# VEX Controller ![](https://3510336827-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M7yGVyBrcpSR8SDSikj%2Fuploads%2F96wShL5I51xGhTm8xoZr%2Fv5controller_render.png?alt=media\&token=0b4b4b5b-26e0-4602-a6c7-b0897b49ee27) The V5 Controller has a monochrome LCD screen. The screen allows users to start and stop programs remotely, view the robot’s battery level, and see the radio’s status. During competition, drivers and tethered co-drivers can see the competition clock and game state. Programmers can send data and multilingual text to the screen for debugging and driver information. ![The Controller Screen UI](https://3510336827-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M7yGVyBrcpSR8SDSikj%2F-M82gH_Ud_7L2AM9AHei%2F-M82gwVTTQtmMgzaAH81%2Fimage71.png?alt=media\&token=23e8de06-0de4-489f-a18d-16d57bdfe5f7) 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](https://www.vexrobotics.com/vexedr/products/firmware). {% hint style="danger" %} This section refers to the old VEX Cortex Controller which is no longer competitive. {% endhint %} [![](https://phabricator.purduesigbots.com/file/data/ly7yucqhszjr3pxkrjc7/PHID-FILE-4uk5xzlbi7mh3d42syuz/vex_joystick.jpg)](https://phabricator.purduesigbots.com/file/data/ly7yucqhszjr3pxkrjc7/PHID-FILE-4uk5xzlbi7mh3d42syuz/vex_joystick.jpg) The **VEX Joystick** is the principal human interface for a VEX robot since the introduction of [VEXnet](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/vex-electronics/vex-electronics/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](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/software/competition-specific/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. [![](https://phabricator.purduesigbots.com/file/data/wsbbw3mrhdc4ovirzxfu/PHID-FILE-gybmx2dqir46so35wite/power_curve_nimh.jpg)](https://phabricator.purduesigbots.com/file/data/wsbbw3mrhdc4ovirzxfu/PHID-FILE-gybmx2dqir46so35wite/power_curve_nimh.jpg) 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](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/software/competition-specific/autonomous-control) 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*](https://wiki.purduesigbots.com/legacy/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](https://purduesigbots.com/) (Purdue SIGBots)