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
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 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.
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 123 always begins with a 'myVariable' variable. For information about adding a new variable and variable naming in VEXcode 123, view this article.
To remove variables from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.
Lists can also be added to the Monitor Console. Before being added to the Monitor Console, lists and 2D lists must be created. This can be done by selecting ‘Make a List’ or ‘Make a 2D List’ from the Toolbox.
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.
To remove a list from the Monitor Console, select the 'X' icon.
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 <Detects color> block is being monitored in the Monitor Console. The project directs the 123 Robot to drive until it detects an object. Once it detects an object, if that object is blue, the 123 Robot will turn right. If the 123 Robot does not detect blue, it will turn left. Watch as the value of the <Detects color> block in the Monitor Console changes from false to true when your 123 Robot detects the color blue.
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, such as the timer value in seconds.
In the following example, the (Timer value) block is being reported in the Monitor Console. The 123 Robot will drive forward for 2 steps, and then wait until the (Timer value) block reports back a value greater than 5 seconds. The 123 Robot will then turn right 90 degrees. Without the Monitor Console, the user would be unable to visualize the exact timing of the 123 Robot turning right 90 degrees.
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 ‘timesRepeated’ variable is used to monitor the number of times the 123 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.