Important note about using ROBOTC with the Cortex Microcontroller

VEX News
1

This is an important note about using ROBOTC for Cortex & PIC with the Cortex Microcontroller.

Please note that the only version of ROBOTC for Cortex & PIC approved for use with the Cortex is 2.20.1 BETA.

Using previous versions may permanently damage the Cortex Microcontroller. Just powering on a Cortex that was programmed with a previous version can result in permanent damage to the Cortex unit.

The latest version of ROBOTC for Cortex & PIC is available for download here: http://www.robotc.net/download/cortex/

-The VEX Robotics Team

2

Can you be more specific about the damage that might be caused, and how to prevent it from happening? I mean, how can I replace the code without turning the power on even once?

3

You can burn out the 2-pin H-bridges, this error has been fixed in newer versions of RobotC.

_Cody

4

what will happen to the cortex? like how do you know?

5

wow thats new, a cortex bricker
now theres gonna be a VEX virus going around!
in seriousness, i hope the other team leader didnt do anything to our new cortex yet…
school didnt even start :frowning:

6

Source: https://vexforum.com/t/smoked-cortex/17496/1&highlight=smoked+cortex

Search guys, this is old news.

Just update and you’ll be fine. :wink:

_Cody

7
  1. Leave the Cortex power switch in the off position
  2. Disconnect the 7.2v battery from the Cortex
  3. remove the Vexnet key from the Cortex
  4. Use the USB-A to USB-A cable to connect the Cortex to a computer,
    and the Cortex lights will come on.
  5. Attempt to download new code.
  • There will likely be a prompt to download new mastercode as well, using the IFI loader utility.
8

con you do the same thing by overheating the cortex?

9

No. This sort of thing only happens when the firmware tells the motor controller (within the Cortex) to run forwards and backwards at the same time.*

Once the glitch in the way ROBOTC controlled the speed controllers was fixed, all problems were solved.

-John
*
-Note, this is just a “layman’s” description of what is happening (for clarification purposes).