Programming
Motion_ "The Maze!"

Time to begin programming your robot. Here is your challenge: you need to code your robot so that it works its way through the Maze and parks in the opposite Red Zone: Mobile / YouTube. When your robot has successfully completed all the steps shown on this gradesheet...you are done!

Begin by using VEXcode V5 Block to complete this challenge. I was in the process of creating some step-by-step videos to show you how to accomplish this task, but I stopped and decided that you would get more out of this assignment if you discover it on your own. I would like to direct you to a couple of videos that I feel will answer all of your questions.

First, the following video will provide you with an overview as to how to use VEXcode V5 Block: YouTube. 

Second, open the "VexCode V5Blocks App." and select the "Tutorials" link at the top of the page. These 5 Tutorials will show you how to write a program that will allow your robot to move through "The Maze":

  1. Getting Started,  (An overview of   how to Create & Download a Program.)    
  2.  Device Setup - Drivetrain,
  3.  Moving and Removing Blocks,
  4.  Drivetrain Movements
  5. Drivetrain Turns 
  6. Download and Run A Project, 
  7.  Using Example Projects.

Hint: Program using "Drivetrains" if you want the robot to move in a direction. Program using "Motors" when you want the robot to do a task like raise its arm or open and close its claw or lift and object. 

Writing & Testing Your Program : The easiest way to test your program is by placing the center of your robot on a thick book or other object so that the robot'  wheels are lifted off the ground! 

  1. Creating Your Program 
  2. Open VEXcode V5.
  3. Open Example Projects (see above, click on the "Drivetrain" button, then click on Drivetrain Moves and Turns. 
  4. This is a very basic program that will allow your robot to move in various directions. Read it and see if you can guess to see what it can do. 
  5. On your computer, create a Folder and title it "Vex." Then download this program "File/Save As",  to this folder  and  title it "Maze".
  6.  Edit this program so that your robot works its way through the Maze. 
  7. In order to download your program to your robot, connect your computer to the Brain with your USB cable. When a proper connection is made, the "Brain" icon in the program menu will turn from white to green. 
  8. When you are ready to test your program, "Save", then "Download" then press "Play."  (!Note: if you make a change to anything in the Devices Menu, they Drivetrain, then make sure you remember to click "Done,"(hidden at the bottom of the menu!), "Save," "Download," "Play."
  9. When the robot is sitting on a book/object, you      will be able to see the wheels turn - you should be able to tell if the robot/program is performing the way you want.
  10.  Eventually place it in the Maze and test it. It is your choice if you want the USB cable to be connected or disconnected while testing.

Go ahead...begin "The Maze"!