Using the Console in VEXcode AIM – VEX Library

The Console allows the user to display messages, report sensor values, or to present data from VEXcode AIM projects. The Console also allows users to input values or commands to the VEX AIM Coding Robot and save the outputs as a text file.

The Console can also be used to display process information, providing visual cues that enable the user to see what is happening in a VEXcode AIM project at a specific moment in time, thereby making a visual connection between the project and the actions of the robot.

Connecting to the Console Serial Port in Web-Based VEXcode AIM

To print to the Console in web-based VEXcode AIM, a connection to the Console Serial Port is needed. This second port is needed because the first serial port links the robot to the device for project downloads from a browser. If you are using app-based VEXcode AIM, skip to the How to Open the Console section.

Note: To print to the Console, the robot must stay connected to the device via a USB cable while using the Console Serial Port.

Screenshot of the VEXcode AIM Console. An error message is shown explaining that the Console Serial Port is not currently connected so the Console is unavailable.

If the Console Serial Port is not connected, the Console in VEXcode AIM will show as unavailable.

The Robot menu in VEXcode shows a green robot icon, and is open with the Connect Console Serial Port button on the bottom highlighted.

Ensure the robot is connected to the device via the first web-serial port. For more information on this connection process, view the article Connecting with a Wired Connection to VEXcode AIM
Select Connect Console Serial Port.

macOS/Chromebook

Connection prompt in VEXcode explaining to macOS and Chromebook users that in the following window, they need to select the option with the higher ID number.

Windows

Connection prompt in VEXcode explaining to Windows users that in the following window, they need to select the option reading VEX Robotics User Port.

Select each image above to enlarge.

A prompt will appear based on your device. Select Continue.

macOS/Chromebook

Window for choosing the Brain with the higher ID number on macOS and Chromebook devices. The higher ID number option is highlighted.

Windows

Window for choosing the port on a Windows device open with the VEX Robotics User Port highlighted.

Select each image above to enlarge.

macOS/Chromebook: Select the AIM with the HIGHEST ID number from the list. The lowest ID number will already be paired.
Select Connect once your choice is highlighted.
Windows: Select User Port. The Communications Port will already be paired.
Select Connect once your choice is highlighted.

The Robot menu in the VEXcode Toolbar is open with a green robot icon, and the row in the menu reading Console Serial Port Connected is highlighted.

Once the connection is successful, the Console Serial Port will display as Connected. The Console will now be available for use.

How to Open the Console

Monitor icon representing the option to Monitor Console in VEXcode AIM.

The Console is located in the Monitor Console in VEXcode AIM. To open the Console, select the Monitor Console icon next to Help.

VEXcode AIM Monitor Console. A highlight is on the bottom half of the console indicating the Console.

The Monitor Console will open once selected. The Console is located at the bottom of the Monitor Console.

Using the Console

VEXcode AIM Console. Inside is a message in green that reads AIM Console connected with three green greater than symbols on the following line.

After downloading each project, the Console will show that it is downloaded by printing "AIM Project downloaded"

Sending Information to the Robot

VEXcode AIM Console with a highlight on the text box at the bottom that reads Send to Robot.

When using the Console in a project, you have the ability to send information to the robot. Select the Send to Robot text box and type your chosen input.

VEXcode AIM Console with text inside of the text box. A highlight is shown on the Send button.

When your message is complete, select the Send button or press the Return / Enter key on your keyboard.

An example of a project in the Console that uses the input from the user and appends that input to the response from the robot.

There are many ways to use the send to robot function in your projects. This could include sending specific commands to the robot through the Console, using inputs to create new outputs, and more.

Learn more about how to use the Console in a VEXcode AIM project in the VEXcode API Reference - AIM.

Save or Copy from the Console

The same image as the previous with the Save button on the bottom highlighted.

It is easy to save information from the Console onto your device. Select SAVE on the bottom of the Console to save all text as a .txt file.

VEXcode AIM Console with a highlight on the Copy to Clipboard option in the bottom right beneath the console.

You also can select the COPY TO CLIPBOARD option to save the Console information to your clipboard then paste into another type of file.

Clear the Screen in the Console

A clear button highlighted in red box in the Console.

You can clear the entire Console by selecting the CLEAR button.

You can also clear a single row or the entire Console by using Blocks or Python commands. To learn more, visit the VEXcode API Reference - API.