Embedded Files
Programming
Programming
While you can drive your robot automatically without programming in the VEX IQ brain, programming can help your robot perform better, especially during programming ming skills. It can make simplify driving for drivers and make your robot more efficient and robust. Yet, programming doesn't have to be hard, and if you have experience with Scratch blocks, even better
Why program?
Why program?
Programming is an essential part of VEX IQ. Programming is an important part of driving, especially if your mechanisms need to do something specific, coding is how you do it. Programming is also essential for programming skills, where you code your robot to play the game.
Getting Started
Getting Started
The simplest way to get started driving to using VEX Code. This coding language is made up of blocks like the language Scratch. It is the easiest and simplest for beginners to use.
Types of Blocks
Types of Blocks
Events
Events
The events hat block is the one that sets off the code, as well as sending messages to set off the code.
Drive
Drive
The drive blocks are the part of the code that allow your drivetrain to move. Made up of different driving and turning blocks, the drive blocks will be a huge part of coding an autonomous skills.
Looks
Looks
Looks can show certain things on the brain. The looks blocks can print out text, as well as other important information, especially when testing sensors.
Sensing
Sensing
The sensing portion of the code is mainly used for a robot that has sensors. It is also used to sense when buttons on the controller are pressed, which is essential for driving.
Operators
Operators
The operator blocks help with mathematical operations. It is also helpful to be used with variables.
Control
Control
Control mainly has loops, as well as the if, else statement. Control is important during coding, as waiting can help actions be finished.
Switching to Text Code
Switching to Text Code
As you go through your robotics journey, you may later find yourself wanting a challenge and deeper control in programming. If you feel that you have enough knowledge and experience coding in blocks, then switching to text-based code may pose the perfect challenge.
Text-based Code
Text-based Code
When converting VEX Code into text-based code by clicking option, it automatically converts everything to the programming language Python. From there, however, nearly everything stays the same. You can even drag lines of code from the menu option instead of manually typing like in block code.
Autonomous Coding Skills Matches
Autonomous Coding Skills Matches
The Autonomous Coding Skills Matches is a 60 second period in which teams can individually run their programs to score the most amount of points. The robot cannot be driven using the controller in any way, and can only move through pre-programmed commands and inputs from sensors.
When planning to program for the Autonomous Coding Skills, asking yourself these questions may help you:
What is the most efficient way to score points?
What garners the highest amount of points?
What can you do in the set amount of time?
After drafting a strategy for your Autonomous Coding Skills, program it and download it onto your robot. Your team will have to test the code over and over and change dimensions little by little to ensure the code is accurate.
Other Resources
Other Resources
These are other websites and sources that have helpful information on programming in VEX IQ.
The Vex Knowledge Base, which has a section on VEXcode IQ : https://kb.vex.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002324792-IQ
Scratch, which is a block code program that can allow you to develop your skills in programming as it is the same programming language as VEXcode IQ. https://scratch.mit.edu/
The VEX Forum, which is a compilation of valuable discussion made from other people who participate in VEX IQ. The Vex Forum is a continuous thread of questions and answers: https://www.vexforum.com/c/vex-iq-general-discussion/5
Configuring Electronics
Configuring Electronics
Step 1
Step 1
In VEX Code IQ, click on the devices button on the right side. This will open a page showing your devices, click on the "+" button
Step 2
Step 2
Pick the device you're adding, then put in the measurements for a chassis if you add one, and the motor ports
Step 3
Step 3
Click on done, and now your device is configured and able to be programmed.
Tips when configuring electronics:
Tips when configuring electronics:
Tip #1: Make sure to add the controller, this will automatically make it able to control the robot when running the code.
Tip#2: Add the correct measurements for the chassis. this will be especially important when coding autonomous, as if the chassis measurements on the code differ from the actual chassis, moving forward a certain amount will be different.
Tip #3: Triple-check the motor ports before tournaments, especially if you rebuild, as motor ports and devices may change.
Page updated
Report abuse