I’ve had an IQ team complete this year’s trainer build yet to check it out. (it might be that various sized robots could fit at angles, or with manipulators at different positions). There’s also an open tote that can be latched to the top of the stack: https://www.harborfreight.com/modular-storage-tote-58649.html and we have a couple of these available to the teams if they ever think they need them.
It’s a little wider than the old Vex tubs, so you can get your fingers down to pull the trays out. I’m on a business trip right now so I can’t do any actual measurements for you
