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VEX Robotics Programming Options

Programming is the process of creating a sequence of instructions that tell a computational device, such as the Micro Controller on the VEX robot, how to perform a task. There are several options for creating and downloading programs to your VEX robot that range from very simple to highly sophisticated. Your Micro Controller is pre-programmed with Default Code that allows you a simple way to get started without writing and downloading code. However, more complex robot configurations and behavior are possible through programming.

To utilize the VEX Robotics Design System without Autonomous Programming or robot sensors, there is no extra software required. The system works fine "out of the box" for general robot operation. Minor changes to robot functionality (e.g. joystick scaling, motor reversals) can still be made via the transmitter menus or by placing jumpers in certain ports of the digital I/O.

Autonomous Code:

Autonomous code allows a robot to perform behaviors without input from the radio control transmitter. The robot follow pre-programmed routines responding only to sensor inputs.

Radio Control Code:

Radio control code allows you to configure the way in which the radio control transmitter controls the robot, allowing a human operator to provide input to the robot.

Mixed Autonomous and
Radio Control Code:

Autonomous code can be integrated with radio control code to achieve even better robot performance for complex tasks.


Each VEX programming kit option is a combination of software and hardware components that enable you to write programs for your robot and to then download them onto your Micro Controller. Following is a comparison of the main VEX programming options:

VEX Programming Comparison Chart Beginner   » »   Intermediate   » »   Advanced
Programming Options Default Code easyC 2.0 ROBOTC MP LAB IDE
Pricing Pre-loaded on VEX Micro Controller $99.99 $99.99 $99.99
Pre-programmed routines allow you to configure and control your robot by the radio transmitter. Autonomous routines allow your robot to execute simple actions based on sensor inputs. X
Drag and drop graphical user interface is a blend of visual block style programming and "C" style language to assist novice programmers. Toggle between programming modes. X
Online Mode allows you to control motors and monitor sensors directly from your computer. X
Configure and reprogram the way in which the radio control transmitter controls the robot. X X X
Autonomous mode allows your robot to perform programmed behaviors without input from the radio transmitter. Compile and download instructions to VEX Controller for autonomous robot operation. X X X
Execute competition templates. X X X
Time-saving industry standard C-language source code editor. X
Programming in industry standard C-language. X X
Progressive learning path across multiple platforms. X X
Ability to have multiple tasks/subprograms running concurrently. X
Incremental downloader for faster program loading. X
Real-time debugger allows you to read and write the contents of user program variables as the program is executing on the robot. X

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easyC Programming Kit

 

The easyC® Programming Kit is a combination of software and hardware components that enable you to write programs on your computer and then download them to your microcontroller. The easyC® graphical interface is great for beginners. Not Mac compatible.

The easyC® software is now version 2.  For help with installing, licensing, operation, etc., please call intelitek at 1-800-777-6268 or email them at support@intelitek.com. This software can only be installed on 1 PC.

 

P/N: 276-2152 easyC VEX Programming Kit $99.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

ROBOTC Programming Kit

Designed from the ground up to program robots, ROBOTC provides a formidable advantage for VEX roboticists. It includes a high level of support for teachers, and is ideal for students new to programming. Not Mac compatible. The Multi License Kit comes with 1 Hardware Kit (276-2186).

For help with the ROBOTC software - installing, licensing, operation, etc., please email support@robotc.net or call Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy at 412-687-9067.


P/N: 276-2188 ROBOTC Programming Kit,       Single License $99.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
P/N: 276-2189 ROBOTC Programming Kit,       Multi License (12 seats) $314.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

MPLAB Programming Kit

 

MPLAB® Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an integrated toolset for the development of embedded applications employing Microchip's PIC's® such the VEX Controller.


For help using the MPLAB IDE, please refer to the Microchip MPLAB® IDE web page.



P/N: 276-2187 MPLAB Programming Kit $99.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs
C-BOT-COMPILER Microchip C Compiler and MPLAB® IDE - No hardware $50.00 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

Programming Hardware Kit
(No Software)

 

This kit includes the hardware necessary to use any of the software listed above, and includes no software. This hardware is included in the kits above.

 

 

 

P/N: 276-2186 Programming Hardware Kit,        No Software $49.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

Sensors

VEX Limit Switch Kit

Get even more creative with your robots by limiting action in programmed behavior. Includes 2 switches designed to control motion in lever arm or similar structure. A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller. More Info

 

 

P/N: 276-2174 VEX Limit Switch Kit $12.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

VEX Light Sensor Kit

The light sensor uses a photocell that allows your robot to detect and react to light. With the light sensor, you can program a whole new range of capabilities to your robot. Design a simple tracker that follows the beam of a flashlight, or use a light sensor to help your robot to avoid getting stuck under furniture by making it steer away from shadows. You can even give your robot color vision by putting colored filters on different light sensors! A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller. More Info

 

P/N: 276-2158 Light Sensor Kit $19.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

VEX Line Tracking Kit

Program your robot to follow a black line over a white surface. This kit provides more design flexibility--you can also use it to program your robot for light sensing. A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller. More Info

 

 

 

P/N: 276-2154 VEX Line Tracking Kit $39.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

VEX Bumper Switch Kit

Enable your robot to perform certain functions with programming when the bumper switch is activated by contact.   A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller. More Info

 

 

 

 

P/N: 276-2159 VEX Bumper Switch Kit $12.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

VEX Optical Shaft Encoder

With the Quadrature Encoder's two output channels you can measure both the position and direction of rotation of a VEX shaft. This will allow you to calculate the speed of the shaft, as well as the distance it has traveled; these are very useful measurements for autonomous programming. You can measure with greater precision than IR or ultrasonic sensors. More Info


A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller to use the Quadrature Encoder.




P/N: 276-2156 VEX Optical Shaft Encoder Kit $19.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

VEX Ultrasonic Range Finder

Avoid obstacles and measure distances with the ultrasonic range finder. Device emits a high-frequency sound wave that alerts the robot to things in its path. A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller. More Info

 

 

 

P/N: 276-2155 VEX Ultrasonic Range Finder $29.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs

 

VEX Potentiometer

 

Potentiometer

 

With the Potentiometer you can determine both position and direction of rotation. Use this sensor to get an analog measurement of angular position. This measurement can help to understand the position of robot arms, or other mechanisms. A Programming Kit is needed to change the program in the VEX Controller to use the Potentiometer . Includes (2) units.

 

 

P/N: 276-2216 VEX Potentiometer Kit $12.99 ea In Stock In Stock - Available for Immediate Shipment
VexLabs