Monitoring Variable and Sensing Values in VEXcode 123 – VEX Library

Variable and sensor monitoring available in the VEXcode 123 Monitor Console provides important visual cues that allow the user to see what is happening in a VEXcode 123 project in real time. The Monitor Console allows users to make a visual connection between the project and the actions of the 123 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.

How to Use the Monitor Console

VEXcode 123 Toolbar with the Monitor icon highlighted to the left of the Help icon.

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

Monitor Console menu open and the Sensors and Variables data tables highlighted.

The Monitor Console reports Sensor and Variable values.

Detects color block in the VEXcode 123 Toolbar, with the dropdown menu opened showing that it can sense red, green, and blue colors.

Blocks that return a numeric value or Boolean value can be monitored. These include blocks that are oval shaped (numeric reporter) and hexagonal shaped (Boolean).

To start monitoring a sensor value, select the parameter to be monitored in the block within the Toolbox.

Next, select and drag the block from the Toolbar to the Monitor Console icon in the Workspace. The Sensor's data will then be displayed in the Sensing section of the Monitor Console, as shown in this video.

VEXcode 123 Button pressed block being dragged over the Monitor Console icon in the workspace. The Monitor Console icon is green with a checkmark to show that this Sensing value can be monitored.

If a block can be monitored, a green arrow will appear over the Monitor Console icon in the workspace.

VEXcode 123 Turn block being dragged over the Monitor Console icon in the workspace. The Monitor Console icon is red with a crossed out circle to show that this Sensing value cannot be monitored.

If a block cannot be monitored, a red icon showing a circle with a line through it will appear over the Monitor Console icon.

Monitor Console is open and a sensing value has been added to the Sensing table. The sensing value reads 'Eye found an object?' and the X icon to the left of it is highlighted.

To remove sensor values from the Monitor Console, select the X next to the value to be removed.

Monitoring Variables and Lists

Variables in the Toolbox can be added to the Monitor Console by dragging the variable block to the Monitor Console icon in the Workspace. This process is shown in this video.

VEXcode 123 always begins with a “myVariable” variable. For information about adding a new variable and variable naming in VEXcode 123, see this article.

Monitor Console is open and a Variable value has been added to the Variables table. The myVariable value has been added and the X icon to the left of it is highlighted.

To remove variables from the Monitor Console, select the X next to the variable to be removed.

Toolbox in VEXcode 123 with the Variables category shown and the buttons for Make a List and Make a 2D List highlighted.

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. This process is shown in this video.

Monitor Console is open and a List value has been added to the Variables table. The X icon to the left of the List is highlighted.

To remove a list from the Monitor Console, select the X next to the list to be removed.