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VEX Robotics Pneumatic Parts & Accessories

VexLABS - VEX Robotics Pneumatics Kits:

  • Complete pneumatics for the VEX Robotics system
  • Uses one VEX Controller I/O port per air cylinder
  • Reservoir is filled using a standard tie pump fitting
  • Kit 1 is a Single Acting cylinder kit (air push, spring return)
  • Kit 1A adds a Single Acting cylinder to Kit 1 or Kit 2
  • Kit 2 is a Double Acting cylinder kit (air push, air return)
  • Kit 2A adds a Single Acting cylinder to Kit 1 or Kit 2

Controlling VEX Pneumatics

Single Acting VEX Pneumatics kit

Double Acting VEX Pneumatics kit

Parts List for all VEX Pneumatics kits


 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Technical Info

System Pressure (max) 689   kN/m²   100   psi
Tank Volume 150   mL   9.153   in.
Cylinder Bore 10   mm   0.394   in.
Cylinder Stroke 50   mm   1.987   in.
Cylinder Max Force 54   N   12   lb force
Cylinder Strokes 45 Strokes from 100 psi to 25 psi
Sgl. Acting Cylinder Length Compressed - 5.5 in.  /  Extended - 7.5 in.
Dbl. Acting Cylinder Length Compressed - 6.125 in.  /  Extended - 8.25 in.
Valve Control Connects to one VEX Controller I/O port. Programming Kit required to control I/O port selected.
Reservoir Weight 0.68 lbs.



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 VEX Robotics - Four Kits

Kit 1     $179.95

Complete Kit

Single Acting Cylinders
P/N: PNEUMATIC-KIT1

Kit 1A     $59.95

Add-On Kit

Single Acting Cylinders
P/N: PNEUMATIC-KIT1A

Kit 2     $229.95

Complete Kit

Double Acting Cylinders
P/N: PNEUMATIC-KIT2

Kit 2A     $89.95

Add-On Kit

Double Acting Cylinders
P/N: PNEUMATIC-KIT2A

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 VEX Robotics Electrical Parts & Accessories

Pneumatics Tubing (5 ft.)

VEX Robotics Pneumatics Tubing

5ft. of Polyurethane Tubing for use with VEX Robotics Pneumatics. (Black, 5/32" OD)

P/N: PNEUMATICS-VEX-TUBING VEX Pneumatics Tubing (5ft) $4.95 In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

VEX PWM Bundles

VEX Robotics PWM Bundle Pack

VEX "Y" Cables

VEX Robotics PWM Y Cable

VEX Extension Cables

VEX Robotics PWM Extension Cable

VEX Keyed Cables

VEX Robotics Keyed Cable

VEX 3-wire PWM cables provide the connection between a VEX motor/servo and a VEX Microcontroller.
These cables are also used for connecting VEX sensors to a microcontroller.

  • Extension cables are used to extend the length of a PWM cable such that a motor/servo or sensor can be farther from the VEX Microcontroller.
  • VEX "Y" cables allow 2 motors/servos to be driven by a single microcontroller output.

Not compatible with VEXplorer

P/N: CABLE-PWM-BUNDLE VEX PWM Bundle Pack $39.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

This bundle includes:

  • (2) "Y" cables
  • (2) 6" extension cables
  • (2) 12" extension cables
  • (1) 24" extension cable
  • (1) 36" extension cable
P/N: 276-1395 PWM Small Bundle $14.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

This bundle includes (1) "Y" cables, (1) 6" extension cable & (1) 12" extension cable.

P/N: VEX-Y-CABLE-2PK VEX "Y" Cable, 6 in. (2 Pk) $14.95 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
P/N: CABLEKEY-6-4PK VEX Keyed Cable, 6 in. (4 Pk) $19.95 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
P/N: CABLE-PWM-6-4PAK 6 in. Extension Cable (4 Pk) $19.95 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
P/N: CABLE-PWM-12-4PAK 12 in. Extension Cable (4 Pk) $19.95 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
P/N: CABLE-PWM-24-4PAK 24 in. Extension Cable (4 Pk) $19.95 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
P/N: CABLE-PWM-36-4PAK 36 in. Extension Cable (4 Pk) $19.95 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs


 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Controls


To perform their function, pneumatic cylinders impart a force by converting the potential energy of compressed gas into kinetic energy. This is achieved by the compressed gas being able to expand, without external energy input, which itself occurs due to the pressure gradient established by the compressed gas being at a greater pressure than the atmospheric pressure. This air expansion forces the piston to move in the desired direction.

