Can either RX1 or RX2 be used for output under program control? How can Analog/Digital ports TX and RX be used? I need I2C input/output or RS232 input/output for expansion (not constrained for FIRST competition) in addition to the SERIAL port.
No, the RX1 and RX2 are inputs to the Master processor and can not be changed. There are 2 Serial Ports on the User processor. One is connected to the Serial Port and the other one is connected to the RX and TX on the Analog/Digital connector. Both these Serial Ports are TTL levels and not RS232. Do not connect RS232 devices to these Serial Ports without level converters or damage may occur. There is no I2C bus available.
I’m interested in controlling the bot through the serial port. Is there any chance the online code that comes with easyC could be made public? Or perhaps a pointer to someone else who has done something like that.
**You can control through the serial port, but you will have to write your own interface / drivers. From one Vex user:
Any questions about easyC need to be directed to Intelitek at 1-800-777-6268 or at https://vexforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=30.**
Is there any way to have two VEX controllers communicate via their serial ports to exchange variables, motor speeds, parallel processing, etc? If so can it be done in EasyC via user code or must it be done in C?
Yes, you can send data of any kind (variables, motor speeds….) through the Serial Port. This can be done in C, but you must write the code to accomplish interfaceing 2 Vex Controllers. Can this be done in easy C, you must post your question in the easyC Technical Support Section.
Can you please give me the pinout for Rx1 or Rx2?
Here is pinout for the RX1 or RX2 ports:
Pin 1 - Power +5 volts (the right most pin when looking at the front connector on the Vex Controller)
Pin 2 - Receiver
Pin 3 - Gnd
Pin 4 - Tether Detect (the left most pin when looking at the front connector on the Vex Controller))
I would like to know the pinout of the serial port on the controller.
**The Serial Port is at TTL Levels. Connecting higher voltage Levels to this port can damage the Vex Controller.
Pin1: TTL-CTS (the right most pin when looking at the front of the Serial Port connector on the Vex Controller)
Pin2: + 5V out (1 Amp max from all external +5 V pins combined)
Pin3: TTL-RTS
Pin4: Ground
Pin5: TTL-RX in
Pin6: TTL-TX out (the left most pin when looking at the front of the Serial Port connector on the Vex Controller)**