Customer Reviews

Parallax Boe - Bot Robot Kit

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

...and I have to admit, I'm not, then the BOE BOT, or one of the related kits from Parallax is the way to go.

I am slowly working my way into the Arduino, but I wanted something that would get me moving a bit faster with micro-controller projects, allow me to do some data logging, and create some kinetic, technical gizmos for my classroom. I was introduced to the BOE BOT by a colleague several months ago and obtained the loan of one. I spent several highly productive weeks learning how to blink lights, drive servos, and read sensors and while I feel that I will eventually move beyond the BOE-BOT and the BasicStamp micro controller, I feel that it is an excellent jumping off point, especially for beginners that do not have easy access to a group of experienced fellow enthusiasts.

I purchased the USB version of the BOE BOT after working through the first three chapters of the manual...and I have to say that the Parallax manuals are one of the best features of the BOE BOT and it's BasicStamp processor. The kit comes with the outstanding "ROBOTICS with the BOE BOT", but beyond that, Parallax makes all of their manuals available on line in PDF format. There is a "Getting Started" and a "What's a Micro Controller", and each of them are readable, easily followed guides that give a firm grounding in the operation of the BOE and a thorough introduction to the electronics skills that are needed to build the BOT and progress in many other directions into the wide open world of micro controllers.

My initial approval of the BOE BOT was affirmed by watching the success that my students have had with it. The BOE BOT teaches logic, programming, electronics, and computing systems all in one convenient and portable package and I have had an opportunity to watch students of a wide variety of ages, interests and skill levels become enthralled with these subjects as they "play" with the BOE BOT.

Parallax supplies a wide variety of sensor modules and other components that can be added to the BOE, and these can also be readily adapted for use with other micro controller platforms, a circumstance that makes the BOE an even better choice as a "starter" set up for the budding roboticist.

There is one aspect of this accessory variety however that raises my only real criticism, albeit, a small one. Parallax has a large and friendly online community in the form of the "Parallax Forums" bulletin board site, but there does seem to be a slight prejudice there against the use of non-Parallax-branded accessories. There are a number of manufacturers who build components readily adaptable to the BOE, but there is also an apparently fierce loyalty to the Parallax brand. People who request assistance with non-Parallax produced components may detect a slight measure of aloofness from the forum regulars.

Overall, the BOE is a great introduction to micro controllers and the electronic circuits they are able to control. With an adult's aid, it is not unreasonable to turn an eight year old loose with a BOE, but by no means should this discourage older buyers. At 48 I find the BOE an interesting and challenging bit of hardware. I just wish they had existed thirty years ago.

Over all, I call this an outstanding value.

I got one of these robot kits for my 10 year old and he simply loves it. As a family of home schoolers, I'm always looking for things that will teach as well as entertain my kids and this robot more than fills that need. My son will sit for hours working on programs and then have hours of fun showing us what he accomplished. I HIGHLY recommend the boe bot to anyone who is interested in robotics.

this was fun to build and very challenging to write new programs for. i painted the aluminum body metallic red which looks great.

Excellent product, great price and great fun
I beleive that need buy kit additional

We ordered this boe bot after my son used a version in a robots class he took. The instructions did not correspond well with the bot at all, and we had to play "guess what to do next" for most of the programming. The worst part was the bot itself. We had to reorder a new "stamp" - the part that actually makes the bot work, as the one they sent was broken, and this was after spending a WEEK with customer service trying to figure out what is wrong. THEN, once we got the new stamp, one of the gears on the wheel broke, so it couldn't move! At this point we figured we got a piece of junk, so we put all the pieces back in the box and sent it back. Now they will not refund the money as they say we didn't include all the parts! This company is crap, and their product is crap. Stick with Lego robotics instead.