Competitions - BEST CompetitionFor questions relating to the BEST competition, please post at the BEST Forums Learn to use our forums - Click Here
Below you will find a description of the BEST Competition |
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Getting Started with the Cortex
We are very excited to be able to support BEST teams and we continue to strive to be the best programming solution for the VEX hardware platform. Last season we mentored hundreds of teams in the form of training webinars, by monitoring the ROBOTC forums, by posting the ROBOTC for Cortex curriculum on line at no charge, and by continuing to update this site. Since last season we’ve had two full time programmers making game changing improvements to ROBOTC. You will also appreciate the level of “help documentation” built into the interface.
We have put hundreds of thousands of dollars into the development of a resource that is what we consider the best in the world for the VEX platform. You are able to download a full single license version of the software for $75. If you choose to purchase a 24 seat license the cost is approximately $30 per seat. You could help us considerably by buying the software. If you agree that this is the best programming language and if you are using the programming language in your school or with your team, please consider purchasing it. The money you spend to purchase the software will allow us to continue to support BEST.
Listed below are a combination of PDFs and videos which will help you get started using the VEX CORTEX. They will take you through building a robot, getting the CORTEX up and running, and writing code.
Build a robot
Dont have a robot built yet? Here is a simple design, complete with step-by-step building instructions.
Preparing the Cortex System
ROBOTC requires special firmware to communicate with the Cortex and Joystick controllers.
- Download Cortex Master Firmware [Video] - Update the Master Firmware on your Cortex using ROBOTC
- Download VEXnet Joystick Master Firmware Part 1 [Video] - Download the latest firmware to your Joystick
- Download VEXnet Joystick Master Firmware Part 2 [Video] - Part 2 of downloading firmware on your VEXnet Joystick
- Pairing the VEXnet Joystick with the Cortex [PDF] - Pair a VEX Cortex microcontroller to a VEXnet Remote Control
- 4a. VEXnet Joystick Calibration [PDF] - Procedures for calibrating the joysticks
- Download ROBOTC Firmware to Cortex [Video]
- 5a. Driver Installation [PDF] - How to install the USB-to-Serial-Cable Driver
Download a ROBOTC Sample Program
Sample programs provide already-working examples of how to program in the ROBOTC language, and can be downloaded over VEXnet or USB.
Option 1: Downloading over VEXnet
Option 2: Downloading over USB
Modifying Code Examples
Make changes to a sample program to see how your modifications affect the robots behavior.
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Webinars
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View FREE Webinars!
Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Academy will be offering a webinar on how to get started programming the Cortex controller. The webinar series will last 6 weeks and is designed to help you to learn how to get your cortex Controller up and running.
Links to the webinars can be found below: |
- Week 1: Resources and ROBOTC Features
- Week 2: Remote Control Programming
- Remote Control Sample Program (Right-click, Save As)
- Week 3: Moving with the Shaft Encoders
- Forward for Distance Sample Program (Right-click, Save As)
- Forward and Turn Sample Program (Right-click, Save As)
- Week 4: Moving Straight with the Shaft Encoders
- Week 5: Wireless Debugging and Competition Templates
- Competition Code (Right-click, Save As)
Curriculum Resources
ROBOTC for Cortex
This set of lessons is currently under development and should be complete by the end of October. This will get you started.
Carnegie Mellon VEX Curriculum |
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The VEX curriculum is a one stop shop for students that want to learn how to get the most out of their VEX hardware and software.
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To learn how radio signals are sent, how much current that your robot will draw, how much weight will a motor lift, or the relationship between gears, speed, and torque go here: Lessons > Electronics, Programming, and Hardware
To learn the logic behind how to program your robot, how your VEX sensors work, and how to program in ROBOTC go here: Programming: Make your robot intelligent
To learn how to use a multi-meter, how to solder, how to crimp, how to fasten parts to your robot, or how to tap a hole go here: |
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Teaching ROBOTC for IFI VEX Robots |
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This set of lessons assumes that you are a new programmer that is just beginning to use ROBOTC and VEX hardware. Move step-by-step through these lessons learning about fundamental programming logic, how to control your robot’s movement using code, how to program your robots radio and how sensors work. Invest a little bit of time with these units and you will be |
programming your robot to do all kinds of cool things.
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Other Support Options
ROBOTC support
If you are having issues with the PIC or Cortex microcontrollers and using ROBOTC please check here:
The ROBOTC Forums
The forums provides a place where you can quickly find answers to your questions. If you are having issues with code and cant find the answer, search the forums or post your question and others can help.
Click here if you've never used a forum and want a quick guide to logging on, posting questions, and using the built-in search function.
ROBOTC Blog
Learn about what the community is doing with ROBOTC go to the ROBOTC Blog.
Click to go to the ROBOTC Forums
Never used a forum before? Click here
There are specific forums for different competitions. We can add forum support if you request it.
Purchase VEX Hardware
Looking for VEX hardware? Browse through our online store to find what you need:
