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Understanding Button and Joystick Names - IQ Controller

VEXcode IQ can access the data from an IQ Controller by referencing the buttons and joystick axes by their names.

Position and Names of Buttons and Joysticks

The image below shows the button and joystick names and locations. Buttons return values of:

  • 1 - Pressed
  • 0 - Not Pressed / Released

Diagram of the IQ (2nd Gen) Controller with its buttons and joysticks labeled. Above is a view from the front of the controller, with the left joystick's axis labeled as A and B. The left joystick's center button is labeled L3. The two round buttons below the left joystick are labeled E Up and E Down. The right joystick's axis are labeled as C and D. The right joystick's center button is labeled R3. The two round buttons below the right joystick are labeled F Up and F Down. Below is a view of the top of the controller to show the shoulder buttons. The two buttons on the left side of the controller are labeled L Up and L Down, and the two buttons on the right side of the controller are labeled R Up and R Down.

Each joystick axis returns a value between -100 to +100, and returns a value of zero when centered. View this animation to see an example of the joystick's values as it is moved on each axis.

Note:The Controller pictured in the animation is a (1st generation) Controller. However, the values are the same for both IQ (1st and 2nd gen) Controllers. 

Blocks that include Controller Buttons and Joysticks

When programming in VEXcode IQ, understanding the button and joystick names, as well as their position on the Controller, helps determine which block should be used. 

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ with the Devices menu open. A connected Controller is listed and highlighted in the Devices menu. The blocks Toolbox is open and the Controller input event blocks are highlighted.

Once the Controller is configured, Controller blocks will be visible in the Toolbox.

For more information on using the Controller, see articles in the Controller section of the STEM Library.

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

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