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.
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.
Turn on the V5 Controller
Turn on the V5 Controller by pressing the power button.
Turn on the V5 Robot Brain
Turn on the V5 Robot Brain by pressing the power button.
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.
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.