Subject:
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Re: Where to buy
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Mon, 2 Sep 2002 23:37:37 GMT
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Original-From:
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Steve Baker <sjbaker1@airmail.!nospam!net>
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Reply-To:
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sjbaker1@airmailSAYNOTOSPAM.net
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Viewed:
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616 times
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Mauricio Rodriguez wrote:
> Hi everybuddy!
> I'm new in this lego hobbie, I'm making some robots,
> and I saw all interesting stuff you made, but, I need
> some other parts, my question is, where do you buy all
> the stuff you need, I mean, did you buy another kits,
> or you buy separately, or where did you get all, for
> example, another motors, another RCX, because in Lego
> Shop, I can get only if I buy another RIS, I dont know
> if its better this, buy a new one, or there is a place
> where you get this by one piece.
I guess it really depends on what kinds of new parts you
want.
Do you find yourself just generally short of parts? Beams, axles, gears, etc?
If so, then the cheapest way to get a 'reasonable' mix of parts is
to buy more Mindstorms sets - not necessarily an RIS. I have
just one RIS and THREE of the cheaper RDS sets! Look for special
offers in stores.
Are you looking for some additional *specific* parts?
For single, high cost items like sensors and motors, you can look at
the Lego web site, and Brickbay (as others have suggested) to find the
best prices.
Are you looking for something *obscure*?
Things like large turntables, chains, temperature sensors, etc
you might like to try the www.pitsco-legodacta.com site. They are there
to sell to schools and colleges - but they'll also sell to individuals.
Their prices are a little higher - but for these kinds of part, they are
the best source.
Be an opportunistic buyer.
Very often you find older lego sets in dusty, beat-up boxes being sold
of insanely cheaply by some stores. When you see these, snap them up
immediately. There have been cases where (for example) the old ZNAPS
sets were sold for just a couple of dollars each - yet they contained
Mindstorms motors that normally retail at $14.
If all you have is a basic Mindstorms set then I would advise buying:
1) A third motor. It takes two motors to have your robot drive
around the room - having a third motor let's it also do something
*interesting*.
2) One or two rotation sensors. You soon find that your robot needs
to know how far or how fast it's moving.
3) A Lego Remote controller. This is invaluable for debugging the
mechanics of your robot before you get into the programming of it.
Also as an 'emergency stop' when your robot has decided to murder
the cat.
4) A couple of large turntables...these are great for building robot
arms and such.
Beyond that "more" is good.
----------------------------- Steve Baker -------------------------------
Mail : <sjbaker1@airmail.net> WorkMail: <sjbaker@link.com>
URLs : http://www.sjbaker.org
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Where to buy
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| Hi everybuddy! I'm new in this lego hobbie, I'm making some robots, and I saw all interesting stuff you made, but, I need some other parts, my question is, where do you buy all the stuff you need, I mean, did you buy another kits, or you buy (...) (22 years ago, 2-Sep-02, to lugnet.robotics)
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