Connecting to the V5 Competition Field – VEX Library

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.

Diagram illustrating the components and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts such as motors, sensors, and structural elements, relevant to the V5 Category Description in the context of competition robotics.

Connect the controller to the Field Control System

Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing various components and features, including motors, sensors, and structural elements, illustrating the design and functionality for competitive robotics.

A competition robot designed for V5 robotics, showcasing its structure and components, including wheels, sensors, and a control system, set against a neutral background to emphasize its features.

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

Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and design features, illustrating the structure and functionality relevant to robotics competitions.

Turn on the V5 Controller by pressing the power button.

Turn on the V5 Robot Brain

Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and structure, illustrating the design and functionality for robotics competitions.

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

Allow the V5 Controller and robot to establish a wireless connection

Diagram illustrating the design and features of a V5 competition robot, showcasing key components and structure, relevant to V5 Category Description in the context of competition robotics.

The look of the V5 Controller screen prior to syncing with the V5 Brain.

Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and structure, illustrating key features relevant to robotics competitions.

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 VEX Library.

Start the competition program

A detailed diagram of a competition robot showcasing various components and their functions, illustrating the design and engineering aspects relevant to V5 category robotics.

NOTE: If needed, read the How to Run a User Program through the V5 Controller article from this VEX Library.

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 VEX Library.

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

Diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing its components and structure, illustrating key features relevant to robotics competitions.

Disabled Mode:

A "pause" icon will appear when the V5 system is currently in Disabled mode.

Diagram of a VEX V5 competition robot showcasing its components and assembly, illustrating key features and design elements for competitive robotics.

Autonomous Mode:

A "code" icon will appear when the V5 system is currently in Autonomous mode.

Diagram illustrating the components and design of a V5 competition robot, showcasing various parts and their functions within the robot's structure.

Driver Control Mode:

A "play" icon will appear when the V5 system is currently in Driver Control mode.

Optional: Utilize multiple controllers

A detailed diagram of a V5 competition robot showcasing various components and their functions, illustrating the design and assembly for competitive robotics.

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

Diagram illustrating the components of a V5 competition robot, including motors, sensors, and structural elements, highlighting their arrangement and functionality within the robot design.

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.

Animated GIF showing a competition robot in action, demonstrating its features and capabilities within the V5 robotics system.

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.

Animated GIF showing a competition robot in action, demonstrating its features and capabilities in a V5 robotics competition setting.

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.