Updating VEX IQ (2nd gen) Controller Firmware in Web-based VEXcode IQ (Mac/Chromebook)

Many VEX IQ products contain their own internal processors and run on a special Operating System. This software is the VEX IQ Firmware and is called VEXos.

Note: Updating firmware via Web-based VEXcode IQ is only available for 2nd gen Controllers, and VEXcode IQ can only update the firmware on the IQ Controller when connected to a device via a USB-C cable. Web-based VEXcode IQ does not support updating the firmware on the IQ Controller when using an iPad, Android, or Fire tablet.

What is Firmware?

This Operating System is written entirely by VEX Robotics, and harnesses the flexibility and power of VEX hardware for the diverse needs of education and the rigors of competition. The Brain will automatically push out the latest updates to any IQ device that is connected to it.

Why Should I Update?

There are several reasons why you should update your VEX IQ Controller firmware with the latest VEXos, some of these include:

  • VEXos updates will include fixes for known bugs and add the software which is needed to operate any new devices introduced into the VEX IQ line.
  • Updates allow for advanced programming features.
  • The best way to ensure that your VEX IQ system is functioning properly is to keep the software up to date.

How to Know if the Controller Firmware is Out of Date

IQ (2nd gen) Brain screen is shown with an orange screen and a message that reads Warning, Controller Update Radio. Below, an icon indicates that the X button can be pressed to Clear the message.

If your Controller and Brain are paired and the Controller firmware is out of date, this error message will appear on the Brain’s screen.

VEXcode IQ with an orange Controller icon on the Toolbar, indicating that the Controller's firmware is out of date. The Controller dropdown menu is open and there is an Update button next to the Firmware version.

The Controller is connected to Web-based VEXcode IQ and the Controller icon in the Toolbar is orange.

VEXcode IQ Out of Date Firmware prompt with a message that reads Your VEX IQ Controller's firmware is out of date and needs to be updated. Do you want to update now? There are two buttons below, one reads No and the other reads Update.

When a Controller is connected to VEXcode IQ via a USB-C cable, a prompt will appear asking “Do you want to update now?”

How to Update Controller Firmware

VEXcode IQ application icon.

First ensure no other applications that work with VEX hardware are open in the background - such as app-based VEXcode IQ or Visual Studio Code.

IQ Controller connected to a computer with a USB C cable.

Using a USB-C cable, connect your Controller to your computer and ensure it is powered on. Once the Controller is connected, launch Web-based VEXcode IQ.

IQ Controller connected to a computer with a USB C cable. The Power LED indicator light is glowing green and the Charge LED indicator light is glowing red. This indicates that the Controller is charging and is close to being fully charged.

One the Controller is connected via USB-C and powered on, both indicator lights on the Controller will be visible.

VEXcode IQ with a white Controller icon on the Toolbar, indicating that there isn't a connected Controller. The Controller dropdown menu is open and the Connect button is highlighted.

Connect the Controller to Web-based VEXcode IQ using the following articles depending on your device:

VEXcode IQ Out of Date Firmware prompt with a message that reads Your VEX IQ Controller's firmware is out of date and needs to be updated. Do you want to update now? There are two buttons below, one reads No and the other reads Update.

The Controller icon in the Toolbar will turn orange, and a prompt will appear asking to update.

Select “Update.”

IQ Controller with its Power LED indicator light glowing red and highlighted.VEXcode IQ Firmware Update Mode prompt that reads The IQ controller is now in Firmware Update Mode and requires you to reconnect to the controller to finish the firmware update. On the browser connection prompt, please select the item labeled VEX IQ Controller FW Upgrade and press Connect on the connection prompt. Below, there is a link for More Information, and an OK button.

Once “Update” is selected, the Controller will start blinking red rapidly, and the following prompt will appear.

Select “OK.”

Browser connection window, with a selected item titled VEX IQ Controller FW Upgrade.

Select “VEX IQ Controller FW Upgrade” and then “Connect.”

Note: it may take a few minutes for the Controller to show up in the devices list.

VEXcode IQ Connect Controller prompt with a message that reads Your browser will now attempt to connect to your IQ Controller. On the browser connection prompt, please select the item labeled VEX Robotics IQ Controller with the lowest ID number and press Connect on the connection prompt. There is a link for More Information below. There are also two buttons below, one reads Cancel and the other reads Continue.

The Controller will become disconnected and the following prompt will appear.

Select ‘OK.’

Browser connection window, with two items titled VEX Robotics IQ Controller. One item has an ID number of 1101 and the other is 1103, the item with the ID number of 1101 is selected.

The Controller will then attempt to reconnect.

Select the IQ Controller with the lowest ID number from the list of Controllers available, and then “Connect.”

VEXcode IQ Updating Radio prompt with a progress bar and a message that reads Updating Radio.

Please wait while the Controller updates.

This could take a few minutes.

VEXcode IQ Update Complete prompt that reads Update Complete. There is an OK button below.

A prompt will appear when the update is complete.

Select “OK.”

VEXcode IQ with a green Controller icon on the Toolbar to indicate that the Controller's firmware is up to date.

The Controller firmware is now updated and the Controller icon in the Toolbar will display green.

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

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