Variable and Sensing Values Monitoring in VEXcode GO – VEX Library

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.

How to Use the Monitor Console

Diagram illustrating the steps for creating a block tutorial in the GO category, featuring labeled components and flow of the tutorial process.

To open the Monitor Window and view the Monitor Console, select the Monitor icon next to the Help.

Diagram illustrating a block tutorial for VEX robotics, showcasing various components and their connections in the GO category.

The Monitor Console reports Sensor and Variable values.

Diagram illustrating block programming concepts for VEX robotics, featuring labeled blocks and connections, designed to assist users in understanding the block tutorial section of the GO category.

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.

Diagram illustrating the steps for creating a block in VEX robotics, featuring labeled components and connections, as part of the Block Tutorials in the GO category.

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 GO always begins with a “myVariable” variable. For information about adding a new variable and variable naming in VEXcode GO, click here.

Diagram illustrating the steps for creating a block in VEX robotics, featuring labeled components and connections, relevant to the Block Tutorials section of the GO category.

To remove variables from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.

Diagram illustrating the steps for creating a block in VEX Robotics, part of the Block Tutorials section in the GO category, featuring labeled components and connections for clarity.

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.

Screenshot of a block tutorial interface from VEX Robotics, showcasing various programming blocks and options for users to create and customize their robotics projects.

To remove a list from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.

Monitoring Sensor Values

Illustration of a block tutorial from the GO category, demonstrating various block configurations and usage in VEX robotics programming.

Monitoring sensor values in the Monitor Console allows the user to view sensor data in real-time.

In the following example, the <Pressing bumper> block is being monitored in the Monitor Console. The project directs the GO Robot to stop if the LED Bumper comes in contact with a wall or other object (pressed). Watch as the value of the <Pressing bumper> block in the Monitor Console changes from false to true when the LED Bumper comes in contact with an object.

Diagram illustrating the steps for creating a block in VEX robotics, featuring labeled components and connections, relevant to the 'Block Tutorials' section in the 'GO' category.

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, the (Timer value) block is being reported in the Monitor Console. The GO Robot will drive forward 400mm and then wait until the (Timer value) block 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

Diagram illustrating the setup and components of a VEX GO block tutorial, featuring labeled parts and connections to aid understanding of the assembly process.

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 “timesRepeated” 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.