Playing custom imported sounds is a unique function in the VEXcode V5 software. This article will walk you through where and how to import sounds into VEXcode V5, the setup required to ensure the sounds play properly, and an explanation of how the play VEXcode sound command works.
VEXcode V5 Blocks
VEXcode V5 Python
# Library imports
from vex import *
# Begin project code
play_vexcode_sound("arrow")
drivetrain.drive_for(FORWARD, 200, MM)
play_vexcode_sound("game over")
VEXcode V5 C++
// Include the V5 Library
#include "vex.h"
// Allows for easier use of the VEX Library
using namespace vex;
int main() {
playVexcodeSound("arrow");
Drivetrain.driveFor(forward, 200, mm);
playVexcodeSound("game over");
}
Select the image above to enlarge.
Accessing the Play VEXcode Sound Command
By default, the play VEXcode sound command does not appear in the toolbox on the left side of the screen. The following steps explain how to enable the command.
Navigate to the File menu. Select ‘Tools’ and ‘Manage VEXcode Sounds.’
Note: this image shows blocks in the toolbox but the process is the same for C++ and Python projects.
The Manage VEXcode Sounds menu will then appear.
Select the check box to enable the play VEXcode sound command.
Functionality of the Manage VEXcode Sounds Menu
The Manage VEXcode Sounds menu is used to add sounds, edit sound names, and delete sounds.
Add a sound
Find an open row.
Enter the sound name into the associated ‘Name’ box.
When you input a new name, a blank row appears below the current row.
Paste the associated sound file URL into the same row as the new name.
When finished, select ‘Save Sounds.’
To edit the Manage VEXcode Sounds menu, select ‘Cancel.’
Save changes before hitting 'Cancel' to avoid losing any edits.
Delete a sound
Click the trash can icon to delete the sound linked to that row.
Select ‘Save Sounds’ to save the changes or ‘Cancel’ to exit the menu.
Note: at least one sound must always be listed in the table. The trash can icon will be grayed out when only one sound is left, to ensure one sound remains.
Edit a sound
You can edit a sound’s name or file URL by selecting it.
Select ‘Save Sounds’ to save the changes or ‘Cancel’ to exit the menu.
Connecting to the User/Console Port
To play custom sounds in web-based VEXcode V5, a connection to the user/console web-serial port is needed. This second port is needed because the first serial port links the V5 Brain to the device for project downloads from a browser.
For steps on how to connect the V5 Brain to the user/console port, view this article.
To play custom sounds, the V5 Brain MUST stay connected to the device via a USB cable while using the user/console web-serial port.
Using the Play VEXcode Sound Command
Drag and attach or type the play VEXcode sound command to your project. For more information on how the block functions, view the Help.
VEXcode V5 Blocks
VEXcode V5 Python
# Library imports
from vex import *
# Begin project code
play_vexcode_sound("game over")
VEXcode V5 C++
// Include the V5 Library
#include "vex.h"
// Allows for easier use of the VEX Library
using namespace vex;
int main() {
playVexcodeSound("game over");
}
Select the image above to enlarge.
Since the sounds play through the connected device, ensure the volume is up when playing sounds.
Ensure the V5 Brain remains connected to the device via a USB cable while the project is downloaded and running.
Note: custom sounds are stored into the VEXcode V5 project and will function as long as the specific project is loaded. If VEXcode V5 is closed or a new project is loaded, the sounds will not operate. However, upon reloading the original project file, the custom sounds will resume playing as anticipated.