The VEX AIR Flight Simulator in VEXcode AIR allows you to practice flying a VEX AIR Drone in a safe, virtual environment. This will give you time to practice flying and getting comfortable with how the VEX AIR Drone Controller moves the drone in the air, before taking off for the first time.
This article explains how to get started using the simulator, and the options within the simulator.
Accessing the Simulator
Ensure VEXcode AIR is open on your device. See this page for more information on accessing VEXcode AIR.
Select the Simulator tab in the upper left corner of the screen to open the VEX AIR Flight Simulator.
In VEXcode, the simulator will open to the Rings layout, showing the Pilot View.
When the simulator opens, the controller will make a sound and a dialog will appear in the center of the screen indicating that the Propeller Lock is engaged.
The controller screen will also indicate that the controller is connected to the simulator.
Note: If the controller is already connected to a physical VEX AIR Drone, you will not be able to access the simulator. You will be prompted to power off the drone in order to use the simulator.
Propeller Lock
By default, the Propeller Lock is enabled when the simulator opens. The VEX AIR Drone's Propeller Lock is an important safety feature that helps ensure safe drone operation. To learn more about the Propeller Lock on the physical drone, see this article.
The drone cannot take off when the Propeller Lock is engaged. Similar to how the Propeller Lock behaves on the physical drone, the propellers will lock anytime the simulator is reset or the layout is changed.
While the Propeller Lock is engaged, the power button on the virtual drone in the simulator will flash blue as shown in this video. The power button on the physical controller will also flash blue.
Select the power button on the virtual drone in the dialog box to disengage the Propeller Lock, as shown in this video. Then the propellers will be unlocked, and the drone will be ready to fly.
Using the Controller with the Simulator
With the Propeller Lock disabled, the drone can be flown using the same controls as a real-life flight! The simulator utilizes the same controls as the default_fly project. To learn more about all controller settings available in the VEX AIR Flight Simulator, see this article.
Flying in the Simulator
Take off using the Takeoff & Land button on the controller. Press the button to open the project menu. Then hold the button until the drone takes off from the platform.
Pressing the Takeoff & Land button while flying in the simulator will land the drone. Press the button to open the menu. Then press the button again, or touch the Land button on the controller screen, to land the drone in its current location.
The movement of the drone is controlled by the movements of the joysticks. See this article to learn more about the controls in the default_fly project.
Camera Options
Different camera views in the VEX AIR Flight Simulator help you see the drone from multiple perspectives. This can help you better understand your drone’s position, movement, and environment while flying. Choosing the camera view that works best for you will depend on your preferences, and the task you are trying to complete.
To change the camera view of the drone, select the Change View button on the controller.
This will rotate through the following camera options, as shown in the video above:
- Pilot View - Shows the drone from the pilot’s position outside the field, just like in a competition. This view helps build spatial awareness and practice line-of-sight flying.
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Front Camera - Displays the forward-facing camera (matching the drone's forward camera) to show what the drone “sees” straight ahead. It’s useful for navigating through obstacles or lining up with targets.
- This view in the simulator displays a smaller screen space, including the icons on the controller's screen, to emulate what would be seen while using the Front Camera view during physical drone flights.
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Down Camera -Displays the downward-facing camera view (matching the drone’s own downward camera.) This is useful for aligning with objects and scoring elements.
- This view in the simulator displays a smaller screen space, including the icons on the controller's screen, to emulate what would be seen while using the Down Camera view during physical drone flights.
- Chase View - Follows behind the drone as it moves. This view gives a dynamic perspective that helps visualize flight paths and direction changes.
- Split Screen 1 - Combines Pilot View on the top and Front Camera on the bottom.
- Split Screen 2 - Combines Pilot View on the top and Down Camera on the bottom.
Controller Configuration
Select the Info button on the lower right side of the screen to view the controller configuration.
The Controller Configuration shows the controls based on the current settings. Select the X button in the upper left corner to close the configuration and return to the field.
Pre-Flight Checklist Menu
Select the Gear icon on the lower right side of the screen to open the Pre-Flight Checklist.
In the Pre-Flight Checklist, you can select your desired options for Layout, Module, Pilot Position, and Drone Audio. By default, the simulator will begin in the Rings Layout, with the Magnet Module, from the Side Pilot Position, and with the Audio off.
Select the Confirm button on the bottom of the window to save your selections. Selecting the X button in the top left corner will close the checklist without saving your choices.
When the Competition Layout is selected, the additional option of Field Side appears. The default is the Red side, positioning the drone on the platform closest to the red game elements.
Scoring
Both Layouts feature scoring to help you monitor your progress and success while flying and completing tasks on the field.
In the Rings Layout, the counter indicates the number of rings that are flown through, and the number of times the drone collides with a ring.
In the Competition Layout, the counter indicates the number of rings flown through, and the number of game objects placed in or on each of the scoring locations.
Resetting
Select the Reset button in the lower right corner of the screen to reset the field and return the drone to the starting position on the platform, with the Propeller Lock enabled.