Variable and sensor monitoring available in the VEXcode VR Monitor Console provides important visual cues that allow the user to see what is happening in a VEXcode VR project in real time. The Monitor Console allows users to make a visual connection between the project and the actions of the VR Robot. Monitoring sensor and variable values in the Monitor Console allows the user to view real-time reports of a specific value (or multiple values) in a project. Monitoring also helps users to visualize the flow of the project by showing blocks that may not be explicitly reported in the Playground Dashboard.
How to Use the Monitor Console
To open the Monitor Window and view the Monitor Console, select the Monitor icon next to the Help.
The Monitor Console reports Sensor and Variable values.
Blocks from the Sensing category in the tool box can be added and removed from the Monitor Console by selecting and deselecting the corresponding check box.
Variables can be added and removed from the Monitor Console by selecting and deselecting the corresponding box. VEXcode VR always begins with a “myVariable” variable. For information about adding a new variable and variable naming in VEXcode VR, click here.
Lists can also be added to the Monitor Console. Before being added to the Monitor Console, lists and 2D lists must be created.
To add an existing list or 2D list, select the “Add Lists” button.
Existing lists can be added and removed from the Monitor Console by selecting the corresponding check box. The selected list will then appear in the Monitor Console.
To remove a list from the Monitor Console, select the “Add Lists” button again and uncheck the list you want to remove.
Monitoring Sensor Values
Monitoring sensor values in the Monitor Console allows the user to view sensor data in real-time.
In this example, the distance from is being monitored in the Monitor Console. The project directs the VR Robot to stop if the VR Robot is less than 500mm from a wall. Watch as the values of the distance from block change in the Monitor Console.
The Monitor Console can also be used to help the user visualize the flow of the project by showing blocks that may not be explicitly reported in the Playground Dashboard, such as timer in seconds.
In this example, timer value is being reported in the Monitor Console. The VR Robot will drive forward 400mm and then wait until timer value reports back a value greater than 3 seconds. The VR Robot will then turn right 90 degrees. Without the Monitor Console, the user would be unable to visualize the exact timing of the turn right 90 degrees command.
Monitoring Variable Values
The Monitor Console can also be used to monitor variable values. The Monitor Console can provide real-time reports of a specific variable in a project.
In this example, the “repeat” variable is used to monitor the number of times the VR Robot repeats a certain behavior. The variable monitoring on the Monitor Console can help to provide real-time feedback to understand the flow of the project.