VEX Controller
The VEX Controller is the principal human interface for a VEX robot since the introduction of VEXNet.
The Controller uses an internal rechargeable battery with a 10 hour run time. Charging is done via a micro USB cable, and takes about 1 hour.
Features
Two Smart Ports are used for tethering to the Brain and Tethering two Controllers.
One Field Control port for competitions
USB for charging and for wireless programming and debugging
12 buttons are fully configurable by the user’s programs
Buttons are also used for menu navigation when a program is not running
Two 2-axis joysticks for robot control
Specifications
V5 Controller Specifications | |
User Interface | Built-in monochrome LCD 128 x 64 pixels Backlight with white or red LEDs |
Interface Features | Select, Start, Stop Programs Robot and Controller and Partner battery level Radio link type and signal strength Competition mode indication Language selection (10 choices) |
User Feedback | Up to (3) lines of multilingual text to the LCD Up to (3) graphical widgets with (1) line of text |
Wireless | VEXnet 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.2 Download and Debug at 200 kbps |
Analog Axis | 2 Joysticks |
Buttons | 12 |
Extra Feature | Haptic rumble motor |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Battery Run Time | 8-10 hours |
Battery Charge Time | 1 hour |
Partner Controller Type | V5 Controller |
Weight | 0.77lbs (350g) |
Troubleshooting
Some of the known issues with the V5 Controller are disconnects and freezes. In most situations these problems can be solved by using a paperclip or screwdriver to press in the reset button on the back of the controller. If this doesn't solve the problem another solution could be to update the firmware using the firmware updater.
This section refers to the old VEX Cortex Controller which is no longer competitive.
The VEX Joystick is the principal human interface for a VEX robot since the introduction of VEXnet. It replaces the bulky 75 MHz transmitter module with a smaller controller resembling a typical PC joystick.
Features
Two directional thumb sticks, a three-axis accelerometer, and up to twelve buttons are available for the user in Operator Control mode. Each thumb stick is composed of two axes which return numbers from -127 to 127 with a resolution of two to three units, and two sets of four buttons along with two dual triggers return 1 if pressed and 0 if not pressed. Joystick inputs are still transmitted (but are usually restricted by the firmware) during the autonomous mode.
NiMH rechargeable batteries perform much better than alkaline batteries in high-current applications like the VEX Joystick
A VEXnet key or USB A to A cable may be plugged into a USB port on the back of the device; the USB cable can be used to tether a robot or to upgrade the Joystick firmware. An 8-pin RJ-45 jack on the top connects to a VEX Competition Switch or VEX Field Control adapter to switch the robot between autonomous_code and driver control. A six-pin RJ-14 adapter is available for transferring programs or optionally power through a Powered Programming Adapter. Lastly, a four-pin RJ-11 adapter is used for connecting a second joystick, which can be operated as a slave to allow two operators to control a robot.
The VEX Joystick accepts six AAA batteries accessible via a back cover; the high current consumption of an active wireless VEXnet key limits battery life. To preserve battery power, use of tethering, a wall adapter, or a powered programming adapter is highly encouraged when possible.
A substantially less expensive version of the VEX Joystick is available as the VEX Partner Joystick. It lacks VEXnet or VEX Competition Switch functionality and must be connected using an RJ-11 telephone cord to a functioning joystick's partner port for operation.
Troubleshooting
Main article: VEX Cortex Troubleshooting
The VEX Joystick's lights mirror the robot lights when connected. If all of the lights blink red briefly, it indicates a joystick reset, which usually occurs upon loss of VEXnet communications. Frequent occurrences may mean a weak battery or a VEXnet key blocked by too many metal parts.
Teams Contributed to this Article:
BLRS (Purdue SIGBots)
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