In preparation for the VEX Worlds competition and with the release of the newest VEX Master Firmware 4.22, there are a couple of notes ROBOTC users should keep in mind. The information below will also be available in a flyer format from the ROBOTC team.
Using VEXNet 2.0 Keys with ROBOTC - VEX Worlds 2014
Stop by the VEXnet/Software Support for the latest firmware/utilities/software
1. Update the VEXNet 2.0 Keys Radio Firmware
- Attach your VEXNet 2.0 Key into any free USB port on your computer.
- Launch the “VEXnet 2.0 Radio Firmware Update” application.
- The update utility will check your key and being the upgrade it the key’s firmware is out of date.
Note: Each VEXNet 2.0 key must be upgraded to the same version to ensure correct pairing.
**2. Update the Cortex Master Processor and VEXNet Joystick Controller Firmware **
- With your VEX Cortex powered off, attach your VEX Cortex to your PC using the USB A-to-A cable.
- Once your VEX Cortex powers up via the USB A-to-A cable, turn your robot on (with a battery attached to the VEX Cortex) to ensure enough power is available for updating firmware.
- Launch the “VEXnet Firmware Upgrade Utility” application
- Once your hardware is detected, the utility will upgrade your master firmware.
3. Pair the VEXNet Joystick Controller and Cortex
You may need to pair the VEXNet Joystick Controller and Cortex together again once the update process has completed. In order to pair the Cortex and VEXNet Joystick Controller, you must:
- Unplug the VEX Cortex Microcontroller from the computer and turn the VEX Cortex off
- Connect the VEX Cortex Microcontroller to the Joystick Controller via the USB A-to-A cable (NOT the Programming Hardware kit)
- Once the two devices are physically connected, turn on the VEX Cortex Microcontroller and wait for the “VEXNet” lights on the Cortex and Joystick Controller to turn green. At this point, your joystick is properly paired!
4. Update the ROBOTC Firmware
- With your VEX Cortex powered off, attach your VEX Cortex to your PC using the USB A-to-A cable. (Note: Do not try to update firmware over the wireless connect at VEX Worlds!)
- Once your VEX Cortex powers up via the USB A-to-A cable, turn your robot on (with a battery attached to the VEX Cortex) to ensure enough power is available for updating firmware.
- Open your latest version of ROBOTC
- Navigate to the ‘Robot’ menu, scroll to the ‘Download Firmware’ option, and select the ‘Automatically Update VEX Cortex’ menu option. This will load the latest version of ROBOTC firmware onto the Cortex.
Important Note: Power cycle (turn off/turn on) your VEX Cortex Microcontroller before heading to the competition field after downloading user programs – doing so will ensure you properly connect to the field management system!
ROBOTC Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions
Known Issues with ROBOTC 3.63/4.08 with VEXNet 2.0 “Worlds Firmware”
- Wireless downloading of ROBOTC Firmware may timeout and fail.
- Wireless downloading of ROBOTC User Programs may timeout and fail.
Official Work Around: The VEXnet 2.0 wireless key may take longer than expected to find a wireless “download” channel, which will cause the download to timeout and fail. Attempting to download the program or firmware for a second time (and subsequent times) should succeed. If the download continues to fail, ensure you have a good wireless connection (green lights) before attempting the download again.
**Q: **I’ve attempted to download the code to my Cortex via a VEXNet connection, and ROBOTC has timed out the connection. How can I solve this?
A: See Known Issues above.
Q: I’m using the older-style VEXnet 1.0 (black) keys… do I need to upgrade ROBOTC?
*A: *No. You do not need to update your software/firmware versions if you are continuing to use the VEXnet 1.0 (black) keys. If you decide to switch to the new VEXnet 2.0 (white) keys, you WILL have to update your VEX Cortex microcontroller and VEX Wireless Game Controller firmware.
Q: Can I use the new VEXNet 2.0 keys with ROBOTC 3.62 or earlier?
A: The new VEXNet 2.0 keys are able to be used with ROBOTC 3.62 or earlier versions, but these versions WILL NOT support wireless downloading/debugging using VEXnet 2.0.
**Q: **I have a different version of ROBOTC on my computer, how can I upgrade to a VEXNet 2.0 compatible version?
A: Stop by the VEXnet/Software Support area at VEX Worlds for assistance in upgrading.
**Q: **My VEXNet connection keeps dropping, but was working well at home/school. Why?
A: We have typically seen high amounts of radio traffic at VEX Worlds – especially around the practice fields. Too many VEXnet connections in a small area may saturate the wireless spectrum and make it difficult to download/debug wirelessly. Moving to a less crowded location may alleviate this issue, but we recommend downloading/debugging over a tether/USB A-to-A cable.
Q: The VEXNet lights on my Joystick Controller/Cortex will not turn green. How do I solve this?
A: Repeat the steps listed above, and make sure the keys are firmly seated in the Cortex and Joystick Controller. If you continue to have difficulty, stop by the VEXnet Support Area for assistance.
Q: I have a different issue/question.
A: Stop by the VEXnet/Software Support Area with any other hardware or software issues or questions.