An existing V5 Brain that is no longer used for a competition robot can be repurposed as a Smart Field Controller. This article covers repurposing an existing V5 Brain as a Smart Field Controller.
If the brain has damaged ports, make sure to mark them clearly so no one plugs into them at an event.
It is written for Event Partners setting up Smart Field Control equipment for an event.
Definitions of the terms used here are maintained in the central glossary.
Download the Field Application
Connect the brain to your computer using a USB cable. Be sure the brain powered on with a charged battery so it doesn't lose power during installation.
Confirm the brain is running the latest firmware. Connect the brain to VEXcode to check and update the firmware automatically if needed.
Go to https://vrcfieldapp.vex.com/ and select what program slot on the brain you want the Field Control program to be installed into.
Select the button for how the Smart Field Controller will be used:
- Download Match if this Smart Field Controller is going to be used with a Match Field
- Download Skills if this Smart Field Controller is going to be used with a Robot Skills Field
A prompt will appear to connect to the brain.
- If connecting on macOS, select the Serial Port that ends in 1.
- If connecting on Windows, select the serial port named VEX Robotics Communications Port.
- If connecting on Chromebook, select the serial port named VEX Robotics V5 Brain with the lower number.
Windows is shown here as an example.
Once the V5 Brain is repurposed, see Wiring a Smart Field Controller for steps on connecting the Smart Field Controller's wiring.