Configuring the V5 Brain for Coding over Bluetooth – VEX Library

When working with VEXcode V5 on a device (iPad / Android tablet / Amazon Fire tablet), it is important to understand how to connect your device to the VEX V5 Robot Brain in order to download and run projects.

How to Connect the V5 Robot Brain to a Device

VEX V5 Brain radio battery image showing the battery connection and specifications for the V5 robotics system, illustrating how to connect the battery to the V5 Brain.

Ensure the V5 Robot Brain is connected to a V5 Battery and V5 Radio.

V5 Brain power button illustration, showing the location and design of the power button on the V5 Brain, used for connecting to the V5 system.

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

Settings interface for connecting to the V5 Brain, displaying options and configurations for user preferences in a clear layout.

Select ‘Settings’ on the V5 Robot Brain’s screen to check the Radio Type. The Radio Type must be set to Bluetooth for the connection to be successful.

Diagram of VEXnet radio type connection to the VEX V5 brain, illustrating the ports and setup for proper integration in robotics projects.

The Settings dialog window will open. Look for the Radio Type in the bottom left corner. If the Radio Type is set to VEXnet, switch it to Bluetooth by pressing the Radio Type area.

Button labeled 'OK' to confirm changes in the VEX V5 Brain connection process, illustrating the final step in the setup.

A prompt will appear to confirm changing the Radio Type. Select ‘Ok’ to confirm the change.

Bluetooth radio type for VEX V5 robotics system, illustrating the device's design and connection features for integrating with the V5 Brain.

Ensure the Radio Type displays that it is now connected via Bluetooth.

Diagram showing the Radio Data settings on a VEX V5 Brain, illustrating how to connect the brain to a radio module for communication.

Ensure the Radio Data is set to ‘On.’

Screenshot of VEX V5 settings interface showing options for connecting to the Brain, including network settings and device management features.

Check the connection icon. Once the Radio Type is set to Bluetooth and the Radio Data is On, the connection icon will display ‘BD.’

Settings dialog window for V5, displaying options for connecting to the Brain, including configuration settings and connection status indicators.

Note: If the Radio Type is set to VEXnet, the connection icon will display ‘V.’

VEXcode V5 icon, representing the software used for programming VEX Robotics V5 systems, featured in the 'Connect to the Brain' section of the V5 Category Description.

Launch VEXcode V5 on your device.

Image showing the connection process to the VEX V5 Brain, illustrating the necessary components and setup for establishing a link between the robot and the brain unit.

When launching VEXcode V5, you may receive a prompt asking to verify Bluetooth usage. Select ‘OK.’

Note: if you are not receiving a prompt to allow Bluetooth, please check the Bluetooth settings on your device to ensure it is on.

Icon representing the connection to the VEX V5 Brain, illustrating the process of linking devices for programming and control.

Select the ‘Brain’ icon in the Toolbar.

Diagram illustrating how to connect the VEX V5 Brain to various components, including motors and sensors, with labeled connections for clear understanding in the context of V5 robotics.

A list of available V5 Robot Brains will appear. Select the name of the Brain you want to connect to.

Diagram illustrating how to connect to the VEX V5 Brain, featuring labeled ports and connections for sensors and motors.

Once a Brain is chosen, select ‘Connect.’

Illustration showing how to connect to the VEX V5 brain, featuring labeled ports and connections for various components in a robotics setup.

View the Radio Connection Code that will display on the Brain’s screen.

Screenshot of the Radio Connection Code screen from VEX V5, showing connection options and settings for connecting to the Brain, illustrating the process of establishing a radio connection.

Enter the Radio Connection Code from the V5 Brain’s Screen, then select ‘Submit.’

Image showing the process of submitting a radio connection code for V5 robots, illustrating the connection steps to the brain component.

The Brain icon will turn orange and a ‘Connecting to:’ message will appear while the Brain is connecting.

Diagram illustrating the process of connecting to the V5 Brain, featuring labeled components and connections for clarity in the setup process.

Once the Brain is connected, the icon will turn green.

Illustration of a green robot brain, symbolizing connectivity and functionality, related to V5 category description and the section on connecting to the brain.

The message in the window will say ‘Connected to:’ and list the name of the V5 Brain that is connected to the device.

Diagram showing how to connect VEX V5 components to the brain, illustrating ports and connections for proper setup.

Note: the connection icon will display ‘D’ in the top right corner of the Brain’s screen when the V5 Robot Brain is connected to the device.

Diagram illustrating the connection process to the Brain in the V5 system, highlighting key components and their relationships for effective setup and integration.

To disconnect from a Brain, select ‘Disconnect.’

Note: if you have followed all of the steps and the connection is still not working, please check the Bluetooth settings on your device to ensure it is on.

Note to competition teams: The Field Control system only works with the VEXnet radio. If the radio has been changed to Bluetooth for programming purposes it will need to be changed back prior to competing on the field.