VEX microcontroller (was Re: vex robotics kit)

Sorry to follow up my own reply, but I've dug up some more information on the
VEX microcontroller.

According to <http://eaglevex.home.comcast.net/VexKit.htm this page>, "The
microcontroller has connections for two radio control receivers, and connections
for up to 8 motors and/or servos.  There are 16 analog/digital I/O ports, and
the default software uses jumpers placed there to control drive and limit switch
functionality."  It also has interrupt inputs and a standard 7.2v power jack.

8 motor/servo outputs... 16 A/D I/O ports... {drool...}

The Vex building system uses an erector-set approach, with everything held
together with nuts and bolts.  I wonder whether the nuts would fit through a
technic pin hole.  If so, one might be tempted to use the Vex microcontroller,
sensors, and motors to make a LEGO robot, simply screwing the darn things on
wherever they need to go.  Not as elegant as using all LEGO parts, to be sure,
but... 8 outputs, integrated R/C control... dang!

Apparently, Radio Shack will be selling the
<http://www.vexlabs.com/vex-robotics-downloads.shtml programming kit>
separately, starting in August.  Meanwhile you can piece one together yourself,
based on the Microchip C18 compiler.  Neat.

(I've changed the groups to just lugnet.robotics, since this no longer has much
to do with the RCX per se.)

Best,¬
- Joe