The pneumatic cylinders have 2 states. The Single Acting cylinder uses air to push in one of the states and a spring for return in the second state. The Double Acting cylinder uses air in both states; push and return.

You can connect the 3 pin connector of the Solenoid Driver to any of the ANALOG/DIGITAL Ports on the VEX Controller. The Black wire should be closest to the outside edge of the VEX Controller.  Likewise, the White wire should be closest to the Keyed Slot even though there is no key tab on the Solenoid Driver Cable. You can control the two states of the pneumatics by controlling the two states of a Digital Output. By sending a High (1) or Low (0) to the defined Digital Output that you have the Solenoid Driver connected to, you will be controlling the corresponding pneumatic cylinder. To change the state of a Digital Output of the VEX Controller, you must have a Programming Kit.

Use the diagrams below to assemble your pneumatic system. You must use an external pump (standard tire fitting) to pressurize the pneumatic system before use.


 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Kit 1 - Single Acting Cylinders

Kit 1 is a complete pneumatics add-on for the VEX Robotics system.  The cylinders are Single Acting, meaning they use air pressure to extend the piston, and an internal spring to allow the piston to retract.    See Part List for kit contents.



 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Kit 1A - Single Acting Cylinder Add-On

Kit 1A adds one Cylinder (Air Push, Spring Return) to Kit 1 or Kit 2. Cannot be used without Kit 1 or Kit 2.  See Part List for kit contents.



 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Kit 2 - Double Acting Cylinders

Kit 2 is a complete pneumatics add-on for the VEX Robotics system.  The cylinders are Double Acting, meaning they use air pressure to extend and retract the piston.    See Part List for kit contents.



 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Kit 2A - Double Acting Cylinder  Add-On

Kit 2A adds one Cylinder (Bi-directional) to Kit 1 or Kit 2. Cannot be used without Kit 1 or Kit 2.  See Part List for kit contents.



 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Mounting Examples

There are many ways to mount the Pneumatics Cylinders, a few examples are shown below.


 VEX Robotics - Pneumatics Parts List

Function Description Kit 1 Kit 1A Kit 2 Kit 2A
Solenoid Driver Cable w/Driver, Connects one VEX I/O Port to one Solenoid 2 1 2 1
Tire Pump Fitting Shraeder Valve With 4mm Tube Fittings 1   1  
Reservoir Reservoir, 1-1/2" X 4", w 1/8"NPT & M5 port 1   1  
On/Off Switch Finger Valve     1  
Pressure Regulator Mini Regulator w/ 4mm Fittings 1   1  
"T" Fitting "T" Fitting for Valves 1 1 1 1
Cylinder, Bi-directional Dbl Acting Cylinder 10mm Bore     2 1
Solenoid, Fwd, Reverse 5/2 Single Solenoid Valve, 5VDC     2 1
Cylinder, Air Push, Spring Return Single Acting Spring Return Cylinder 10mm Bore 2 1    
Solenoid, On/Off 3/2 Solenoid Valve, 5VDC 2 1    
Flow Meter M5 elbow meter out flow control 4mm tubing     2 1
Fitting for Valves Fitting 4mm Tubing x M3 Thread 4 2 6 3
Fitting for Reservoir 1/8 X 4mm Male Connector To Reservoir 2   2  
Fitting for Cylinders M5 Male Connector for Cylinders 2 1 2 1
Tubing 4mm X 1696mm Length Tubing 1 1 1 1
Plug for Reservoir 5/32" Fitting Plug 1   1  
Cylinder Mount Mount for Cylinder 2 1 2 1
Cylinder Nut Nut for the Cylinder Mount 2 1
Cylinder Rod Pivot Pivot for the Cylinder Rod 2 1 2 1