2009 Kit Strategy

 

EARLY Teams, thank you very much for all of your insightful input concerning the transition to a new EARLY kit because of the LEGOŽ Simple Machines Kit has been discontinued.  The primary options that we explored were
 
1)  Using the Simple Machines Kit for the Fall 2009 & Spring 2010 seasons.  This option would minimize the cost to existing teams during these difficult economic times while allowing the expected replacement kit, the LEGOŽ Simple & Motorized Mechanisms Kit, to mature one more year.
 
2)  Use the new LEGOŽ Simple & Motorized Mechanisms Kit for the future.  This option would not defer the cost to the existing teams during these difficult economic times but kits would be readily available to all teams.
 
3)  Create two separate missions, one using the Simple Machines Kit and the other using the Mechanisms Kit for the near future.  The mission theme, field and objects would be the same between the two challenges but the carriers would be different and made from the two kits.  Although this option takes more effort to develop the missions, it will allow each Neighborhood Tournament the flexibility to serve local teams as needed.
 
The main obstacle with converting to the LEGOŽ Simple & Motorized Mechanisms Kit is the kit does NOT come with long motor cables so remote operation, as EARLY robots have operated in the past, would be impossible.  Fortunately, LEGOŽ has assisted EARLY by providing a 20" extension cable along with adapter cables so the legacy Simple Machines Kit cables can be used with the new Mechanisms Kit.  Although this does not allow one-stop-shopping at LEGOŽ Education, it does provide a fairly simple two-stop-shopping at LEGOŽ Education and LEGOŽ.com.  Please visit the EARLY Simple & Motorized Mechanisms page for all of the LEGOŽ Education and LEGOŽ product offerings pertaining to EARLY.
 
As a result of your input, we will implement option 3.  In addition to creating dual missions for the upcoming years, EARLY is dedicated to creating dual challenges for previous years.  As we progress through this transition, please provide us with your suggestions and questions at Mission.Control@EARLYrobotics.org.
 
Again, thank you for your valuable input,
EARLY

 

 

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