Programming instructions
ROBOTC
Master Firmware Download • 1
©
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy / For use with VEX
®
Robotics Systems
Setup
In this document, you will learn how to download the IFI Master CPU Firmware to the
VEX Microcontroller.
Master Firmware Download Instructions
What is the Master Firmware?
The VEX Microcontroller contains two processors: a user processor that handles all of the ROBOTC
instructions, and a master processor that handles lower-level operations like motor control and
radio communication. The IFI Master CPU Firmare, or master rmware, is a program that allows
the master processor to complete the lower-level operations. Every VEX Microcontroller is preloaded
with a version of the master rmware, but downloading the latest version will ensure that your robot
is compatible with the latest hardware available.
Before you begin, make sure:
• Your VEX is connected to a charged battery
• You have an orange USB-to-Serial programming cable
• ROBOTC 2.0 or later is installed on your computer
1. Plug the Robot Interface (“telephone”) Cable and the USB-to-Serial cable into the
Programming Module.
1b. ConnectRobotInterfaceCable
toProgrammingModule
Plug the end of the RJ25 “telephone”
cable into the matching port on the
Programming Module.
1a. ConnectUSB-to-SerialCable
toProgrammingModule
Plug the 9-pin Serial end of
the USB-to-Serial Cable into
the matching port on the
Programming Module.