Using Modules – VEX Library

A module is an attachable accessory that allows the VEX AIR Drone to interact with physical objects. Modules connect to the module port on the bottom of the drone and can be controlled while using the default_fly project or VEXcode AIR.

The drone should always be flown with a module attached.

Types of Modules

There are three modules that can be used with the drone:

Magnet Module — A magnet to pick up and carry magnetic objects, that contains a mechanized flap to release objects during flight.
Motorized Hook Module — A powered hook that can be raised or lowered during flight.
Passive Module — A non-powered module with a magnet inside and hook that hangs freely, that uses gravity to interact with objects.

Magnet Module

Close up view of the Magnet Mission Module. This module doesn't have any unique attachments on the outside of it.

The Magnet Module includes a magnet that can pick up magnetized objects and a mechanism that can detach objects from the magnet.

The controller screen during flight with the button 6 that reads Drop Payload on the right hand side highlighted, as well as the magnet icon on the far right of the screen above the drone settings icon.

When using the default_fly project, a magnet icon will show on the right hand side of the VEX AIR Drone Controller screen.

Press the Drop Payload button on the screen, or button 6 on the controller to trigger the flap to release a held object during flight.

The Magnet Module can carry up to 50g of weight.

Motorized Hook Module

Close up view of the Motorized Mission Module. This module has a hook attached to a motor that can be used to transport items.

The Motorized Hook Module has a hook attached to a motor, so the hook can be held close to the drone's body and lowered when needed to pick up an object during flight.

Diagram showing how the Motorized Mission Module's hook is attached. Lines indicate that the hook has small pins that fit onto pin holes on the module itself.

To attach the hook to the Motorized Hook Module, align the large and small pins on the hook with the matching pin holes on the module. Press them together until they snap into place.

The controller screen during flight with the button 5 that reads Drop Payload and button 6 that reads Hold Payload on the right hand side highlighted, as well as the hook icon on the far right of the screen above the drone settings icon.

When using the default_fly project, a hook icon will show on the right hand side of the VEX AIR Drone Controller screen.

Press the Hold Payload button on the screen or button 6 on the controller to lower the hook to pick up an object. Press the Drop Payload button on the screen or button 5 on the controller to raise the hook to release an object during flight.

The Motorized Hook Module can carry up to 50g of weight.

Passive Module

Close up view of the Passive Mission Module. This module has a hook that hangs from the module and can be used to transport items.

The Passive Module contains a magnet that can be used to hold objects with a magnetic surface, as well as a detachable hook that hangs freely from the module. There is no mechanization to this module, it relies on gravity and the movement of the drone to interact with objects in the environment.

The Passive Module can carry up to 50g of weight.

Diagram showing how the Passive Mission Module's hook is attached. An arrow indicates that the hook has a clip that fits onto a bar inside the module itself.

To attach the hook to the Passive Module, align the hook’s clip with the bar inside the module and press gently until it snaps on. Pull on the hook to detach it from the module.

The Passive Module is the lightest of the three modules, and can be used without the hook attached when trying to optimize speed while flying.

Attaching a Module to the Drone

The drone should always be flown with a module attached.

To attach a module, first align the arrow on the top of the module with the arrow on the drone's module port so that they face each other. Next, push the module down into the port as shown in this animation.

Removing a Module

Angled view of the Mission Module port on the bottom of the Hornet. A small tab on the side of the port opposite the arrow is highlighted.

To remove a module, press down on the small tab at the base of the module to release it from the port.

Note: Do not twist or bend the module while removing it, as this could damage the module.