1.11: Robot Controller

Robot Controller The controller and power supply are vital components of the Vex robotic system. In this section you will learn how to configure and maintain all the power-related components on the robot including the controller power supply Battery electrical connections

Vex Controller The controller is the brain of the system and the most expensive component. Handle your Vex controller carefully. Choose a safe and accessible place to mount the controller on your robot.

Controller Ports On the top surface of the controller there are several ports for wiring the controller to other robot components. Install the controller so that you have access to the ports for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Analog/Digital connector bank Use the Analog/Digital connector bank to connect all the sensors for the robot.

Communications ports Use the Communications ports to connect serial and I2C devices. You will learn more about these later.

Motor connector bank Use the Motor connector bank to connect motor and servo modules. There are 8 motor ports and 2 smart motor ports.

Controller Indicator Lights The front of the controller has three lights on it: ROBOT, VEXnet and GAME. These three lights blink in different colors, combinations and intervals to indicate the status of the controller.

USB Port The middle of the controller has a USB port in it. This port is used to connect a USB key, or to tether the controller to another device.

Controller Rear Panel The rear of the controller must also be accessible. On the rear panel you will find:

Config Button. The recessed config button.

Backup Battery The backup battery connector for supplying a backup power source.

Receiver Connectors The two receiver connectors for remotely controlling the robot.

Battery Connector The battery connector for supplying power to the robot.

Power Switch The power switch must always be accessible in case of an emergency.

Mounting the Controller Your robot's design must withstand physical contact with other robots during competition. Since the controller is the brain of the robot, its mounting location needs special attention.

Mounting the Controller In this example, the controller is accessible, yet protected within the chassis. The central location keeps the connectors protected and allows the wiring to be run inside the chassis rails.

Mounting the Controller This is an example of a poorly chosen location for controller mounting. The controller hangs off the edge, exposing wiring connections to potential damage.

Power Supply In robotics, a common source of power for a robot is a portable battery pack. Sufficient battery power is vital to your robot's performance.

Powering Your Robot Your kit includes a 7.2V NiMH battery designed specifically for your controller. Tip! Connect your battery to the smart charger whenever you are not using them to ensure that they are always fully charged.

Powering Your Joystick Your joystick is powered by 6 AAA batteries. These batteries have their own 8-bay charger.

Mounting the Battery Mount the battery close enough to the controller for the battery connector to reach the controller connector. Keep the battery accessible for easy removal for recharging. Do not allow the battery's weight to reduce your robot's stability. Mount the battery as low as possible. Center the battery over the wheelbase. Protect the battery from damage by other robots and external forces.

Mounting the Battery

Battery Straps The Vex power pack with two quick-release battery straps . They can be mounted to any of the Vex hardware. The strap has ridges on one side that engage a locking device when it is bent in the shape of a loop.

Battery Straps To tighten the strap, pull the end of the strap until it is snug. To loosen the strap, press the locking tab and push the strap out.

Electrical Connections Neatly routing the wires from the controller makes maintenance and troubleshooting easier

Routing and Labeling Wires Use the supplied cable ties to fasten the wires to the structural components of your robot. This prevents the wires from entangling with gears, wheels and other robots.

Routing and Labeling Wires Label the wires with a small piece of tape indicating what the wire is connected to. The labels will help you identify and reconnect any wires that become unplugged.

Routing and Labeling Wires Draw a diagram indicating which port each component connects to.

Electrical Connections All of the ports in the Vex system are labeled. This allows you to quickly connect components like motors and sensors to the Vex controller.

Electrical Connections Each component has a wire with a male-pin connector. The connector can be inserted into the appropriate port on the top of the controller.

Electrical Connections The plastic tab on the side of the connector acts like a key, preventing the connector from being inserted backwards, which could damage the device or controller.