Installing V5 Beta Firmware – VEX Library

VEXcode V5 now includes an option to install the beta version of the VEX V5 firmware, which contains features still in testing. This article explains how to install the beta firmware and how to switch back to the public firmware.

Ensure your VEX V5 Brain is connected to VEXcode V5 with a wired connection before starting the firmware update.

Install Beta Firmware

VEXcode V5 Tools menu open showing options: Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, Hardware, Manage VEXcode Sounds, and API Reference (searchable).

1. With your Brain connected to VEXcode, select Tools to open the Tools menu.

VEXcode V5 Tools menu with Hardware submenu expanded showing options: Reinstall Brain Firmware, Reinstall Python System, Set Brain Name, Set Team Number, and Install Brain Beta Firmware.

2. Select Hardware to open the submenu.

VEXcode V5 Tools menu with Hardware submenu expanded and Install Brain Beta Firmware option highlighted.

3. To begin installing the beta firmware, select Install Brain Beta Firmware.

Update Complete dialog in VEXcode V5 showing message to restart V5 Brain and reconnect, with orange progress bar and OK button.

4. After the beta firmware is installed, a prompt will appear in the center of the screen. Select OK and power cycle your Brain, then reconnect it to VEXcode V5 to begin using the beta firmware.

VEXcode V5 Brain information panel showing VEXos version 1.1.6.b2 highlighted, with USB connected, console serial port disconnected, and firmware status up to date.

5. You can check the firmware version by selecting the BRAIN icon to open the Brain window. If the VEXos version includes a “b” in its number, it indicates that the beta firmware is installed.

Reinstall Public Firmware

VEXcode V5 Tools menu open showing options: Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, Hardware, Manage VEXcode Sounds, and API Reference (searchable).

1. With your Brain connected to VEXcode, select Tools to open the Tools menu.

VEXcode V5 Tools menu with Hardware submenu expanded showing options: Reinstall Brain Firmware, Reinstall Python System, Set Brain Name, Set Team Number, and Install Brain Beta Firmware.

2. Select Hardware to open the submenu.

VEXcode V5 Tools menu with Hardware submenu expanded and Reinstall Brain Firmware option highlighted.

3. To reinstall the public firmware, select Reinstall Brain Firmware.

Confirmation dialog stating 'Your VEX V5 Brain is already up to date. Do you wish to continue?' with No and Update buttons, Update button highlighted.

4. A prompt will appear in the middle of the screen. Select Update to begin installing the public firmware.

Update Complete dialog in VEXcode V5 showing message to restart V5 Brain and reconnect, with orange progress bar and OK button.

5. After the public firmware is installed, a prompt will appear in the center of the screen. Select OK and power cycle your Brain, then reconnect it to VEXcode V5 to begin using the public firmware.

VEXcode V5 Brain information panel showing VEXos version 1.1.5 highlighted, with USB connected, console serial port disconnected, and firmware status up to date.

6. You can check the firmware version by selecting the BRAIN icon. If the VEXos version does not include a “b” in its number, it indicates that the public firmware is installed.