In robotics, you will definitely run into issues that will need to be solved. This is normal in engineering. The goal is to not get frustrated and take a systematic approach to troubleshooting the issues. Sometimes the solution is simple like replacing the battery. Other times, firmware may become corrupt and will need to be replaced. Just take a deep breath and start to go through the troubleshooting procedures.
Below are some common troubleshooting tips. Here is a flowchart to help troubleshoot VEX Robots.
Below are some common troubleshooting tips. Here is a flowchart to help troubleshoot VEX Robots.
Power Cycle
First things first, power cycle your robot. This means:
- Turn the Cortex off
- Disconnect the orange USB cable from the computer
- Disconnect the orange USB cable from the Cortex
- Disconnect the battery from the Cortex
- Disconnect all motors, sensors, and LEDs from the Cortex
- Leave the Cortex for 10 seconds before reconnecting everything
Check Platform Type
Verify that the correct platform type was selected by going to Robot>Platform Type> Vex 2.0 Cortex. You will also select Natural Language using this same method.
Update Firmware
Sometimes the firmware in the cortex and joystick will need to be updated. This can be done through Robot C.
Below is a slide show to help you update the firmware in the Cortex, Joystick and VEXnet keys.
Below is a slide show to help you update the firmware in the Cortex, Joystick and VEXnet keys.
Check the Battery
Sometimes the batteries can wear out or are not fully charged. This can lead to a robot slowing down or even worse, disconnecting from the joystick during a match. Always have spare back up batteries charging during a tournament.
Try a Different USB Port on Computer
If the code is not downloading properly, try a different USB port. Sometimes the ports can wear out.
Put Cortex in Bootload Mode
Sometimes the cortex firmware can become corrupted and you will need to reboot the cortex. You will also need to upload all firmwares again after you do this.
- Start with the Cortex turned OFF (but with a battery connected)
- Push and hold Config button in on the Cortex.
- Attach the USB cable between the PC and Cortex.
- Wait for the Robot, VEXnet and Game lights to blink green.
- Release Config button. •
- Turn the Cortex ON. •
- Then in ROBOTC, click "Robot", "Download Firmware", "Master CPU Firmware", "Standard File".
- After the Master CPU Firmware finishes downloading, click "Robot", "Download Firmware", "ROBOTC Firmware", "Standard File"
Restart Robot C and/or Computer
Power cycling the program and/or computer is always a good idea if you can not seem to find the issue.