V5 Brain

Brain Overview

The VEX V5 Brain is the processor in the VEX V5 robotics system. It receives information from the input devices (sensors), processes the information using the program that the software engineer develops, and sends information to the output devices (motors and LEDs).

The brain is a touchscreen device that includes built-in dashboards for every connected sensor and device. Dashboards provide real-time data for what a sensor or output device is doing. For example, a user can see the real-time power, torque, and velocity of the smart motor, as it is being used.

Connecting the Brain to VEXcode V5

To update the brain firmware and download programs to the brain, you need to connect the brain to your computer with a USB cable.

Check the Brain Firmware

Open VEXcode V5.
Connect the brain to its battery.
Connect the USB cord to the computer or Chromebook and connect its micro USB end to the brain.
To check the brain status, look at the BRAIN Status icon in VEXcode V5.

Updating the Brain Firmware

For your brain to run correctly, it needs to have the latest firmware installed on it. You can think of firmware as the software that allows the hardware to run.

Check the BRAIN status to identify whether it has the latest firmware installed.
- If green, the brain has the latest firmware.
- If orange, the firmware is not up to date. Proceed to step 2.
Plug your battery into a power source.
Select the Out Of Date button.

4. Wait while the firmware updates

5. Select OK and power cycle the brain (turn the brain off and back on).

6. You are now ready to download your program.

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