Using the Blocks Competition Template in VEXcode V5

The Competition Template is an example project that has blocks already included to communicate with the Field Control System during competitions, ensures blocks are in compliance with field regulations, and aids in setting up projects in order to avoid complications and disqualification ("competition" refers to a VRC event using the official field control hardware).  


Open the Competition Template from the Examples Page

Screenshot of a V5 Blocks tutorial interface, showcasing various programming blocks and options for coding VEX robotics projects.


Screenshot of a VEX V5 Blocks programming interface, showcasing various programming blocks and their arrangement for educational tutorials.


Three sections of the template: Pre-autonomous, Autonomous Mode, and Driver Control

Screenshot of Vex V5 Blocks programming interface, showcasing various programming blocks and their arrangement for tutorial purposes.

Note: In order for your project to work at a competition, you must leave these hat blocks in your project. The hat blocks can be moved around, but must stay somewhere in the project. Create stacks from these hat blocks.


Use the When Started Block for any Pre-autonomous Setup

Screenshot of the V5 Blocks programming interface, showcasing various programming blocks and options available for users to create and customize their robotics projects.

The “When Started” hat block is used for any set-up your robot may need such as calibrating a gyro, setting variables, or other device settings. These blocks will run immediately when the project is started, before the autonomous portion of the match begins.

Note: If no setup is needed, the “When Started” stack can remain empty.


When Autonomous

Diagram illustrating various blocks used in V5 robotics tutorials, showcasing their functions and connections for educational purposes.

The “When Autonomous” hat block is used for controlling your robot during the autonomous portion of a VRC match. Blocks attached to this stack will run when the match begins the Autonomous period.

Note: If no Autonomous routine is desired, the “When Autonomous” stack can remain empty.


When Driver Control 

Screenshot of a VEX V5 Blocks programming interface, showcasing various programming blocks and their arrangement for creating a robot control program, as part of the Blocks Tutorials section.

The “When Driver Control” hat block is used for controlling your robot during the driver control portion of a VRC match.  Blocks attached to this stack will run when the match begins the Driver Control period.

Note: The “forever” loop is shown above as most users will place conditional C-Blocks in this stack to respond to input from the V5 Controller.

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

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