Charging the Controller - IQ (1st gen)

The Controller can be charged with a USB Cable (the recommended method) or with a Tether Cable. This article will cover each of those charging methods.

Charging a Controller Battery with a USB Cable

Diagram of the VEX IQ Controller, illustrating its buttons and features for programming and controlling robots, designed for educational use in robotics for beginners and students.

Connect the Controller to a Computer or other USB power source.

  • Connect the microUSB to the Controller’s Charge port and the USB to the computer or other USB power source.
  • Ensure the Controller is turned on.

NOTE: The Controller can also be charged by connecting the USB cable to a USB wall adapter.

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Charging a Controller Battery with a Tether Cable

Image of the VEX IQ Controller, showcasing its buttons and layout, used for programming and controlling VEX IQ robots in educational settings and competitions.

  1. Tether the Controller to the VEX IQ Robot Brain.
    • Connect one end of the Tether Cable to the powered-off Brain with a charged VEX IQ Robot Battery and the other end to the Controller.
    • Listen for the “click” when the Tether Cable is inserted into the Controller and Brain to confirm that the Tether Cable is attached securely.

NOTE: Charging the Controller this way is will partially deplete the Robot Battery’s charge.

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Image showing the VEX IQ Controller, highlighting its buttons and features for programming and controlling robots, designed for educational use and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

  1. Turn on the Brain to begin charging.

Indicator Lights

VEX IQ Controller image showing its layout, buttons, and features, illustrating the interface used for programming and controlling VEX IQ robots in educational settings.

NOTE: There are three possible colors for the Charge/Game LED: green, red, and gray.

Charge / Game LED Color   Status

Diagram of the VEX IQ Controller, showcasing its buttons, joystick, and LED indicators, designed for educational robotics use to help beginners understand the control interface for programming and operating VEX IQ robots.

Solid Green Controller Battery is completely charged

Diagram of the VEX IQ Controller, illustrating its buttons, joystick, and layout, designed to assist educators and students in understanding the controller's functions for programming and operating VEX IQ robots.

Solid Red Controller Battery charge in progress

Image of the VEX IQ Controller, showcasing its buttons and layout, designed for educational robotics use. This controller is part of the VEX IQ platform, which supports programming and building robots for students and beginners.

Blinking Red Controller Battery fault

Image showing the VEX IQ Controller, highlighting its buttons and features for programming and controlling VEX IQ robots, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Off Not charging

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

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