Robotics Jumpstart Training II EasyC: Software & Firmware Updates
Objectives: Learn how to update EasyC Current Version: 4.2.1.9 Learn how to update Firmware VEX Joystick (Controller) VEX Microcontroller (Cortex)
VEX Firmware (Test the Control System)
Open EasyC V4 for Cortex Go to the start menu and select easyc V4 for Cortex. - or - Click on the easyc icon on the desktop.
Check to make sure you have the current version of EasyC v4 for Cortex.
Download and install the current version of EasyC if your version is out of date. Close EasyC if the webpage says: You are running the current version of easyc v4.
Turn the robot off.
Connect the Cortex to a computer with a USB A-to-A cable.
Open the IFI VEXnet Firmware Upgrade Utility 1 2
Follow the instructions on the screen.
VEX Default Code (Downloading the Default Program)
Use the default code to test your robot with a program that works. Plug in the motors as shown in the chart above. The y-axis of the left joystick will control the left wheels and the y-axis of the right joystick will control the right wheels.
Default Code: Joystick Mappings Motor # Connected To Channel Button 1 left drive motor 3 left stick, y-axis 2 left drive motor 3 left stick, y-axis 3 left drive motor 3 left stick, y-axis 4 right drive motor 2 right stick, y-axis 5 right drive motor 2 right stick, y-axis 6 additional motor or servo 5 left trigger buttons 7 additional motor or servo 6 right trigger buttons 8 additional motor or servo 7 left button pad, U/D 9 additional motor or servo 8 right button pad, U/D 10 right drive motor 2 right stick, y-axis
Connect the Cortex to a computer with a USB A-to-A cable.
Open EasyC V4 for Cortex Go to the start menu and select easyc V4 for Cortex. - or - Click on the easyc icon on the desktop.
Click Downlod easyc Default Code
If your robot doesn t work with the default code: 1. Check to make sure the firmware is up to date. 2. Check the wiring. 2-wire connectors are connected black to black and red to red. 3-wire PWMs are plugged in with the black wire on the outside. 3. Check for mechanical failures: loose screws axles coming out of motors
My code won t download! (Is your robot on?) The POWER switch should be ON. The ROBOT light should be green (charged battery). The VEXnet light should be green (connected). Make sure to turn your joystick on too.
My code won t download! (Did you use a fresh battery?) What color is the ROBOT light on the controller? green: okay battery red: dead battery
My code won t download! (Is the robot connected to the computer?) USB A-A cable computer joystick remove the VEXnet key robot controller The USB A-A cable should be plugged into the robot controller in the USB port where the VEXnet key normally plugs in. The other end of the USB A-A cable should be plugged into a USB port on the computer.
My robot doesn t drive right! (Are the motors plugged in correctly?) Everything should be plugged in according to the Controller Configuration
My robot doesn t drive right! (Did you use servos instead of motors?) check the label motors spin continuously (360 of rotation) the controller sets the speed (-127 to +127) servos spin back and forth (120 of rotation) the controller sets the location (-127 to +127)