Getting Started with the VEX Cortex

Tutorials → Getting Started with the VEX Cortex

Configuring the VEX Cortex for a WIRED connection using USB

This is a guide for setting up the VEX Cortex using the USB A-to-A cable. These steps are required the first time you use your computer to program a specific VEX Cortex, or after you've upated ROBOTC to the latest verstion. Once you've successfully completed these steps you can download your own programs without revisiting them. Note: Administrative privileges are required for some of these steps.

Note: Driver Installation

ROBOTC 3.05 and later automatically installs the necessary drivers for the VEX Cortex, VEXnet Joysticks, and USB-to-Serial Programming cable. If you need to download the drivers for troubleshooting purposes, you can still find them at www.ROBOTC.net/download/cortex: The drivers for the CORTEX Microcontroller and VEXnet Joysticks are included in the ROBOTC 3.0 installers. If, for any reason, you need to download them separately, here are the downloads: CORTEX & VEXnet Joystick Drivers (for XP and Windows 7) Prolific USB-to-Serial Driver (XP) http://www.robotc.net/files/win7_prolific_drivers.zip Download Network Driver (in addition to required driver) if ROBOTC will run from a network: Network Driver

Step 1: Connect the Cortex to your PC

Connect the VEX Cortex directly to a USB port on your computer using the USB A-to-A cable. Allow a few seconds for Windows to recognize the device.

Connect a 7.2V Robot battery to the Cortex and move the POWER switch to the ON position. Optionally, you can connect two motors to MOTOR Ports 2 and 3 for testing a sample program later in the sequence. You can connect 3-wire motors directly, or the newer 2-wire motors using Motor Controller 29 cables. Note: Technically, the battery is not necessary for downloading Master CPU Firmware and ROBOTC Firmware, but it has helped in cases where the USB ports on the computer provide too little power to facilitate a reliable connection to the Cortex.

Step 2: Platform Type and Communication Port

Specify that you are using the Cortex and how it is connected to your computer in ROBOTC. Go to Robot > Platform Type > Innovation First (IFI) and select "VEX 2.0 Cortex" or "Natural Language (VEX Cortex)".