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The former PITSCO LEGO Dacta (the US-market-only educational distributor)
catalog just came. It has some interesting things.
First is a "minimal" RCX package "ROBO Technology Set" 9785/9786 that
includes the RCX, 2 motors, 2 touch sensors, a light sensor, a lamp, the IR
tower (either serial or USB, thus the two id numbers) and a small set of
parts. Comes in one of the green storage units. The pictures show "215
pcs" on the cover. $149
There is also the "Team Challenge Set", which has traditionally just been a
repackaged RIS, but this now lists "828 pcs". It includes 3 motors. $199
Note that this is more stuff than the RIS for a lower than RIS MSRP.
These are interesting because the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), the robotics
contest for 9-14 year olds this year is allowing ANY LEGO parts to be used,
with only the electronic ones (motors, sensors, RCX) limited. Thus, the
smaller set represents a good start on that. Unfortunately, the catalog
lists these as available October 15, 2002, which is really late for FLL,
which starts in September.
They sell Robolab software for $69. Not sure if this is included in the
sets above. This is listed as being available November 1.
The catalog also includes a complete listing of all the other parts they
sell, including micromotors, turntables, chain links, conveyor belts (tank
treads) etc. Some of the stuff is really high priced, but other things are
more reasonable. For example, two turntables are $10.50, which is not
cheap, but tolerable, but two pneumatic tanks (the blue ones) are $10, which
seems really high.
Note that PITSCO is really directed at schools, and is not a retail place.
But I have ordered from them very successfully.
www.pldstore.com
--Jack Gregory
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