Understanding the V5 Controller – VEX Library

The V5 Controller packages two analog joysticks and 12 buttons into a familiar video-game style design for a versatile driver control.

User's view of the V5 Controller, showcasing its LCD Screen, two analog joysticks, and 12 buttons. There are 8 circular buttons in two groups of four on the main side of the Controller near the joysticks, and four shoulder buttons on its front side.

The Controller has programmable haptic feedback and built-in VEXnet 3.0 radio and Bluetooth® for wireless communication with the V5 Brain using the V5 Robot Radio.

V5 Controller with its mini USB port highlighted. This port is used for charging and wireless programming with the V5 Robot Brain.

A rechargeable integrated 3.7v Li-ion battery ensures enough charge to get you through multiple class periods or a full day of competition.

The battery is conveniently charged through a mini-USB connector which also allows for wireless programming and debugging with the V5 Robot Brain

Close up view of the V5 Controller's LCD Screen which allows the V5 Robot Brain to be controlled and projects to be started from the Controller itself. The Screen is showing the Home menu, and above there are icons indicating the Controller's connection status.

The Controller’s LCD Screen (with backlight white and red LEDs) allows for real-time information and can be customized with VEXcode.

It also allows you to start and stop programs from the controller.

Plus, you can use the competition practice mode to sync up with other robots and run practice matches.

Front side of the V5 Controller with its two Smart Ports and one Competition Port highlighted in between the Controller's shoulder buttons.

Your V5 Controller has two Smart Ports conveniently located on the front which can be used to synchronize the V5 Controller with the V5 Robot Brain and also be used to complete firmware updates.

They can also be used to connect with a partner V5 Controller and double the available robot functions which can be controlled.

There is a Competition Port located on the front to allow connection to the VEX Robotics Competition’s field control.

V5 Controller Specifications

	V5 Wireless Controller Specifications
User Interface	Built-in monochrome LCD 128 x 64 pixels Backlight with white or red LEDs
Interface Features	Select, Start, Stop Programs Robot and Controller and Partner battery level Radio link type and signal strength Competition mode indication Language selection (10 choices).
User Feedback	Up to (3) lines of multilingual text to the LCD Up to (3) graphical widgets with (1) line of text
Wireless	VEXnet 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.2 Download and Debug at 200 kbps
Analog Axis	2 Joysticks
Buttons	12
Extra Feature	Haptic Rumble Motor
Battery Type	Li-ion
Battery Run Time	8-10 Hours
Battery Charge Time	1 Hour
Auto Sleep	Yes
Partner Port	Yes
Partner Controller Type	V5 Controller
Weight	0.77 lbs (350g)

For more information on the V5 Controller, please see these articles.