The VEXnet System Bundle contains everything you need to get started controlling a VEX robot using the VEX Cortex Micro Controller.
Bundle Contents:
(1) VEX Cortex Microcontroller
(1) VEXnet Joystick
(2) VEXnet USB Adapter Keys
(1) VEXnet Backup Battery Holder
(1) USB A-A Cable
The VEX Cortex Micro Controller coordinates the flow of all information and power on the robot. It has built in bi-directional communication for wireless driving, debugging and downloading using the state of the art VEXnet 802.11 wireless link. The Microcontroller is the brain of every VEX robot.
Cortex Micro Controller Features
Built-in VEXnet Technology: Wireless driving, wireless debugging, and wireless downloading
Motor Ports: (8) standard 3-wire Motor or Servo ports. (2) 2-wire Motor ports
I2C Smart Sensor Port: Will connect to multiple new smart sensors in the future
UART Fast Serial Ports: Connects to the VEX LCD Display (19,200 baud) and will have future support to 1.125 Mbaud
Digital/Analog Input Ports: (8) high-res Analog Inputs, (12) fast Digital I/Os that can all be used as interrupts
Rx1 and Rx2 Ports: Also support for two 75MHz crystal transmitters and receivers
Battery Ports: Connect 7.2V power sources, such as the Battery Holder or the VEX 7.2V Robot Battery. Also connect a 9V Backup Battery to protect against communication losses.
| Cortex Micro Controller Specs |
| Battery In | Voltage | 7.2 volts nominal, 5-12V min/max |
| Type | Six AA batteries or 7.2V Pack |
| Current | 62 mA for Controller and REceiver plus Motors, Servos, and VEXnet |
| I/O Ports | 3-wire Motor Outputs (8) |
| Usage | For 3-wire VEX motors or servos |
| Type | Hobby standard PWM |
| Refresh | Every 18.5 mSec |
| 2-wire Motor Outputs |
| Usage | For 2-wire VEX motors |
| Type | H-Bridge |
| Refresh | Every 1 mSec |
| I2C "Smart Sensor" Port |
| Usage | Future I2C products |
| UART Serial Ports (2) |
| Usage | VEX LCD Module |
| 12-bit Analog Inputs (8) |
| Analog In | 12-bit resolution. 10uSec access time. |
| Fast Digital I/O (can be used as interrupts) (12) |
| Digital In | 50 KHz input frequency |
| DAC Speaker Output |
| Usage | Output sound, voice, music to an external speaker |
| Rx1 and Rx2 (2) |
| Usage | Connects to (2) 75MHz receivers |
| Micro Controller | STMicroelectronics ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Speed | 90 MIPS (million instructions per second) |
| RAM | 64KB |
| Flash | 384KB program space |
| Programming | easyC V4 for Cortex
ROBOTC for Cortex and PIC
Note: The only version of ROBOTC for Cortex & PIC approved for use with the Cortex is 2.20.1 BETA. Using previous versions may permanently damage the Cortex Microcontroller. |
| Size | 3.9 x 4.5 x 1in. |
| Weight | .302 lbs (137g) |
The VEXnet Joystick allows a human operator to control a robot in real-time using the innovative VEXnet 802.11 Wireless link. The joystick has two 2-axis analog joysticks, 4 trigger buttons and two 4-button directional pads. It also has a 3-Axis Accelerometer that provides X-Y tilt outputs, X-Y-Z acceleration and a shake output. This allows you to control an arm or drive system by changing the orientation of the joystick (tilting, turning or shaking). Just plug a VEXnet USB Adapter Key into the port on the back and enjoy the ultimate in robot control.
VEXnet Joystick Features
Wireless robot control using VEXnet technology.
Only compatible with the VEX Cortex Microcontroller.
Link (2) joysticks together with (1) VEXnet USB Adapter Key.
When using multiple drivers to control a single robot, they must both be using the same type of transmitter -- the VEXnet Joystick and the 75MHz transmitter cannot be mixed.
| VEXnet Joystick Specs |
| User Inputs | (2) X-Y Analog Joysticks
(8) Top Buttons
(4) Back Buttons
(1) 3-Axis Accelerometer |
| Ports | (1) Competition Port
(1) Partner Port (for connection to another VEXnet Joystick)
(1) Program Port (for wireless programming with the VEX Cortex Micro Controller) |
| Batteries | 6 AAA (not included) |
| Size | 5.5 x 4.3 x 2.2in. |
Cortex Micro Controller and Joystick Quick Start Calibration