Okay so basically why does the v5 cortex have over 20 ports for radio, motors, and the vision sensor. Which (excluding the visions sensor) can only take up 9 ports. Furthermore, why does it only have 8 3 wire ports? When will vex make v5 sensors which can use the smart ports, or at the very least make an adapter which allows you to connect 3 wire sensors into smart ports. Its so frustrating that vex gives you double the ports youd ever use for motors, but then gives you the bare minimum for sensors.
Well first of all because the smart ports are more prone to burning out. So that there would be spare, however there are extra ports are also for testing. Although the v5 system is designed for competition, it can also be used for fun or practice.
All 4 cortex’s at my school have at least one burnt out 3 wire port…
hint hint mine has 2 burnt out 
To the question in the title: Only the vision sensors.
To answer all your questions
More sensors should be coming soon. Also, technically, there are 21 ports. In addition, VEX U isn’t limited to only 8 motors, and a classroom setting might need 10 motors.
The 3-wire ports are more there for classrooms that already have old sensors. Also, reverse compatability, although not entirely 1 to 1 is welcome. I’ve had problems with the 3-wire ports burning out my gyros, so I’ve lived in cautious fear, and have only used button sensors since.
SoonTM. I don’t think anyone here would have insider info to tell you that.
Again, what’s to say that VRC won’t use 12 motors once the Cortex system is phased out? It’s 8 right now to give some argument to use the legacy system, but after it is gone, it might be time to go full power. Also, 8 3-wire ports is MUCH better than having nothing at all.
How are you using all 6 of your remaining 3-wire ports? If you need to get them replaced, I would just call VEX and ask them nicely.
2 Tracker wheels take up 4 ports already, and then potentiometer for tray and a line sensor on my tray for detecting cubes. I used to have pistons which took up every port. Also the old cortex had 8 digital and then another 12 for analog. But who cares if we get to use 12 motors in the future. YOU STILL HAVE ATLEAST 8 MORE PORTS LEFT. Im fine with 3 wire ports, but we should be able to use those other smart ports because as of right now they are basically useless
Chill, man.
He was just saying that the reason there are more ports is so that you have some wiggle room if some ports burn out.
Here he has a point. Stop complaining that there is not that many 3-wire ports because at least you have some. VEX could have completely taken the 3-wire ports out but they did not did they?
@Subway_Kid, I understand your frustration.
VEX promised Smart Port sensors and 3-Wire Expander (last section) for the legacy ports long time ago and still hadn’t delivered.
If your V5 Brain with non-functioning legacy ports is still on the warranty you could contact VEX Support and ask for a replacement unit.
If you have all 8 functioning 3-Wire ports, it is not that bad, because you are competing against other VRC teams that have to work with the same limit.
Finally, as the last resort you may try this technique that allows you to connect multiple simple sensors to a single 3-Wire legacy port:
Simple sensors would be digital (one state) switches and buttons.
For example, instead of using potentiometer and line sensor on your tray, you can hook up three limit switches to a single port: two for the end positions of the tray and one for detecting the cubes. This will save you, at least, one port without reducing end functionality.
And I hate to be the Troll, but it is NOT the V5 Cortex. It is the V5 Brain. The Cortex refers to the previous generation system.