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 Toolbox can be added to the Monitor Console. First, select the parameter to be monitored in the block within the Toolbox.
Next, select and drag the block to the Monitor Console icon in the Workspace.
To remove sensor values from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.
Variables in the Toolbox can be added to the Monitor Console by selecting and dragging the variable block to the Monitor Console icon in the Workspace. VEXcode VR always begins with a “myVariable” variable. For information about adding a new variable and variable naming in VEXcode VR, view this article.
To remove variables from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.
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 and drag the associated list block to the Monitor Console icon in the Workspace.
If the incorrect block is dragged to the Monitor Console icon in the Workspace, a red icon will appear over it, signifying the wrong block was chosen and cannot be monitored.
To remove a list from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.
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, 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.