Question:

I have my VEX kits, and it seems I have a bushel basket of extra wheels, and not enough sensors or cool stuff for my kids to use. What do you suggest I buy as extras, and how many?

This post is ARCHIVED, meaning links may or may not work, and it may not scale well on a mobile device as it was written a while ago. The prices in it may need to be updated, but iDesign is always willing to come up with a quote!

 Solution: 

I had the same issue in my class, and then I found a source for individual parts. If you use the attached Excel spreadsheet, and send it to iDesign Solutions they will send you a quote, and in my experience, it has always been less expensive than from VEX. They take purchase orders, and have very fast delivery. I have never had anything back ordered. THIS IS MEANT TO SUPPLEMENT THE KITS, NOT REPLACE THEM! The prices you see are directly from the website above, but send it as a quote, and see what kind of price you get! If you find parts that you think I missed, please let me know!

Download an XLS Spreadsheet to send for a quote.

Right off the bat, I would order these extras for each kit, as they would allow you to build all the testbeds exactly the same:

After I received a grant to purchase more VEX components, I decided not to buy kits, but piece out the kits with only the parts I thought we would need, and what I ordered is below. This way I did not end up with lots of wheels, and had lots of Inputs and Outputs. What you see below will cost about $5000. (That was my grant total!):

The attached spreadsheet will allow you to change quantities and the total price will be reflected.