Vex starter kit Operating instructions

Inventor’s Guide
Vex starter kit
getting started • 2
01/31/05
all users
How to use the Vex Starter Kit the first time
1Unwrap the Inventor’s Guide chapters and insert them
into the binder.
Start with the packet containing the Subsystem Dividers (with the colored
tabs), then add the chapter packets in behind the appropriate dividers. If
your subsystems get out of order, the supplied table of contents can help
you set them straight.
Your Inventor’s Guide Binder is the central repository for information
about the Vex Robotics Design System and all its components and
accessories.
The Starter Kit includes the first set of chapters, but as your designs
evolve, you will add new parts and accessories that will expand your
robotic repertoire. Whenever you decide to expand your robot’s horizons,
your binder will expand with them. Every accessory and part in the Vex
line comes with all the information you need on a page that drops right
into your binder so you don’t need to worry about losing it—or getting
lost yourself.
Your kit also includes a product registration card packed on top of the
documentation, which you should fill out and send in before you forget.
2Take an inventory of all the parts in the kit to make sure
you have everything.
Turn to Appendix D at the back of your newly constructed binder, and use
the parts listing there to make sure you have all the pieces in the kit. If
you have parts storage bins or an organizer case, this would be a great
time to unpack the parts from the box and move them to their new homes.
3Start charging your batteries
Standard AA alkaline batteries can be used to power the Radio
Transmitter for your first few uses if needed, but the Vex Micro Controller
cannot be run on alkaline AAs. You will need a set of non-alkaline
(preferably NiCd) rechargeable batteries. See the Power Subsystem
section of the Inventor’s Guide for more information.
Since batteries typically take between 4 and 14 hours to charge
(depending on your charger) and are typically shipped empty or with only
a partial charge, you should plug them in now so they will be ready as
soon as possible. In order to ensure a healthy battery charging cycle,
don’t use the batteries until they have finished charging.
4You are now ready to build a robot!

Inventor’s Guide
Vex starter kit
getting started • 3
01/31/05
beginners
Build a Robot and Play a Simple Game
1Review the basic safety instructions in Appendix A
Always work safely. Although the Vex robot and parts are not dangerous
under most circumstances, there are still safety precautions that you must
follow.
2Begin by breaking your team into six groups, one for
each subsystem in the Vex system
If you don’t have a team, or there are not enough people to make six
groups, feel free to give multiple responsibilities to the same group or
person. It is often advantageous for individual team members to have
specialized knowledge of the different subsystems when working on the
robot together, but it is not unreasonable for one person to be able to
perform several or even all of the functions needed to work on the robot
at this point.
3Build the Squarebot Chassis using the instructions in the
Inventor’s Guide
At the beginning of the Structure Subsystem chapter, you will find a list
of materials, a short introduction to the subsystem, and then building
instructions for the chassis of the Squarebot. The Structure and Motion
teams should pay special attention to this portion of the robot, but
everybody can help build it by collecting the parts and tools as they are
needed.
If desired, the non-chassis (Power, Sensor, Logic, and Control) teams
can work ahead and try to hook together their subsystems without
the chassis, and use the third Motor Module in the kit (which is not
needed for the Squarebot design) to test their setup. Teams may want
to remove and separate their respective sections of the Inventor’s Guide
temporarily while doing this, but any sections removed should be replaced
immediately afterward!
4Combine the subsystems into the completed robot
Once you complete the chassis, the remaining subsystems (Power, Sensor,
Logic, and Control) can now turn to their respective chapters and use
those building instructions to attach their components to the basic
Squarebot chassis. This includes both physically attaching the subsystems
to the chassis and connecting the cables.

Inventor’s Guide
Vex starter kit
getting started • 4
01/31/05
beginners, continued
5 Test the robot
Once you have completed the robot, extend the antenna on the Radio
Control Transmitter and turn it on by flipping the power switch on the
front of the transmitter.
Once the Transmitter is on, you can turn on the Vex Micro Controller
module on the robot by flipping its power switch (located next to the
battery port).
You should see green lights for the Power Status and Rx1, and the
large light blinking occasionally.
If you built and connected everything according to the instructions,
you should now be able to drive the robot around using the sticks on
your Radio Control Transmitter. The controls are as follows:
In addition, the bumper switch sensors on the front and rear of your
robot are configured to act as “tag points.” When they are hit by
another robot or obstacle, your robot will be temporarily disabled.
Forward
Left stick Right stick
Reverse
Turn Left
Turn Right

Inventor’s Guide
Vex starter kit
getting started • 5
01/31/05
beginners, continued
6Solo Soccer Challenge
Your first challenge awaits you in Appendix C, the Challenges section
of the Inventor’s Guide. Turn to Appendix C, and read the challenge
titled “Solo Soccer”.
First, find a usable area of floor space. Tables are not recommended
for challenges because they are too small, and they pose a danger for
robots which may accidentally run off the edges. A carpeted playing
surface will make the game easier (the ball will not roll away as
easily), while a hard, smooth surface will make for quite a challenge,
indeed!
Place the two goal uprights (empty soft drink cans or toilet paper
tubes work well for this) about a foot apart, and place the ball on
the ground three or four feet away. Drive the robot so that it pushes
the ball through the goal, without driving the robot through as well.
Don’t hit the bumper on the front of the robot, or you will lose control
for a few seconds… it’s soccer, you’re going to have to dribble!
The first few times you try this challenge, you may want to simplify
the task a little by starting the ball and robot in line with the goal.
You can work your way up to the actual challenge. Once you have
succeeded a few times, try the challenge as written by starting the
ball and robot in different positions that are not lined up with the
goal mouth.

Inventor’s Guide
Vex starter kit
getting started • 6
01/31/05
beginners, continued
7Improve your Design
Just like with stock car racing, the generic all-purpose design of the
Squarebot is a good starting point, but you can do much, much
better! Think about how you might want to customize or “soup-up”
your design to solve a problem. For example: Did you notice how
difficult it was to get the ball to turn with the robot once it was
moving? Can you think of any ways you might be able to fix that
problem? Implement your solution and play the game again!
8Challenges
When you’re ready to move on to new, more challenging scenarios,
turn to the challenges in Appendix C. Pick one of the other challenges
there, and go for it! Formulate a strategy to accomplish the goals
in the game, and implement your robotic solutions. As you plan
and build your robot, consult the Inventor’s Guide for background
information about the components you have available, and refer to
the Squarebot subsystems you built for ideas. Good luck!
9Venture Forth
The Vex Robotics website provides a wealth of support and challenge
ideas beyond the starter set supplied in this kit.
If you need a hand with your robot, or you want to learn about new
accessories and challenges, visit http://www.vexrobotics.com.
Inventor’s Guide Resources visited in this track:
•Safety in Appendix A
•Glossary in Appendix B
•Challenges from Appendix C
•Squarebot Parts & Assembly in each subsystem chapter
•The System Map poster included in the Starter Kit
•The Registration Card included in the Starter Kit