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How to Know if the Controller Firmware is Out of Date
If your Controller and Brain are paired and the Controller firmware is out of date, this error message will appear on the Brain’s screen.
The Controller is connected to Web-based VEXcode IQ and the Controller icon in the Toolbar is orange.
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
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.
Next, download and install the driver file.
For more information on how to install the driver file, view this article.
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.
One the Controller is connected via USB-C and powered on, both indicator lights on the Controller will be visible.
Connect the Controller to Web-based VEXcode IQ using this article.
One the Controller is connected via USB-C and powered on, both indicator lights on the Controller will be visible.
Once “Update” is selected, the Controller will start blinking red rapidly, and the following prompt will appear.
Select “OK.”
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.
The Controller will become disconnected and the following prompt will appear.
Select ‘OK.’
The Controller will then attempt to reconnect.
Select the IQ Controller labeled "Communications Port” from the list of Controllers available, and then “Connect.”
Please wait while the Controller updates.
This could take a few minutes.
A prompt will appear when the update is complete.
Select “OK.”
The Controller firmware is now updated and the Controller icon in the Toolbar will display green.