LESSON 02 – VEX ROBOTICS

 

 

FAQ

This FAQ is for the VEX robots that make use of the Cortex microcontrollers.

 


Q – How do I pair the joystick with microcontroller (cortex)?

 

A1 – View the following video:

 

 

A2 – Or, follow these steps:

 

  1. Make sure the cortex and joystick are off.
  2. Unplug any USB keys that are
  3. Connect a battery to your cortex.
  4. Use an orange USB cable to connect the cortex to the joystick.
  5. Turn on the cortex and then turn on the joystick.
  6. Wait until you see three green lights on the joystick and two green lights on the cortex.  They are now paired (or married).
  7. Turn the cortex and joystick off.
  8. Unplug the USB cable.
  9. Plug in the two USB keys.
  10. You can verify that they are paired by turning both on and seeing that the green lights turn on like before.

 


Q – What software should I use to program VEX robots?

 

A – The VEX robots with cortex microcontrollers use the free software called RobotC.  It is available for Windows only.

 

You can download this software at the following link: https://www.vexrobotics.com/robotc-vexedr-vexiq.html

 

Note that this software will NOT work with the newer V5 microcontrollers.

 

Note that this software will work with the VEX IQ robots.

 

Q – During the RobotC installation, should I install the device drivers when prompted?

 

A – Yes you should.  In fact, it might prompt you twice for the same driver.  Say yes both times.

 

 

Q – After installing RobotC, which program icon should I use?

 

A – You will find an icon called “RobotC for Vex Robotics” on your Desktop or in your menu.  Open it.

 

 

Q – Do I need to the set the platform for RobotC to work?

 

A – Yes.  Once you enter RobotC, you to need to specify that you will be working with VEX 2.0 Cortex and not with VEX IQ. 

 

To do this, click on Robot > Platform Type > Vex Robotics and choose VEX 2.0 Cortex.

 

 

 

Q – Is it necessary to program the robot the first time I use it?

 

A – The answer is no if the robot program has never been changed before.  The cortex comes with a default program on it that allows the joystick to control the clawbot.

 

However, if the robot program was changed by the last users, you will need to put the default program back onto the robot.

 

 

Q – How do I put the default program onto the cortex?

 

A – First you need to open the default program in RobotC (see below).

 

Second, you need to transfer the program to the robot (see below).

 

 

Q – How can I open the default cortex program?

 

A – Open RobotC.  Make sure you have the correct platform selected. 

 

Then, choose File > Open Sample Programs.

 

Then, inside the Advance folder, choose ROBOTC VEX Cortex Default.c.

 

 

Q – How do I transfer a program to the robot?

 

A – The simplest way is connect directly to the cortex using these steps:

 

1 – Place the robot on the ground (in case it starts moving after program transfer).

 

2 – Unplug the USB key from the cortex.

3 – Use the orange USB cable to connect the computer to the cortex.  The cortex needs to be powered (I think).

4 – In RobotC, open the program that you want to transfer to the cortex.

5 – At the top of the RobotC interface, click on Download To Robot.

 

6 – Wait for the transfer to be done.

7 – Disconnect the USB cable.  Turn off the cortex.

 

8 – Re-insert the USB key to the cortex.

 

9 – When you turn on the cortex again, your program should be running.

 

 

Q – Do we need a motor controller for each motor?

 

A – A motor controller, seen here, is needed for every motor in Vex EDR.  However, ports 1 and 10 on the Cortex already have motor controllers built into them so they do not need another controller.