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Revell Vexplorer Robotics System
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Revell Vexplorer Robotics System | Toy

by Revell-Monogram

List Price: $299.99  

Sales Rank:  18,215th

FEATURES

  • "The Spycam" Live color picture with sound transmits to your TV to explore anywhere... And sometimes where you shouldn't.. With over 150' range. Includes 6 large, all terrain wheels to take your robot anywhere you want to explore.
  • Over 300 parts to create endless combinations of radio control robotic activity and learning experiences. Design and build endless configurations.
  • Partially assembled with the claw, arm tower and wheel sub-assemblies already built, you can have a working motor in less than an hour. Then you can tear it apart to make your own unique robot.
  • "The arm" reaches high and low to grab.. Whatever..."The Claw" Strong enough to pick up a 12 ounce can, and sensitive enough to pick up a feather.
  • For kids 14+ and their parents who want to mix fun and exploration with science and technology education.

ACCESSORIES


Energizer E91BP-16H Max AA Alkaline Battery (16 Pack)

Energizer E91BP-16H Max AA Alkaline Battery (16 Pack)
by Energizer Batteries

Formulated to provide dependable power, Energizer Max batteries bring long life to the devices you depend on and enjoy - flashlights, smoke detectors, toys, radios, CD players, remotes and electronic games. Energizer Max keeps your devices going and going.

Sony 2500 mAh AA Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, 4-pack

Sony 2500 mAh AA Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, 4-pack
by Sony

Long Lasting; Ideal For All Digital Devices; Aa; 4-Pk

Lenmar Ready-2-Go R2GAA4   1.2V 2150mAh Rechargeable NiMH AA Battery (4 -Pack)

Lenmar Ready-2-Go R2GAA4 1.2V 2150mAh Rechargeable NiMH AA Battery (4 -Pack)
by Lenmar Battery Solutions

The ready-to-go convenience of alkaline batteries plus the economy and high-performance of Nickel-Metal Hydride rechargeable, the R2G batteries are ready when you are - even straight out of the package. R2G batteries hold their charge up to 4X longer than standard NiMH rechargeable batteries. Perfect for both low and high-drain devices. And they work with any NiMH charger. Lenmar R2G vs. Standard NiMH Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries hit the market with a warm reception....

SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries

SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
by SANYO

Rechargeable 1000 timesNo memory effect - a full charge every timePre-charged for immediate use batteries into the 21st century. eneloop is a totally new type of battery, which satisfies in a unique way the needs and expectations of the consumers.

Sony Cycle Energy AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (4-Pack)

Sony Cycle Energy AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries (4-Pack)
by Sony Batteries

Sony's newest rechargeable battery technology seeks to bridge the gap between regular alkaline batteries and NiMH rechargeable batteries. Cycle Energy rechargeable batteries do not require initial charging and have a very low self discharge rate. They maintain 85 percent of their charge after one year and can be recharged up to 1,000 times. This new technology offers consumers the convenience of a ready-to-use rechargeable battery that is longer lasting and environmentally friendly.



EDITORIAL REVIEWS


Product Description
Science and technology combine in this robotic revolution. With over 300 parts, four servo motors, a 6-channel radio with 150-foot range and 24 gears, kids can build their own unique radio-controlled robot configurations. Cool add-ons like "the claw" that's strong enough to hold a soda can or the arm that can grab things let kids use their imaginations to do some serious building. A real spycam can be attached to the robot and transmit the images to a TV or computer screen, allowing builders to explore anywhere. Assembly is made easier with the included SolidWorks software disc. Requires one "9V" and 10 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 6" x 13" x 22".Includes:Over 300 parts in all6-channel radio with 150' rangeFour servo motors24 gearsAll-terrain tiresTons of coated, heavy metal partsTools, screws, nuts, boltsSpycam that submits live transmissions to any TV or computerAll accessories needed to connect to a TV or computerSolidWorks software disc with step-by-step assembly instructions

