Introducing RGB-Template: A Simple VS Code C++ V5 Competition Template + a Fun Web App for Controlling VEX Robot from a smartphone

RGB-Template

Target Audience

RGB-Template is designed for teams just getting started with VEX V5 C++ programming and do NOT use odometry (tracking wheel) setups.

The focus is on simplicity and ease of use, so you can get your robot up and running quickly without needing to dive into complex positioning systems.

Features

  • Simple PID drive control for consistent autonomous movement

  • Modular architecture for clean robot configuration and control structure

  • Built-in test mode that lets you step through and test all autonomous routines during driver control

  • Sample web app that allows real-time robot control from a smartphone

Demo Videos

Download & Source Code

RGB-Template on GitHub

The code is well-commented and includes documentation so you can easily follow along. Feel free to:

  • Adapt it for your own robot

  • Extend the library with new features

  • Or simply borrow ideas to incorporate them into your own VEX library!

Learning First

RGB-Template is meant to be a learning tool. While you can drop it onto a robot and run it, the real value comes from understanding the code, experimenting with it, and adapting it to fit your team’s workflow.

Please don’t treat it as a “black box” to use in competition without knowing how it works. Instead:

  • Read through the comments and documentation

  • Modify the PID constants, drive modes parameters, and button mappings to see how changes affect the robot

  • Write your own autonomous routines using the provided APIs

  • Explore the web app integration to understand how messages are sent and received

The goal is to help new teams learn C++ programming concepts and build confidence, not to replace the process of problem-solving and debugging.

Whether you’re a beginner team looking for a lightweight starting point or just curious about trying smartphone robot control, RGB-Template is here to make VEX coding and testing easier and more fun!

We also created a new, simplified Python version of the template specifically designed for beginner teams.

Follow the instructions on the readme.md file to use it. Have fun coding!