Sensors

Introduction to Sensors

VEX has a series of sensors that are available to use on your robot. These sensors return values to the Brain, which you can use in your code to program the autonomous part of the match more precise and accurate.

Digital Sensors

These sensors use the V5 Smart Cables to connect to the Robot Brain. These are usually more complex than the 3-wire sensors.

Vision Sensor

The vision sensor has a camera built-in and is able to detect objects and colours. These could be a little challenging to program, but could be used to your advantage in automating processes.

Inertial Sensor

The inertial sensor is a combination of a gyroscope and accelerometer. This allows you to measure the linear acceleration of the robot and also the rates of rotation on all three axis. It also calibrates automatically and so is much easier to use than the 3-wire gyroscopes.

3-Wire Sensors

These 3-Wire Sensors come from the old days of the VEX Cortex. They are more analogue than digital sensors and have limited values and accuracy. As they are 3-wire, they can not be plugged into the Smart Cable Ports and can only be plugged into the 3-Wire Ports.

Ultrasonic Range Finder

This device emits a high frequency wave to detect obstacles and measure distances. The Ultrasonic Range Finder is similar to the Vision Sensor but is a of an older generation.

Limit Switch

The limit switch, seen in the photo to the left, sends a signal to the Brain when they are triggered. The bendable metal arm is very versatile and can be used to control many contraptions. The arm can be removed if needed and the switch can be attached with a screw joint.

Bumper Switch

The bumper switch is similar to the limit switch where it sends a signal when it is triggered. although the bumper switch has a large red bumper, allowing for a bigger area of sensor. However, it is less versatile and only senses in one direction.

Potentiometer

The potentiometer is a sensor which can determine the position and direction of a shaft. This function is similar to the motor's built-in encoder, but this can be used in a shaft that is not directly connected to a motor. Due to its limited rotation, it is a good sensor for a lever or arm. The potentiometer can only rotate up to 250 degrees and will break if it tries to rotate over.

Line Tracker

The line tracker allows the robot to tell objects apart based on how dark and light the objects are. This sensor can be used to track lines in the field or light contrasting objects. However, the new vision sensor allows for you to do the same and more.

Optical Shaft Encoder

The optical shaft encoder has the same functions as the motor's built-in encoder. This sensor still has a purpose of measuring rotations when the axle is not directly connected to a motor.

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