Configuring Smart Motors in VEXcode IQ

When starting to program with VEXcode IQ, Motor blocks will not appear in the Toolbox until a motor has been configured.


Adding a Motor

Icon representing the selection of devices in the VEX IQ Robotics platform, used for configuring robots and enhancing educational experiences in robotics.

To configure a motor, select the Devices window icon to open the Devices window

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, which includes options for configuring VEX IQ robot settings and components for educational robotics programming.

Select the generation that you are working with.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ software interface showing the Robot Config section, featuring options for configuring VEX IQ robot settings and components, aimed at educational robotics users.

Select “Add a device.”

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, displaying options for configuring VEX IQ robot components and settings for programming and control.

Select “Motor.”

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, highlighting options for configuring VEX IQ robot components and settings for programming and operation.

Select which port the motor is attached to on the VEX IQ Brain. Ports that are already configured for other devices will be unavailable.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, featuring options for configuring VEX IQ robot settings and components, designed for educational purposes in robotics programming and project development.

Once the motor has been configured, select “Done” to submit the device to the configuration.

Note: Selecting “Cancel” will undo any changes you have made to the device and will not be a part of the configuration.

Note: To configure the motor further, see the additional options below.


Changing a Motor’s Port Number

Diagram showing the selection of motors for VEX IQ robotics, illustrating different motor types and their configurations within the VEX IQ system for educational robotics projects.

You can change the port number for the Motor by first selecting the Motor in the Devices window.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, illustrating options for configuring VEX IQ robotics components and settings for programming educational robotics projects.

Then, select the plug icon in the top right corner of the Options screen.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, featuring options for setting up and customizing VEX IQ robotics configurations for educational and beginner robotics projects.

Select its port on the Port Selection screen, and the port number will turn green. Then select Done to submit the change. 


Naming Motor Directions

Screenshot showing the process of renaming motors and block changes in VEXcode IQ, illustrating the configuration options for VEX IQ robotics platform users.

The Motor Options screen allows you to rename the directions the motor spins from their default of “forward” and “reverse”.  For example, if configuring the Arm Motor of a VEX IQ Clawbot, you can rename the directions to “Up” and “Down”. Then select Done to submit the device changes to the configuration. 


Renaming a Motor 

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface displaying the Robot Config section, showcasing options for configuring VEX IQ robotics systems, including motor and sensor settings for educational robotics projects.

You can also rename the motor by changing the name in the text box at the top of the Options screen. If you select an invalid name, the text box will highlight red to indicate. Then select Done to submit the device changes to the configuration. 

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface displaying the Robot Config section, showcasing options for configuring VEX IQ robotics components and programming settings for educational robotics projects.

If you change the name of a motor that is already being used in your project, you will need to update the motor name in the Block to the new name using the drop down.


Reversing a Motor

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing robot configuration options, including motor and sensor settings, designed for educational use in VEX IQ Robotics platform.

The Options screen also allows the direction of the motors to be reversed.


Deleting a Motor

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing the Robot Config section, featuring options for configuring VEX IQ robot components and settings, aimed at educational users and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Motors can also be deleted by selecting the “Delete” option at the bottom of the screen.

Note: If you delete a motor that is already being used in your project, the project will not work until the blocks using that motor have also been deleted.

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

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