VEXnet Joystick
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VEXnet Joystick
The VEXnet Joystick is a controller for the VEX Robotics system. It sends VEXnet signals through a VEXnet USB Adapter Key to one attached to a microcontroller on a VEX robot. The VEXnet Joystick is compatible only with the VEX Cortex Microcontroller.
Operator Controls
The joystick has two 2-axis analog joysticks, 4 trigger buttons on the back side and two 4-button directional pads on the top. It also has a 3-Axis Accelerometer that provides X-Y tilt values, and shake output. This allows you to control an arm or drive system by changing the orientation of the joystick (tilting, turning or shaking). Note: the Shake Output is currently not implemented and can not be used at this time.
Power and Tethering
The VEXnet Joystick is powered by (6) AAA Batteries. For longest battery life, turn ON the unit only when needed. Fresh batteries in the Joystick will provide about two hours of run time. The battery life status can be seen from the LED labeled “Joystick” on the top of the unit – see Troubleshooting (LED Codes) below for more details.
If wireless operation is not required, substitute the VEXnet keys with a USB A-A Tether Cable. For this tether configuration, turn ON the Cortex Microcontroller but leave the Joystick OFF. The USB A-A cable will power the Joystick.
Calibration Procedure
VEXnet Joystick Calibration Procedure (156 KB, PDF, 05-20-2010)
Troubleshooting
VEXnet Joystick - Cortex Microcontroller LED Codes (139 KB, PDF, 05-20-2010)
Debugging:
a. Slow blinking green Robot light on CORTEX. Solution: Try using the VEXnet Upgrade Utility.
b. Slow blinking Robot green light on Joystick. Solution: Push and hold CONFIG button about 5 seconds until light starts flashing green. Release, wait about 5 seconds, then turn Joystick OFF and then back ON. Also try using the VEXnet Upgrade Utility.
c. Yellow or Red Robot light on the CORTEX. Solution: used fully charged Robot battery.
d. Yellow or Red Robot light on the Joystick, even though the CORTEX is green. Solution: Joystick latches CORTEX’s lowest battery level. Power cycle both Joystick and CORTEX.
e. Fast red blinking Robot light when plugged in to a competition field. Solution: Use a fully charged 9V Back-up Battery plugged in to the CORTEX.
f. Robot does not shut off when turned OFF. Solution: At the end of the match, remove the Ethernet cable from the Competition Port of the Joystick. The CORTEX and Joystick will change to non-competition mode. Power off the Joystick and CORTEX. The CORTEX will shut off in about 5 seconds.
g. Robot does not do what you want it to do. Solution: Download the default code and test to isolate hardware problems. Then make small program changes testing after each change.
h. Robot still does not link up, even after tethering. Solution: Try using the VEXnet Upgrade Utility. If the issue persists, try debug using a friends system to narrow down the problem, check the VEX Forum or contact VEX Robotics for assistance.
Links
VEXnet Joystick Product Page
VEX Cortex Microcontroller/VEXnet Joystick User Guide (1MB, PDF, 08-18-2011)
VEXnet Firmware Upgrade Utility v1.2.3a (zip, 04-10-11)
