There is a very useful diagnostic tool built into all the V5 Smart Devices. The Smart Port on the V5 Smart Device has a red light which can be used for diagnostic purposes to ensure the Smart Port on the V5 Robot Brain, the V5 Smart Cable, and the V5 Smart Device are all communicating correctly.
Step 1: Plug the Smart Device into a port of a powered-on V5 Robot Brain
Step 2: Observe the light on the Device's Smart Port.
Diagnostic Test - Passed
| V5 Device Smart Port Red Light Behavior | Indicates |
| Constantly illuminated | The Smart Device is idle and receiving power - Good device and connection |
| Rapidly flashing | The Smart Device is under the control of the dashboard of the V5 Robot Brain's Devices Menu - Good device and connection |
Diagnostic Test - Failed
| V5 Device Smart Port Red Light Behavior | Indicates |
| The Smart Port light is slowly flashing a red light - once per second. | The Smart Device is receiving power, but there is no communication between it and the V5 Robot Brain. - Bad V5 Smart Device, Smart Cable, or V5 Robot Brain Smart Port |
| The Smart Port light is not illuminated. | There is no power getting to the V5 Smart Device. - Bad V5 Device, Smart Cable, or V5 Robot Brain Smart Port |
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check that the Smart Port connectors on both the Smart Device and the V5 Robot Brain are fully inserted and their locking tabs are engaged.
- Ensure the V5 Robot Brain firmware is up to date.
- Try another Smart Cable (preferably not a custom-made cable).
- Switch the Smart Cable connecting the Smart Device to the V5 Robot Brain to a different port on the V5 Robot Brain.
If these steps do not solve the issue, then e-mail: support@vex.com.