Converting an IQ (1st gen) project to use with an IQ (2nd gen) Brain

While working with VEX IQ, you may want to run a project that was configured for a (1st generation) Brain on a robot with a (2nd generation) Brain. In this scenario, you will need to convert your project from '1st gen' to '2nd gen' in VEXcode IQ.

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface showcasing key features for programming VEX IQ robots, including code blocks, project options, and user-friendly navigation designed for educational robotics.

In most cases, there will not be any changes to the project during the conversion. However, there are a few instances where minor changes are made automatically when certain blocks are used in a 1st generation project. These changes will not affect how your project runs on an IQ (2nd generation) Brain.


Converting a Project with No Gyro - No Changes to Code

VEX IQ Robotics platform icon, representing key features and resources for educational robotics, including documentation, programming, and project ideas for beginners and educators.

Open a (1st generation) project in the workspace. Then, select the Devices window icon.

Diagram illustrating the key features of VEXcode IQ, highlighting its user-friendly interface, programming capabilities, and educational resources for VEX IQ robotics platform users.

Once the Devices window is open, select the '2nd gen' icon.

Screenshot highlighting the key features of VEXcode IQ, showcasing user interface elements and programming options for the VEX IQ Robotics platform, aimed at enhancing educational experiences for beginners in robotics.

If no Gyro was configured, the '2nd gen' icon will highlight in blue to show that the project has been converted. You can now run this project on a (2nd gen) Brain.


Converting a Project with Gyro Configured - No Changes to Code

If you have a Drivetrain with a Gyro configured, you will need to either configure the Gyro with the IQ (2nd gen) Brain, or configure the Brain Inertial Sensor that is emedded in the IQ (2nd gen) Brain.

VEX IQ Robotics platform icon, representing key features and resources for educational robotics, including documentation, programming, and project ideas for beginners and educators.

Open a (1st generation) project in the workspace. Then, select the Devices window icon.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface highlighting key features for programming VEX IQ robots, including coding blocks and project options, designed for educational use and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Once the Devices window is open, select the '2nd gen' icon.

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface showing the 'Select' and 'Continue' buttons, highlighting key features for programming VEX IQ robots, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

If you have a Drivetrain with a Gyro configured, you will need to manually configure the external Gyro, or configure the Brain Inertial Sensor. 

In this scenario, a conversion dialog window will open. Select 'Continue' to proceed with the conversion.

Note: If you do not have a Gyro configured, you will not get this message and your project will be converted.

Diagram showing the selection of gyro types in VEXcode IQ, illustrating options for configuring gyroscopic sensors for VEX IQ robotics projects.

You will be prompted to select the Gyro configuration; either Externail Gyro or Brain Inertial. Select one.

  • If External Gyro is selected, it will be configured for the same port as was previously configured.
  • If Brain Inertial is selected, your project will use the Brain Inertial Sensor embedded in the Brain, and the port will be free to use with other devices.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing brain inertial confirmation settings, highlighting key features for programming and controlling VEX IQ robots, relevant for educational and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

A message will appear to alert you that the project has been converted. Select 'OK' to proceed.

Diagram illustrating the key features of VEXcode IQ, showcasing the VEX IQ Robotics platform's components and programming capabilities for educational robotics.

The '2nd gen' icon will highlight in blue to show that the project has been converted. You can also see that the Brain Inertial Sensor has been configured.

You can now run this project on a (2nd gen) Brain.

Note:  If this project is converted back to 1st gen, the external Gyro will not automatically be configured. It will need to be manually configured in the Devices window.

Note: The conversion process will also start when a IQ (2nd gen) Brain is connected while VEXcode is in 1st gen mode.


Converting a Project with Minor Changes to Code Made Automatically

Icon representing device selection in VEXcode IQ, a programming environment for VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting key features for educational robotics and beginner enthusiasts.

Open a (1st generation) project in the workspace. Then, select the Devices window icon.

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing key features and tools for programming VEX IQ robots, including blocks for coding, project options, and user-friendly navigation designed for educational purposes.

Once the Devices window is open, select the '2nd gen' icon.

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface showing the 'Select' and 'Continue' buttons, highlighting key features for programming VEX IQ robots, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

A message will appear to alert you that the project will need to be converted. Select 'Continue' to proceed with the conversion.

Note: This message will only open if changes were made to the project code. 

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface highlighting the 'Select OK' conversion feature, showcasing key functionalities for programming VEX IQ robots in an educational context.

A conversion completion message will open and list any changes that were made. In this example, the {When Brain button} event block dropdown menu was updated from 1st to 2nd generation configuration.

  • See the section below for more information on the different messages that you may receive, and how to interpret them.

Select 'OK' to save the project conversion.

Highlight of the second generation VEX IQ Robotics platform, showcasing its key features and components in the context of VEXcode IQ programming and educational resources for beginner robotics enthusiasts.

The '2nd gen' icon will be highlighted in blue to show that the project has been converted. You can now run this project on a (2nd generation) Brain.


Interpreting Dialog Messages when Converting Projects

If there was a conversion to the code needed due to any of the conditions shown below, the message after conversion will be: "Project conversion has been completed with these changes," followed by a list of any changes that were made to the code. Below are the changes that you may encounter when converting a (1st generation) project to run on a (2nd generation) Brain. 

Note: The conversion process will also start when a IQ (2nd gen) Brain is connected while VEXcode is in 1st gen mode.

{When Brain button} Dropdown Menu Updated

Illustration of the brain button event in VEXcode IQ, showcasing key features for programming VEX IQ robots, including user interface elements and functionality for educational robotics projects.

Here the message tells you that the conversion is completed, and the dropdown menu of the {When Brain button} block has been updated.

Screenshot showing the VEXcode IQ interface with highlighted features activated when the Brain button is pressed, illustrating key functionalities for programming VEX IQ robots.

Because the Arrow buttons on the (1st gen) Brain are 'Up' and 'Down', but they are 'Left' and 'Right' on the (2nd gen) Brain, the parameters in the dropdown menu for the Blocks connected to the Arrow buttons have to be updated.

Dropdown Menu Updated

Diagram illustrating the brain button sensing feature of the VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting its role in programming and interaction for educational robotics projects.

Here the message tells you that the conversion is completed, and the dropdown menu of the <Brain button pressed> block has been updated.

Screenshot of the VEXcode IQ interface displaying menu options for programming features, including project management, code blocks, and educational resources, relevant to VEX IQ robotics platform users.

Because the Arrow buttons on the (1st gen) Brain are 'Up' and 'Down', but they are 'Left' and 'Right' on the (2nd gen) Brain, the parameters in the dropdown menu for the Blocks connected to the Arrow buttons have to be updated.

Drivetrain Gyro Update

Screenshot of VEXcode IQ interface showing brain inertial confirmation settings, highlighting key features for programming and controlling VEX IQ robots, relevant for educational and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Here the message tells you that the Drivetrain Gyro Sensor was replaced with the Inertial sensor. 

Diagram illustrating the inertial sensor used in VEX IQ robotics, highlighting its key features and functionality for enhancing robot navigation and programming in educational robotics projects.

You will see the Inertial Sensor Icon in the Devices.    
Note:  If this project is converted back to 1st gen, the external Gyro will not automatically be configured. It will need to be manually configured.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

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