If you have attempted to update your VEX EXP Controller's firmware and your controller power indicator LED is fast red blinking, this means that part of the firmware on your controller is failing to load and needs to be repaired to continue using your controller.
Please note that there are two different microcontrollers inside of the VEX EXP Controller with firmware - each firmware will produce the same flashing red indication, but the connection process to fix the issue is different. Each process will be outlined in this article.
VEXcode EXP Web-Based Windows Users: You MUST install a driver before attempting this process. View this article for the steps to install the driver before continuing.
The firmware recovery process can only be done via a wired connection. This means that you must use a computer such as a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook. Tablets utilize a bluetooth connection and are not supported at this time. Your VEX EXP Controller must be hard-wired connected to your device via a USB-C cable.
App-Based VEXcode EXP - Repairing Both Controller Firmwares
- Open up app-based VEXcode EXP installed on your computer. Make sure you have no other VEX applications open.
- Connect your VEX EXP Controller to your computer via a USB-C cable.
- You will be prompted to update your Controller's firmware.
- Select Update and wait for the update process to complete.
- If the update fails or there is no progress in the update process for more than 2 minutes, please disconnect your controller, wait 10 seconds and then reconnect, before trying step 3 again.
- If you are still unable to repair the controller, please remove the battery from the controller for at least 30 seconds before trying again.
- In some configurations, local computer restrictions may prevent the firmware update. Please try the web-based version if all steps to this point have been unsuccessful. The web-based steps are outlined below.
Web-Based VEXcode EXP - Repairing Primary Controller Firmware
- Connect your VEX EXP Controller to your computer via a USB-C cable.
- Open the web-based version of VEXcode EXP at codeexp.vex.com
- Select the controller icon in the top menu, and then Recover (Fast Red Blinking) in the Controller window.
- Follow the prompts in VEXcode EXP and when asked to connect to the controller you should see VEX EXP Controller FW Upgrade as an option.
- If you do not see VEX EXP Controller FW Upgrade as an option, try the following:
- Try reconnecting your Controller to the device.
- Ensure no other VEX applications are open.
- If on Windows, ensure you have the Driver installed.
- Try the "Repairing Secondary Controller Firmware" section outlined below.
- Continue the update process by following all the prompts in VEXcode EXP.
Web-Based VEXcode EXP - Repairing Secondary Controller Firmware
- Connect your VEX EXP Controller to your computer via a USB-C cable.
- Open the web-based version of VEXcode EXP at codeexp.vex.com
- Select the controller icon in the top menu, and then Connect.
- Select the VEX EXP Communications Port and then Connect.
- You will be prompted to update your Controller's firmware.
- Select Update and wait for the update process to complete.
- If the update fails or there is no progress in the update process for more than 2 minutes, please disconnect your controller, wait 10 seconds and then reconnect, before trying step 3 again.
Note: If you attempt to connect and do not see the controller in the window and you have already tried the process for the main firmware repair, please remove the battery from the controller for at least 30 seconds before trying again with the "Repairing Primary Controller Firmware" section.
If you are still having issues, please send feedback via the Feedback button in VEXcode EXP. Ensure to include diagnostic data and an email address. For more information about sending feedback, read Using the Share and Feedback Buttons in VEXcode EXP. Then, please contact VEX support.