Downloading a VEX AIR Project in VS Code

To run a VEX AIR project created in VS Code on a VEX AIR Drone Controller, the project must first be built and downloaded. Follow the steps in this article to download a project to your robot and then run the project.

VEX AIR controller connected to a laptop via USB cable, displaying a pairing screen with a drone icon and signal connection animation on the controller's touchscreen interface

Connect the controller to the computer using a USB-C cable and power on the controller.

Visual Studio Code status bar showing AIR Controller connected with Slot 1 selected, followed by AIR_Project and main.py file name

Select the slot selector icon on the toolbar to choose the slot to download the project on the controller.

Dropdown menu in Visual Studio Code showing slot selection from Slot 1 to Slot 8, with Slot 1 currently highlighted.

Choose a slot (1–8) from the quick pick list. Downloading a project to a slot with an existing project in it will overwrite the previous project.

Visual Studio Code timeline displaying AIR Controller connected to Slot 2, with AIR_Project and main.py file loaded; download button is highlighted

Select the download icon to build and download the project to the controller.

Note: The build icon appears when no VEX device is connected.

VEX AIR controller screen showing Programs menu with four numbered slots, Slot 2 containing AIR_Project, and a message reading Hold TAKEOFF button to launch; delete icon is shown next to the project

The project will then appear in the controller's Programs menu.

For more information on starting a project from the Programs menu, go here.

Selecting from Multiple Python Files (Optional)

Multiple Python files can be open at the same time in VS Code. You must select the appropriate file before downloading and running a project. Follow the steps below to make those selections.

Note: The VEX Extension only supports single Python file downloads currently.

Visual Studio Code status bar showing AIR Controller on Slot 2 with AIR_Project loaded, and main.py file highlighted

Select the Python file selector icon on the Toolbar.
Note: This icon appears only when a VEX Python project is selected.

The same screenshot of the Quick Pick list, now showing main.py project as an option in the dropdown.

A Quick Pick List will show all Python files in the workspace. Choose the file to build.