Amazon.com Review
The winner for Best Innovation at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show, the Vexplorer is finally available for everyone at least 14-years-old who loves to play as much as they love to learn. Part of the Vex system, this next-generation fun and educational robotic system is an exciting addition to what has become a virtual institution in junior high school, high school, and college robotics classes. The Vexplorer system includes over 300 parts to develop endless combinations of radio-controlled robotic activity. View larger. The claw is strong enough to pick up a full 12-ounce can. View larger. A built-in spy camera transmits live color pictures with sound to any standard televistion. View larger. After constructing your robot, take it for a spin with the easy-to-use controller. Much More Than A Toy With more than 300 parts, the Vexplorer allows users to create, experiment, and play with endless combinations of radio-controlled robotic activity. Designed by Revell Monogram, this robotic design system is endorsed by such prestigious organizations as NASA, Carnegie Mellon, and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Young and old electronics and robot enthusiasts will have a blast learning about robotic configuration through hands-on experience. In less than an hour, users can construct their very own robot. Compatible with the entire Vex system, the Vexplorer can be easily expanded using optional Vex accessories and mechanical parts from other Vex machines. More than a mere toy, the Vexplorer boasts its own built-in spy camera, transmitting live color pictures with sound to any standard television. Utilizing a camera receiver module box, it broadcasts video over distances up to 150 feet. The Vexplorer also makes lifting and moving objects around both fun and challenging. The claw is strong enough to pick up a full 12-ounce can, yet delicate enough to handle a bird's feather. By simply keeping the claw control held down, the sensitive, soft plastic grip material keeps things clenched. Setting a can of soda back down without dropping it is another story -- that takes practice. Built with a sturdy, metal base, arm, and arm support, the Vexplorer can stand up to its share of wear and tear. It operates with many metal and durable plastic pieces, including four motors and 24 gears, as well as cables, harnesses, tools, screws, nuts, bolts, and more. The six rubber-like plastic tires with tread grips make for easy rolling over most even surfaces. However, getting over some bumps can prove frustrating, if not outright impossible at times. The Ultimate Test Drive While this system is a great introduction to robotics, we recommend it for those who already have a knack and enthusiasm for building and exploring. The Vexplorer exemplifies the old saying that the journey is more important than the destination. For fans of science, technology and robotics who've put their minds and hands into transforming the Vexplorer into a functioning robotic system, it's extremely rewarding to build it and watch it in operation. But even the most enthusiastic Vexplorer fan will note its slow crawl; it's too bad the machine couldn't be built for a bit more speed. However, even at its pace, the radio-controlled device is as fun as it gets. After assembling the Vexplorer -- which won't be easy for everyone -- the best part is watching the machine's exploration on your TV screen. Do this simply by switching on the camera receiver module and plugging it into the back of the TV with the included A/V cables. This may work with some computer monitors as well. Those tech-savvy enough to get this far will likely figure out a way to even record their "lunar landing." The broadcast of our test model was sensitive and got fuzzy when the Vexplorer approached its 150-foot maximum distance, and the audio didn't come through well. Nevertheless, we were captivated, sitting on the couch and experiencing the world outside from such modest heights. Pros: An excellent introduction to robotics Compatible with all Vex systems, allowing for endless configurations Claw grip and arm pick up and move solid and sensitive objects Built-in spy camera allows you to view robot's exploration up to 150 feet away Sturdy metal and durable plastic construction Cons: Slow operation Video and audio broadcast can be fuzzy Cannot climb over bumps; ideal only for level surfaces What's in the Box Vexplorer robotics design system, remote control, and camera receiver module.


CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 23 reviews)

a real review by Spencer Dolloff (wyoming, mi USA) 3 Stars
April 05, 2009
Having just completed building this thing, I'm amazed at the reviews on here. Only one mentions how terrible the design of putting this together is. Unless you have very slender, loooooooooooong fingers, you will find screwing the nuts/bolts together in some literally nigh-impossible places to be a real nightmare. Yes, I've build many things over the years, and I know how to use a pair of needle-nose pliers, but wow....... One perfect example: the kit comes with (4) 1/2" screws, and it's illustrated in the list of parts. BUT YOU NEED 5. The directions tell you to install 4 to connect the arm. That's fine, but then it tells you to use another one to connect the antenna holder. Just an example..... anyway, once i got it built, it worked. For about 5 minutes. It acted like the batteries were dead. I was sure they were new, but what the heck. I put even "newer" ones in. Drove around the house with it for about 15 minutes, hooked the camera up. Then it died again. I don't know, maybe I hooked something up wrong, but i don't think so. Tomorrow I'll see what the deal is. I can't believe that this thing would suck battery life THAT fast. Overall, it's a cool toy, but with the battery life looking ridiculous (as i've read on other reviews), and the ridiculousness of the assembley, I can't really recommend this.

More RC than Robot, but still fun by Benjamin Patri 4 Stars
March 08, 2009
I'm sure that having partly assembled is to get those who don't have the patience to wait for it to get built, but either way it was fun putting it together. i found that by putting some masking tape on the wrench so the nuts don't fall through makes it easier to hold them in place when trying to put bolts on. Was a little disappointed in not having programming but I am an R/C guy and love 6 wheel drive. Have not tried sand yet but it goes well on most everything else. Receiver was bad as they have an issue with some of them, but the great customer service from the company is more than acceptable. A+++ Customer Service, I got about 4 emails one day from them, they respond quickly. Although I paid the $5 to ship it to them, 150 ft range is better than 5 ft range. I find lithium batteries the best for lasting. energizer is what I run though I am considering getting a rechargeable battery pack onto it and wondering if the extra voltage will blow it or not, may have to rewire it a little. Anyway, good fun, good product, good customer service.

Fun Toy by Angel M. Gonzalez (NEW ROCHELLE, NY United States) 4 Stars
February 09, 2009
This is a quality product. It comes partially pre-assembled with excellent instructions. I purchased this for my 11 year old son and he loves it. The wireless camera is especially cool. He worked hard to put this together but he needed some adult help in spite of his mechanical ability. It also uses a lot of batteries (pretty quickly I might add), I recommend using rechargeable batteries. In spite of this this is an excellent toy.

Broke easily by Angie 3 Stars
February 07, 2009
We were so excited to give this to our son for Christmas. The problems we had with the parts was ridiculous. At one point the claw (to pick things up) was making this horrible sound and had to be fixed by my husband. Every part on the robot that came lose and had to be readjusted or assembled... was from the manufactuor preassembled base.

Excellent by Morgan E. Nager (Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA) 5 Stars
January 22, 2009
It was a gift for a friend of mine and she loved it. If you're into robots or building things its totally amazing.

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