VEX CTE - Unit 1 - Introduction to Robotic Arms - Lesson 2: Getting Started with the VEX CTE 6-Axis Robotic Arm

On this page, you will attach the 6-Axis Arm and Signal Tower to the CTE Tile and plug in all necessary cables. You will also set up VEXcode EXP, which will allow you to control the movements of the 6-Axis Arm.

Build

Watch this video to learn how to use 3D build instructions.

This video shows examples of build instructions from other VEX platforms. However, the information about how to use these 3D instructions still applies to the VEX CTE 6-Axis Robotic Arm.

Open and follow along with the steps in the 3D Build Instructions to build the Direct CTE 6-Axis Arm Base.

CTE Workcell setup with platform, signal tower, and robotic arm.

Connecting the Cables of the Robotic Arm

To use the 6-Axis Arm with VEXcode EXP, it first needs to be connected to a device, as well as a power source.

Connect the power cable to the base of the 6-Axis Arm and the other end to a power source.

A power cable is plugged into the charging port on the base of the 6-Axis Arm.

Connect one end of the USB cable to the base of the 6-Axis Arm and the other end to a computer.

A laptop computer is near the CTE Workcell setup and a USB cable connects the arm to the computer.

Once the 6-Axis Arm is powered and connected to a computer, the indicator light will glow green.

Close up of the indicator light near the cable ports on the base of the 6-Axis Arm. This light glows when the arm is powered and connected to a device.

Getting Started with VEXcode EXP

Follow the ‘Getting Started with VEXcode EXP’ section below that matches the version of VEXcode EXP that you are using (web-based or app-based). Unsure of which version you are using? Ask your instructor.

Accessing VEX CTE Projects in Web-based VEXcode EXP

Follow the steps below to access web-based VEXcode EXP and open a VEX CTE project. To access the web-based version of VEXcode EXP, you must be using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser on a Windows, Mac, or Chromebook.

To access VEXcode EXP, navigate to codeexp.vex.com.

VEXcode EXP interface with a new blocks project open in the workspace.

Create a new Arm project by following the steps in this video. The steps shown in the video are:

Open the File Menu
Select ‘New Blocks Project’
Select the Arm Icon

Connecting the 6-Axis Arm to Web-Based VEXcode EXP

There are additional steps to connect the 6-Axis Arm when using the web-based version of VEXcode EXP. Follow these steps below.

To connect the 6-Axis Arm, select the ARM icon in the Toolbar.

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the Arm button called out in a red box, to the left of the Run icon.

Select Connect Arm.

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the Arm dropdown menu opened and the Connect Arm button called out in a red box.

A text box will appear explaining which option to choose in the following connection window.

Select Continue on the text box to open the connection window.

Pop up window to connect the device to the 6-Axis Arm. The window reads Your browser will now attempt to connect to your VEX CTE Arm across the top. The blue Continue button is called out in a red box.

Select the 6-Axis Arm that says Communications Port.

If Communications Port is not shown as an option, move to the next step.

Browser pop up window to connect to the 6-Axis Arm. Two connection options are listed, one reads Arm Status Port (COM40) and the other reads Arm Communications Port (COM41).

If Communications Port is not shown as an option, select the 6-Axis Arm with the lowest ID number.

Browser pop up window to connect to the 6-Axis Arm. Two connection options are listed, one reads VEX CTE Arm (cu.usbmodem1101) and is called out in a red box. The other option reads VEX CTE Arm (cu.usbmodem1103).

Select the Connect button, once you have chosen a 6-Axis Arm.

Browser pop up window to connect to the 6-Axis Arm. Two connection options are listed, one reads VEX CTE Arm (cu.usbmodem1101) and has been clicked and selected. The other option reads VEX CTE Arm (cu.usbmodem1103). At the bottom of the window the Connect button is called out in a red box.

Once the 6-Axis Arm is successfully connected the Arm icon will turn green.

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the green Arm button called out in a red box, to the left of the Run icon. The Arm button will turn green when properly connected.

Accessing CTE Projects and Connecting the 6-Axis Arm in App-based VEXcode EXP

Follow the steps below to access VEXcode EXP and connect using the app-based version. The app-based version is available for download on Windows and Mac devices.

Open VEXcode EXP.

Create a new Arm project by following the steps in this video. The steps shown are:

Open the File Menu
Select ‘New Blocks Project’
Select the Arm Icon

The Arm Icon will display green once the 6-Axis Arm is powered on and connected to the device with VEXcode EXP opened.

The arm icon will turn green when connected.

Check Your Understanding

Before you begin the Mid-Unit Reflection and Goal Adjustment, ensure that you understand the concepts covered in this Lesson by answering the questions in the document below in your engineering notebook.

Check Your Understanding questions > (Google Doc / .docx / .pdf)

Select Next > to complete the Mid-Unit Reflection.