Using the Print Console in VEXcode V5 – VEX Library

The Print Console allows the user to display messages, report sensor values, or to present data from VEXcode V5 projects. The Print Console also allows users to save print outputs as a text file.

The Print Console can also be used to display process information, providing visual cues that enable the user to see what is happening in a VEXcode V5 project at a specific moment in time, thereby making a visual connection between the project and the actions of the V5 Robot.

How to Open the Print Console

Print icon representing the option to print content, used in the context of V5 Blocks Tutorials.

The Print Console is located in the V5 Monitor Display. To open the Print Console, select the Monitor Display icon next to Help.

Screenshot of the VEX V5 print console interface, displaying various blocks and programming options in the context of Blocks Tutorials.

The Monitor Display will open once selected. The Print Console is at the right side.

How to Use the Print Console in a Project

Look and Draw Blocks that Trigger the Print Console

Illustration of VEX V5 blocks used in programming tutorials, showcasing various programming elements and their connections for educational purposes.

Specialized Look blocks are used within a VEXcode V5 project in order to trigger the Print Console. These blocks print words, numbers, reported values from variables, a calculation of an operator, or values reported from a sensor or device.

The Help feature in VEXcode V5 provides additional information on these and other programming blocks. See this article for information on how to access the Help feature.

Color block settings for VEX V5 robotics, showing options to set pen color in programming tutorials.

Note: The [Set pen color] block under the Draw category can also be used in the Print Console by selecting "Console" from the dropdown menu.

Use Look Blocks with the Print Console in a Project

Illustration of print commands for V5 robotics, showcasing various block options and configurations in a tutorial format.

Use the Look blocks within a project to print a message, or display data in the Print Console. To use the Print blocks, select the desired Look block and add it to a project. Select "Console" from the dropdown menu.

Note: The [Set Cursor] block must be added after a [Print] block for text to appear in the Print Console.

Screenshot of the VEXcode V5 interface showing the process of downloading and running a program, with highlighted blocks for tutorial guidance.

Download the project to the V5 Robot Brain and Select "Run". See this article on downloading and running a project.

Screenshot of a printed VEX V5 category description, illustrating various blocks used in programming tutorials, showcasing the layout and examples relevant to the VEX robotics education.

Once “Run” is selected, the project will run and the “Print” text or programmed values will appear in the Print Console as dictated by the VEXcode V5 project.

Use Draw Blocks with the Print Console in a Project

Color project blocks in VEX V5, showcasing various programming elements and their connections, used in Blocks Tutorials for educational purposes.

Use the Draw blocks within a project to change the text color in the Print Console. To use the [Set pen color] block, select the [Set pen color] block and add it to a project. Select "Console" from the dropdown menu.

Note: The [Set pen color] block is the only Draw block that can be used in the console.

Screenshot of the VEXcode V5 interface showing the process of downloading and running a program, with highlighted blocks for tutorial guidance.

Download the project to the V5 Robot Brain and Select "Run". See this article on downloading and running a project.

Color project diagram illustrating various blocks and their functions in V5 robotics, used in the Blocks Tutorials section of the V5 Category Description.

Once “Run” is selected, the project will run and the colored “Print” text or programmed values will appear in the Print Console as dictated by the VEXcode V5 project.

Clear Rows in the Print Console

A clear block design example from V5 Blocks Tutorials, showcasing a simple and clean layout for users to understand block functionality in the Vex platform.

There are two ways to clear all information from the Print Console. The first way to completely clear all text is to select the “Clear” button on the bottom left of the Print Console.

Icon representing the 'Clear All Rows' function in V5 Blocks Tutorials, featuring a simple design with a transparent background.

Another way to clear the Print Console is to use the Clear all rows block. Add the Clear all rows block to a project in order to remove all of the lines in the Print Console. In this project, “Hello” will print on the Print Console. After 5 seconds, all rows will be cleared. Then, “Goodbye” will be printed on the Print Console.

Save from the Print Console

Screenshot of a save button in VEXcode V5, illustrating the process of saving a project in the Blocks programming environment, as part of the V5 Category Description and Blocks Tutorials.

It is easy to save information from the Print Console onto your device. Select “Save” on the bottom of the Print Console to save all text as a .txt file.

Screenshot of downloaded logs from Vex V5, displaying a list of log files with timestamps and file sizes, relevant to Blocks Tutorials in the V5 Category Description.

Once you select the “Save” button, the file will automatically save to the Downloads folder on your device as a .txt file.

Note: The file does not save the printed colors.

Example Projects Using the Print Console

Report Variable Values and Data in a Project

The Print Console can be used to report variable values at discrete moments within a project. Use the Print Console to print the value of “myVariable,” or show how many times the project goes through a loop.

Report Sensing Values and Data in a Project

Template icon representing V5 category for Blocks tutorials, illustrating a visual aid for users creating programming templates in VEX Robotics.

Note: The project in this article uses the Clawbot (Drivetrain, 2-motor, Inertial) template.

Code example demonstrating the use of blocks in V5 programming, featuring a visual representation of block connections and functionalities, relevant to the Blocks Tutorials section.

Screenshot of the VEX V5 console interface, displaying various programming blocks and options for tutorials, illustrating the features and functionalities available for users in the Blocks Tutorials section.

The data captured by the Print Console allows the user to see valuable information about project processes including V5 Robot sensor information. When the Print block is triggered, it can be programmed to display information captured in the moment.

In the following project, the Print Console displays information reported by the V5 Clawbot Inertial Sensor as prescribed by the Look and Sensing blocks within the project. This information includes changes that the Inertial Sensor captures at discrete moments while the project is running: time in seconds and the rotation of the V5 Clawbot in degrees.