1. Using the VEX Cortex Processor
Kat Baker
July 20-21, 2017

2. Charge the Batteries Before you begin any work, charge the following:
Both 7.2 V batteries for the robot
All 6 AAA batteries for the joystick

3. Introduction to easyC® & Cortex™
Adapted from and

4. Cortex™ Microcontroller

5. Joystick

6. VEXNet™ USB A-A Tether Cable and USB Keys

7. Setup for Download of Firmware to Cortex/Joystick
AAA batteries in joystick
Connect programming cable
Power on
Open easyC
Use same connection with Cortex microcontroller
We have completed firmware updates

8. Install easyC
Install easyCV5for Cortex (Trial version) on your computer
Download from

9. easyC®V5 Programming Software
Download V5 from the website.
Run as Administrator to install.

10. Unlocking easyC® Right-click easyC , Run as Administrator
Type in your CD Key and click Unlock.

11. Updating easyC®
Go to Help…Check For Updates. If you don’t have the latest version, you can download updates.

12. Updating Firmware on Controller and Joystick
We have completed these updates
Start…All Programs…easyCV5 For Cortex…IFI VEXNet Firmware Utility

13. Updating Controller and Joystick
We have completed these updates
Select SEARCH. If the response is Upgrade required then BOOTLOAD and YES.

14. Updating Controller and Joystick
We have completed these updates
Click DOWNLOAD.
Afterward you should see:

15. Updating Controller and Joystick
We have completed these updates
Now repeat the entire SEARCH…BootLoad… DOWNLOAD process with the Cortex Microcontroller.

16. Tethering Controller and Joystick
You may need to do this during the season!
After updating the firmware on both the joystick and Cortex microcontroller:
Connect the two devices with the tethering cable and turn them both on.
Wait until both VEXNet LEDs turn solid green.
This lets the devices learn each other’s addresses, so that they can talk together wirelessly.

17. BEST Control System Training
From BEST Robotics, Inc. online Resources
Includes photos of all items in Returnable Kit
Hookups, labels, system features of Cortex
Motor connections & motors, servos
Digital, analog connections
BEST default firmware (default program)
Programming options
Testing tips; team tips; joystick calibration
Where to find help
See also the Programming Reference for info about VEX system