Programming instructions

ROBOTC
VEXnet Upgrade Installation • 1
© Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy / For use with VEX
®
Robotics Systems
Setup
In this document, you will learn how to install the VEXnet Upgrades on both the VEX Microcontroller
and the Radio Control Transmitter. This document assumes that you have already downloaded the
Master Firmware to your VEX Microcontroller.
VEXnet Upgrade Installation Instructions
What is VEXnet?
VEXnet is an 802.11 WiFi replacement for the crystal-based communication system between
the VEX Microcontroller and Radio Control Transmitter. The VEXnet Upgrade enables users to
convert existing Microcontrollers and Transmitters to the VEXnet communication system.
Additional VEXnet features include:
• Easy to connect (No IP addresses, MAC addresses, passwords, or special security modes)
• Multiple layers of security built-in and always on
• No wireless access point needed; each VEXnet pair makes its own private network
• Hundreds of robots can operate at once; every VEXnet robot has a hidden unique ID
• Optional tether for wired communication
• Two user selectable channels and one private channel for competitions
• Optional 9V battery backup to maintain wireless link during a main 7.2V power loss
• LED scheme displays the status of the Robot, VEXnet link, and Game (Competition Mode)
Part I. Installing the VEXnet Upgrade on the Microcontroller
1. Begin by removing any of the 75MHz crystal receivers from your Microcontroller.