The Field Control System is the device that controls when all robots competing in a match start Autonomous Mode, and it also controls switching to Driver Control Mode.
Step 1: Connect the controller to the Field Control System
- Plug the Ethernet cord from the Field Control System into the V5 Controller.
- Make sure that the controller and brain are both turned off when plugging in.
NOTE: The Ethernet cord should already be attached to the Match Controller. If it is not, ask one of the competition staff for assistance.
Step 2: Turn on the V5 Controller
- Turn on the V5 Controller by pressing the power button.
Step 3: Turn on the V5 Robot Brain
- Turn on the V5 Robot Brain by pressing the power button.
Step 4: Allow the V5 Controller and robot to establish a wireless connection
- The look of the V5 Controller screen prior to syncing with the V5 Brain.
- The radio signal icon will display in the top right corner of the screen while the V5 Brain and V5 Controller are connecting.
- Once the V5 Brain and V5 Controller are connected, the radio signal icon will display signal strength in the top right corner of the screen.
NOTE: If needed, read the How to Pair the V5 Controller to the Robot Brain article from this knowledge base.
Step 5: Start the competition program
NOTE: If needed, read the How to Run a User Program through the V5 Controller article from this knowledge base.
NOTE: A program can also be selected via the screen on the V5 Robot Brain. If needed, read the How to Run a User Program through the V5 Robot Brain article from this knowledge base.
Additional Information: Troubleshooting
If you followed the steps above but your V5 Brain and V5 Controller still are not connecting, please try the following:
- Try rebooting the V5 Brain and V5 Controller - Turn each device off, then power them on again.
- Check the radio cable to ensure connectivity
- Re-tether the V5 Controller
Additional Information: Competition Control Indicators
Disabled Mode:
- A "pause" icon will appear when the V5 system is currently in Disabled mode.
Autonomous Mode:
- A "code" icon will appear when the V5 system is currently in Autonomous mode.
Driver Control Mode:
- A "play" icon will appear when the V5 system is currently in Driver Control mode.
Optional: Utilize multiple controllers
- Plug the field control Ethernet cable into the primary controller (bottom photo).
- Plug one end of a smart cable into the primary controller (either port with the "#" icon will work).
- Plug the other end of the smart cable into the secondary controller (either port with the "#" icon will work).
- Power on the primary V5 Controller.
- Power on the secondary V5 Controller.
- Power on the V5 Brain.
Additional Information: Understanding the V5 Radio LED lights
- Notice the color of the LED lights on the V5 Radio to gather information about the status of your robot.
- A solid red LED indicates:
- There is no radio connection between the V5 Brain and V5 Controller.
- A flashing red LED indicates:
- An active connection between the V5 Brain and V5 Controller.
- The V5 Controller is not plugged into a field control system or the V5 Brain is not running a user program.
- A flashing green LED indicates:
- An active connection between the V5 Brain and V5 Controller.
- The V5 Controller is plugged into a field control system.
- The V5 Brain is running a user program.