The VEX VS Code Extension enables users to update the VEXos (VEX Operating System) for a specific VEX Brain or VEX Controller to ensure that the VEX system can function properly.

How to update the VEXos for the VEX Brain in VS Code

The VEX VS Code Extension allows users to update the VEXos for the VEX IQ (2nd gen) Brain, the VEX EXP Brain, and the VEX V5 Brain.

  • Connect the VEX Brain to the computer using a Micro-USB cable (VEX V5 Brain) or a USB-C cable (VEX EXP Brain and IQ 2nd Brain) and power on the VEX Brain.

    V5 Brain is shown connected to a V5 Battery using a Battery Cable and a laptop using a Micro-USB cable.
  • Connect the Vex Brain to the VEX VS Code Extension. Click on the VEX Icon on the Activity Bar.

    VEX Robotics Extension icon in the VS Code side menu is highlighted.
  • The VEX view will open in the Side Bar. When the VEX Brain’s VEXos version is out of date, both Brain Icons under VEX DEVICE INFO turn yellow, and a Warning Message Icon appears next to VEXos under the system subcategory. In this case, the user will need to update the VEXos for the VEX Brain.

    Brain folder icon and the VEX Device Indicator icon are shown in orange, and there is a hazard symbol next to the system's VEXos version. These signs indicate that the Brain's VEXos version is out of date.
  • Hover the mouse over the icon or text of the Brain category in the VEX view.

    Cursor is hovering over the out of date Brain's folder and there is an Up Arrow icon next to it.
  • An Up Arrow Icon will appear next to the Brain category. Click on the Up Arrow Icon to update the VEXos for the VEX Brain.

    Cursor is hovering over the out of date Brain's folder and the Up Arrow icon next to it is highlighted.
  • Once the VEXos has been updated, the Brain Icon of the VEX Device Indicator will turn green, the Brain Icon of the Brain category will turn white, and the Warning Message Icon next to VEXos will disappear.

    VEX Device Info section with the VEX Device Indicator and Brain folders highlighted. The VEX Device Indicator folder icon is colored green and the Brain folder icon has turned white. There is no hazard symbol next to the system's VEXos version. These signs indicate that the Brain's VEXos firmware is up to date.

How to update the VEXos for the VEX Controller in VS Code

The VEX VS Code Extension allows users to update the VEXos for the VEX IQ (2nd gen) Controller and the VEX EXP Controller.

  • Connect the VEX Controller to the computer using a USB-C cable and power on the VEX Controller.

    V5 Controller is connected to a laptop using a USB-C cable.
  • Connect the Vex Controller to the VEX VS Code Extension. Click on the VEX Icon on the Activity Bar.

    VEX Robotics Extension icon in the VS Code side menu is highlighted.
  • The VEX view will open in the Side Bar. When the VEX Controller’s VEXos version is out of date, both Controller Icons under VEX DEVICE INFO turn yellow and Warning Message Icons appear next to the radio and usb information. In this case, the user will need to update the VEXos for the VEX Controller.

    Controller folder icon and the VEX Device Indicator icon are shown in red, and there are warning symbols next to the Radio and USB information. These signs indicate that the Controller's VEXos version is out of date.
  • Hover the mouse over the icon or text of the Controller category in the VEX view.

    Cursor is hovering over the out of date Controller's folder and there is an Up Arrow icon next to it.
  • An Up Arrow Icon will appear next to the Controller category. Click on the Up Arrow Icon to update the VEXos for the VEX Brain.

    Cursor is hovering over the out of date Brain's folder and the Up Arrow icon next to it is highlighted.
  • Once the VEXos has been updated, the Controller Icon of the VEX Device Indicator will turn green, the Controller Icon of the Controller category will turn white, and the Warning Message Icon next to the radio and usb information will disappear.

    VEX Device Info section with the VEX Device Indicator and Controller folders shown. The VEX Device Indicator folder icon is colored green and the Controller folder icon has turned white. There is no hazard symbol next to the Controller's usb information. These signs indicate that the Controller's VEXos firmware is up to date.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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