VEXnet Upgrade Users Guide

From VEX Wiki

VEXnet Upgrade

Upgrade the Microcontroller's Master Code

1. For easyC: Follow easyC's instructions on upgrading to Master 8.
2. For ROBOTC: Follow ROBOTC's instructions on upgrading to Master 8. The Master 8 firmware is included in the ROBOTC installer.
3. For MPLAB: Download Master 8 and upgrade the Microcontroller using the IFI Loader 4Vex (zip)

Connecting VEXnet Upgrade to the Transmitter

1. Remove the existing battery door on the VEX transmitter
2. Remove the crystal.
3. Install a rechargeable 9.6V battery in the battery compartment.

   The VEXnet upgrade does not work with the AA battery holder.

4. Connect the battery to the VEXnet Transmitter Upgrade.
5. Connect the Transmitters power cable to the VEXnet Transmitter Upgrade.
6. Install the VEXnet Transmitter Upgrade in place of the Battery Door.

   Be careful to route the power cables so they are not pinched.

   Ensure that the door latches.

7. Connect the short yellow cable to the Tether port.
8. Note: The power switch on the VEXnet Transmitter Upgrade will turn off the Transmitter as well.

Connecting VEXnet Upgrade to the Robot

1. Remove all 75MHz recievers from the robot.
2. Attach the VEXnet Robot Upgrade to the top of the Microcontroller per this document:

   VEXnet Upgrade Robot Size Requirements (pdf)

3. Plug the 7.2V battery into the VEXnet Robot Upgrade.
4. Plug the other VEXnet Robot Upgrade power cable into the Microcontrollers power port.
5. Connect the yellow cable from the VEXnet Robot Upgrade to the Microcontroller.
6. Attach the Velcro dot (provided) to the Microcontroller so it mates with the dot on the VEXnet USB adapter.

   This is important to ensure the adapter does not get disconnected

   Attach the loop half (fuzzy) on the 802.11 key and the hook half (bristly) on the controller.

7. Note: The VEXnet Robot Upgrade automatically turns on/off with the Microcontroller.
8. A 9V backup battery is required on the robot during competition. Connect to the VEXnet Robot upgrade.

Linking the VEXnet Robot to Transmitter

1. Turn on both VEXnet's in any order

   Turn on the Robot's Microcontroller

   Turn on the Transmitter and the VEXnet Transmitter Upgrade

2. Both sides will begin to link. The VEXnet LED will progress as follows:

   Yellow Blip= looking for the VEXnet Wireless USB Adapter

   Slow Yellow Blink = linking

   Fast Green Blink = linked

VEXnet LED Patterns

• VEXnet LED Patterns (pdf)

Pairing VEXnet Transmitters and Receivers

• VEXnet Transmitters and Receivers work in pairs.
• Programmed in the units is a hidden serial number.
• This serial number is used to make an 802.11 wireless connection.
• Users can pair a robot and to any transmitter by following these steps:
  1. Turn both the Tx and Rx off.
  2. Remove the VEXnet USB 802.11 Adapter from both the Tx and Rx.
  3. Connect the USB Cable (provided) between the Tx and Rx in the now open USB ports
  4. Turn on either unit. Turning on a tethered unit will power the other unit, so they will both power on.
  5. Wait for a link (VEXnet = Solid Green)
  6. The two units are now paired.
  7. Turn the units back off, Re-install the USB adapter, and turn back on.