Configuring the VEX V5 Workcell in VEXcode V5

User programs need to be able to interact with the inputs and outputs of a robotic workcell. This is done by configuring the devices within an application. VEXcode V5 uses the Robot Configuration to configure the VEX V5 Workcell devices within a project.

When starting to code the V5 Workcell with VEXcode V5, blocks from the ‘Arm’ category will not appear in the Toolbox until the ‘ARM’ device has been added to the Robot Configuration.

Diagram showing various blocks from the VEXcode programming environment related to the CTE (Career and Technical Education) category, illustrating how to use different programming functions in robotics.


Adding the ‘ARM’ device

To add the ‘ARM’ device to the Robot Configuration, see the following steps:

Screenshot of the VEXcode V5 interface, showcasing various programming blocks and tools for robotics education, relevant to Career and Technical Education.

Launch VEXcode V5.

VEXcode device button interface showing various programming options and controls for robotics education in Career and Technical Education (CTE) settings.

Select the Robot Configuration button to open the Devices window.

Screenshot of the VEXcode interface showing the process to add a device, featuring various options and settings related to CTE (Career and Technical Education) projects.

Select ‘Add a device.’

A VEX Robotics arm assembly showcasing various components, designed for educational purposes in Career and Technical Education (CTE) using VEXcode.

Select ‘ARM.’

Screenshot of VEXcode interface displaying programming blocks and options for CTE (Career and Technical Education) projects, highlighting features and tools available for users.

The ‘Arm Configuration’ will appear. You will be able to select 'Standard Configuration' or a "Custom Configuration'.

Diagram illustrating the arm configuration for VEX robotics, showing various joints and positions, relevant to CTE and VEXcode programming.

If you select 'Standard Configuration' this will be your Arm Configuration.

Screenshot of the VEXcode interface showing programming blocks and tools for CTE (Career and Technical Education) applications, highlighting features and functionalities relevant to coding and robotics.

If you select 'Custom Configuration' you will be able to assign Ports for your Arm Configuration.

Screenshot of VEXcode interface displaying a completed programming project, illustrating features relevant to Career and Technical Education.

Select ‘Done.’

Screenshot of VEXcode interface showing the collapse feature in the CTE (Career and Technical Education) section, demonstrating how to manage code blocks effectively.

Collapse the Devices window by selecting the arrow.

VEXcode programming interface screenshot displaying code blocks for robotics projects, illustrating features and tools available for Career and Technical Education.

You will now see blocks from the ‘Arm’ category in the Toolbox.


Renaming the ‘ARM’ device

A robotic arm with multiple joints and a gripper, showcasing its design and functionality in a VEX Robotics educational context, illustrating concepts related to Career and Technical Education and VEXcode programming.

You can rename the device by changing the name in the text box at the top of the ‘Arm Configuration’ screen. The new name must adhere to the naming protocol. If you select an invalid name, the text box will highlight red to indicate. Once the device is renamed, select ‘Done’ to submit the device changes to the configuration.

Screenshot of the VEXcode interface showing the 'Change Block Name' feature, illustrating how to modify the name of a programming block in the context of Career and Technical Education.

If you change the name of the device that is already being used in your project, you will need to update the device's name in the block to the new name using the drop down.


Deleting the ‘ARM’ device

Diagram of an arm device used in VEX robotics, illustrating its components and design, relevant to Career and Technical Education and VEXcode programming.

Once a device has been added to the Robot Configuration, it can be deleted. First, select the device you wish to delete in the Devices window.

Icon representing the delete function in VEXcode, used in the context of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to indicate the removal of elements within the software.

Then, select the ‘Delete’ option at the bottom of the ‘Arm Configuration’ screen.

Note: If you delete a device that is already being used in your project, your project will generate an error if you try to download it until you also delete the blocks that were using the deleted device.

For more information on configuring devices in VEXcode V5, view these articles from the VEX Library.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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