🤖 VEX Onshape Assembly Builder

What is Onshape?

Onshape is a FREE online CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program that lets you build 3D models right in your web browser. Think of it as a virtual workshop where you can design anything!

Why Onshape for VEX? You can test your robot designs before building them in real life, saving time and parts!

Log In to Your Account

Mr. Brossman has already created accounts for you! You don't need to sign up.

• Go to cad.onshape.com/signin
• Find your username and password in MS Teams
• Navigate to: Class Notebook → Unit 2 Mechanisms and Automation → Unit 2 Project Storage Bin
• Use your assigned username (like stem001@odlestem.com) and password
• Log in and you're ready to start!

Installing the VEX Library App

The VEX Library gives you access to every real VEX part you can use in your robot!

• Log into Onshape
• Click the App Store icon (9 squares) in the top right corner
• Search for "VEX Library"
• Click "Subscribe" (it's free!)
• Accept the permissions

Start a New Project

• Click the "Create" button (top left)
• Select "Document"
• Name it something like "My First VEX Robot"
• Click "OK"

Switch to the Assembly Tab

When Onshape creates a document, it automatically includes both a Part Studio and an Assembly.

• Look at the bottom of your screen - you'll see tabs
• You'll see two tabs: "Part Studio 1" and "Assembly 1"
• Click on the "Assembly 1" tab
• This is where you'll build your robot!

Opening the VEX Library

• Make sure you're in your Assembly tab
• Click the App Store icon (9 squares) in the top right
• Find and click "VEX Library"
• A panel will open on the right side with all the parts!

Browsing Parts

The VEX Library is organized into categories:

Inserting Your First Part

• In the VEX Library panel, click on "Structure"
• Find a "2x25 C-Channel" (a common base piece)
• Click "Insert"
• The part will appear in your workspace!

Essential Mouse Controls

Using the Move Tool

Right now, parts can move freely. Think of them as floating in space - like digital building blocks!

• Click on a part to select it (it will highlight in blue)
• Click the "Move" tool in the toolbar (or press "N")
• You'll see colorful arrows and circles appear

Understanding the Move Controls

Start Simple - Build a Drive Base

Let's create a basic 4-wheel drive base! This is the foundation of most VEX robots.

Parts You'll Need:

• Two 2x25 C-Channels (for the sides)
• Four 4" Omni Wheels
• Two V5 Smart Motors (11W)
• One V5 Brain
• One Battery

Assembly Strategy

1. Insert the first C-Channel - This is your base reference
2. Add the second C-Channel - Move it parallel to create the frame width
3. Add wheels - Position them at the corners
4. Insert motors - Place them next to the wheels
5. Add the brain - Position it in the center of your frame
6. Add the battery - Place it where it balances your design

View Tools

Use these tools to see your robot from different perspectives:

Taking Screenshots

Document your design process!

• Position your view to show your robot clearly
• Click the camera icon in the toolbar
• Choose "Capture Image"
• Save it to your portfolio or design journal

Naming Your Parts

As you add parts, they get automatic names like "Instance 1", "Instance 2". This gets confusing fast!

• Look at the left panel - you'll see all your parts listed
• Right-click on a part name
• Select "Rename"
• Give it a clear name like "Left Drive Motor" or "Front Right Wheel"

Using Folders

Group related parts together:

• Right-click in the parts list
• Select "Create folder"
• Name it (like "Drive System" or "Intake Mechanism")
• Drag parts into the folder

Beginner Challenges

1. Simple Drive Base: Build a 4-wheel robot with motors and a brain
2. Add an Intake: Design a front-mounted roller system
3. Tower Builder: Create a vertical lift mechanism using c-channels
4. Balanced Design: Arrange parts so weight is evenly distributed

Design Questions to Consider

As you build, think like an engineer:

• Where should the heavy parts (motors, brain, battery) go?
• How wide/long should my robot be to fit through spaces?
• Can I reach all the game elements I need to score?
• Is my design stable, or will it tip over?
• How will I power all my motors?

Common Shortcuts

Common Issues

Problem: Can't find a part in the VEX Library

✓ Use the search bar - try different keywords like "wheel" vs "omni"

✓ Check if you're in the right category

Problem: Parts are overlapping or inside each other

✓ This is normal! Without mates, parts can pass through each other

✓ Use the Move tool to reposition them

Problem: Can't see my robot - everything disappeared

✓ Press "F" to fit everything on screen

✓ Check if you accidentally hid parts (right-click and select "Show")

Problem: Onshape is running slow

✓ Close other browser tabs

✓ Try using a different browser (Chrome works best)

✓ Check your internet connection