VEX IQ Super Kit - Do you want to build a robot
**Article: The VEX IQ Super Kit Review**
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### Introduction to the VEX IQ Super Kit
The VEX IQ Super Kit is an educational robotics system designed by VEX Robotics, primarily targeting elementary to middle school students. For those unfamiliar with robotics kits like Tetrix, Mindstorms, and VEX, these systems are more than just toys—they offer significant educational value while being incredibly fun to build and program.
While you won't be able to create a practical robot that can perform tasks like cooking or cleaning, the focus of these kits is on learning mechanical engineering and programming. The VEX IQ system stands out for its balance of ease of use and advanced features, making it an excellent tool for both education and entertainment.
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### Hardware Components of the VEX IQ Super Kit
The VEX IQ Super Kit comes with 850 parts, allowing users to build and program a wide variety of robots. The kit includes:
- **Sensors**: Seven sensors, including two bumper switches, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a light/color sensor, a gyro sensor, and two touch LEDs with RGB lighting.
- **Motors**: Four powerful smart motors with encoders and microprocessors, designed to handle various tasks without stalling.
- **Robot Brain**: A fully programmable robot brain with 12 input/output ports, a rechargeable battery, and an optional radio module for wireless control.
- **Radio Controller**: A remote controller with two joysticks and eight buttons, offering precise proportional control. It features a 50-hour rechargeable battery and is radio-controlled, eliminating the need for line-of-sight.
The kit also includes a storage bin with compartmentalized trays, a getting started guide, two instructional booklets, and a poster with all pieces at scale. The parts are of high quality, though some users have noted issues with axles gripping too much or not enough.
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### Software Options for the VEX IQ Super Kit
The VEX IQ system offers two programming options:
1. **ModKit**: A graphical programming interface based on Scratch from MIT. It is user-friendly and free to use online. However, it lacks intermediate and advanced tutorials, forcing users to learn through trial and error. Some bugs, like the absence of copy-paste functionality, can be frustrating.
2. **RobotC**: A more advanced option with a 10-day free trial and a cost of $79 for a single seat. It offers text-based programming but has issues with its graphical interface, such as windows freezing during debugging. Despite these challenges, it allows for full control over robot creations.
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### Comparison with Competitors
The VEX IQ Super Kit is compared favorably to the LEGO Mindstorms EV3:
- **LEGO Mindstorms EV3**: Comes with three motors, three sensors, and a brain brick with limited input/output ports. It requires double AA and AAA batteries and costs $350.
- **VEX IQ Super Kit**: Includes four motors, seven sensors, 12 input/output ports, and over 850 pieces for $300.
The VEX IQ system offers better value for money and more versatility in its hardware components.
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### Educator Insights and Conclusion
Charissa, a local VEX IQ team leader, emphasizes the kit's educational benefits. She praises its affordability (between $250 and $299) and its ability to engage students who struggle with programming. The free online curriculum provided by VEX Robotics is also highlighted as a significant advantage for educators.
Despite its strengths, there are areas for improvement, such as enhancing the radio controller's build quality and addressing software issues. VEX Robotics has shown responsiveness to user feedback, so these improvements can be expected in the future.
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### Final Thoughts
The VEX IQ Super Kit is an excellent investment for schools and individuals looking to introduce students to robotics. Its hardware is robust, its software offers multiple programming options, and its educational value is unparalleled. Just ensure that the kit is used to its full potential, as it can provide years of learning and fun.
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