Vex Robotics VEXnet Link Setup Manual

Setup

Establishing a VEXnet Link

In this document, you will learn how to pair a VEX Cortex Microcontroller to a VEXnet Remote

Control, allowing them to communicate over VEXnet. This document assumes that you have

already updated the master firmware on the VEX Cortex and VEXnet Remote Control.

VEXnet is an 802.11 WiFi communication system between the VEX Cortex and VEXnet Remote Control.

VEXnet features include:

• Easy to connect (No IP addresses, MAC addresses, passwords, or special security modes)

• Multiple layers of security built-in and always on

• No wireless access point needed; each VEXnet pair makes its own private network

• Hundreds of robots can operate at once; every VEXnet robot has a hidden unique ID

• Optional tether for wired communication

• Optional 9V battery backup to maintain wireless link during a main 7.2V power loss

• LED scheme displays the status of the Robot, VEXnet link, and Game (Competition Mode)

1. Begin by connecting both the Cortex and VEXnet Remote Control to charged batteries.

1a. Connect a Battery to the Cortex

1b. Install Batteries in the VEXnet Remote Control

Robotics Systems

Setup Guide

Connect a 7.2V robot battery to the Cortex,

but do not power it ON.

Remove the battery cover plate on the remote

control. Install 6 AAA batteries, and replace the

battery cover plate. Do not power the remote

control ON.

ROBOTC

VEXnet Setup Guide

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Table of Contents

Do you have a question about the VEXnet Link and is the answer not in the manual?

Page 1 • Optional 9V battery backup to maintain wireless link during a main 7.2V power loss • LED scheme displays the status of the Robot, VEXnet link, and Game (Competition Mode) 1. Begin by connecting both the Cortex and VEXnet Remote Control to charged batteries.
Page 2 ROBOTC Setup Establishing a VEXnet Link Setup Guide (cont.) 2. Tether the USB port on the VEXnet Remote Control to the USB port on the Cortex using a USB A-to-A cable. 2a. VEXnet Remote Control USB Port Plug one end of the USB A-to-A cable into the USB port on the VEXnet Remote Control.
Page 3 ROBOTC Setup Establishing a VEXnet Link Setup Guide (cont.) 4. Turn the Cortex OFF. 5. Remove the USB A-to-A cable from the VEXnet Remote Control and Cortex. 6. Insert VEXnet USB Keys into both the VEXnet Remote Control and Cortex.
Page 4 7c. Status LEDs After roughly 10 seconds, the ROBOT and VEXnet status LEDs will start blinking green. With the VEXnet link established, you should power OFF your Cortex and VEXnet Remote Control to preserve battery. © Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy / For use with VEX...
Page 5 ROBOTC Setup Establishing a VEXnet Link Setup Guide (cont.) Troubleshooting Slow blinking green ROBOT light on the Cortex Issue: Download the Cortex Master Firmware using ROBOTC. Solution: Slow blinking ROBOT green light on the VEXnet Remote Control Issue: Push and hold CONFIG button for about 5 seconds, until the status Solution: LEDs starts blinking green.