Variable and sensor monitoring available in the VEXcode GO Monitor Console provides important visual cues that allow the user to see what is happening in a VEXcode GO project in real time. The Monitor Console allows users to make a visual connection between the project and the actions of the GO 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.
The following article will cover:
- How to Use the Monitor Console
- Monitoring Sensing Values
- Monitoring Variable Values
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 GO always begins with a “myVariable” variable. For information about adding a new variable and variable naming in VEXcode GO, 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 the following example, the crash detected block is being monitored in the Monitor Console. The project directs the GO Robot to stop if the GO Robot comes in contact with a wall or other object. Watch as the value of the crash detected block in the Monitor Console changes from false to true when your robot comes in contact with an object.
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 the following example, timer value is being reported in the Monitor Console. The GO Robot will drive forward 400mm and then wait until timer value reports back a value greater than 3 seconds. The GO 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 the following example, the “repeat” variable is used to monitor the number of times the GO 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.
