Skill Set 1: Driver/Operator Competitive VEX Robot Designer Terminal Objective 1.3: operate the Tumbler using a jumper pin Performance Objective: Using a Cortex microcontroller and EasyC V4, operate the Tumbler successfully using a jumper pin. Enabling Objectives: 1. match the following parts to their description and/or function: VEX jumper pin, VEXnet Joystick, USB A-A cable, EasyC V4 for Cortex, VEXnet USB adapter key, USB to serial cable, Default code 2. sync VEXnet joystick and microcontroller 3. install VEXnet adaptor keys 4. describe the process to download the Default code 5. explain the purpose of the Default code 6. explain LED codes on the microcontroller and joystick with potential problems Laboratory Hardware: The following materials and hardware are required and unique to this lesson: VEX jumper pin Learning Activities: 1. View PowerPoint presentation and complete Activity Sheet 1.3, Operate the Tumbler Using a Jumper Pin. 2. Download Default code and operate Tumbler using a jumper pin. Formative Evaluation: Activity Sheet 1.3, Operate the Tumbler Using a Jumper Pin, will be used to assess student progress. The answers to Activity Sheet 1.3 are as follows: Matching 1. D 2. C 3. F 4. B 5. E 6. G 7. A Developed by Trevor Robinson Lesson 1.3 page 1
Short Answer 8. First install a 7.2V battery in the Cortex microcontroller. Next, plug the USB A-A cord into both the joystick and microcontroller. Then turn on the microcontroller and allow the microcontroller and joystick to sync. Once the four LEDs labeled ROBOT and VEXnet on the controller and joystick turn green, the two are synced. 9. The default code is the code that comes preinstalled on the microcontroller. Having this code downloaded allows basic operation of the tumbler in tank or arcade mode. 10. Plug in the orange USB-to-serial cord should be plugged into the joystick and computer. Switch the microcontroller and joystick on. Select Download Default code from the Build and Download tab. Allow the code to download. 11. The LEDs labeled Joystick, ROBOT, and VEXnet on the joystick should be green. The ROBOT and VEXnet LEDs on the microcontroller should also be green. 12. There is no synchronization between the joystick and the microcontroller. 13. The backup battery for the microcontroller is either low or not present. 14. The main battery for the microcontroller is low. 15. Tank mode operates like a tank; one joystick will control the left side while the other joystick controls the right side. In arcade mode the both sides of the robot or all four motors are controller by one single joystick. Summative Evaluation: Performance Assessment 1.3, Operate the Tumbler Using a Jumper Pin, will be used to measure the performance objective. In addition, the following test items could be used to measure the enabling and terminal objectives on a unit or end-of-level test: 1. What is the current version of software used to program the VEX Cortex microcontroller? A. EasyC Pro B. EasyC V2 C. EasyC V3.5 D. EasyC V4 2. Which cable is used to sync the VEXnet Joystick to the microcontroller? A. USB A-A B. USB to Bluetooth C. USB to serial D. USB to VEXnet Developed by Trevor Robinson Lesson 1.3 page 2
3. With the Default code downloaded, the Tumbler will operate in Arcade mode when the orange jumper pin is installed in digital port: A. 1. B. 6. C. 7. D. 12. 4. Which of the following components allows the microcontroller and joystick to communicate wirelessly? A. USB A-A cable B. USB to serial cable C. VEXnet USB adapter keys D. VEX jumper pin Developed by Trevor Robinson Lesson 1.3 page 3
Performance Assessment 1.3 Name: Start Date: Skill Set: Driver/Operator Terminal Objective 1.3: operate the Tumbler using a jumper pin Performance Objective: Using a Cortex microcontroller and EasyC V4, operate the Tumbler successfully using a jumper pin. Performance Assessment Elements Acceptable Unacceptable 1. Initial components necessary for Tumbler to operate using a jumper pin a) Default code is downlaoded b) Jumper pins are inserted into the proper digital ports c) Motors are working with each other, not fighting against each other 2. Tumbler functions successfully Note: All items must receive an acceptable rating to pass the objective. Evaluator: Date: Developed by Trevor Robinson Lesson 1.3 page 4
Activity Sheet 1.3 Operate the Tumbler Using a Jumper Pin Name: Date: Directions: Match the description or purpose of the items in the left column with the best selection from the list of items in the right column by writing the corresponding letter in the space provided. 1. Orange three pronged pin used in the digital ports of the microcontroller 2. Device interfaced with the robot s microcontroller 3. Cable used to sync the joystick and microcontroller 4. Software used to program the Cortex microcontroller 5. Used to allow wireless communication between joystick and microcontroller 6. Orange cable used to download a program 7. Program that comes already installed in the microcontroller A. default code B. EasyC V4 C. EasyC Pro D. VEX jumper pin E. VEXnet USB adapter keys F. USB A-A cable G. USB to serial cable H. VEXnet Joystick I. USB to Bluetooth Short Answer Directions: Write your answer in the space provided. 8. Explain the process of syncing a VEXnet joystick with a Cortex microcontroller. 9. What is the purpose of downloading the default code? Developed by Trevor Robinson Lesson 1.3 page 5
10. Describe the process for downloading the Default code onto the Cortex microcontroller. 11. What light sequence should be displayed when the VEXnet Joystick and Cortex microcontroller are properly synced? 12. What is the problem if the VEXnet LED on the joystick is flashing red? 13. What is the problem if the ROBOT LED on the microcontroller is quickly flashing red? 14. What is the problem if the ROBOT LED on the microcontroller is solid yellow? 15. Describe the difference between tank and arcade driving modes. Developed by Trevor Robinson Lesson 1.3 page 6