Vexcode Pneumatics Compressed
Vexcode Pneumatics Compressed
Vexcode Pneumatics Compressed
Pneumatics
By: Mr. Gravitt
Pneumatics (pronounced new-MATT-ix)
• Using Pressurized/Compressed Air to
cause a mechanical action.
• In this kit used to actuate mechanical
cylinders.
• Goes from STOP to STOP, which means
that it cannot actuate just a little bit, it
goes full length of the cylinder, from
open to closed, close to open, but does
it Really Quickly!
Important Note:
The effectiveness of the V5 Pneumatics System
largely relies on the O-Rings and fitting connections.
O-Rings are small, black, rubber-like rings found on
each M5 thread of the fittings, Schrader valves, etc.,
and they help to create a tight seal to prevent air
leaks. These are further optimized by the flow of
pressurized air. When assembling, there's no need
for tools — hand-tightening components ensures a
secure connection. Over-tightening using tools can
lead to damage, so always handle components with
care to ensure longevity and proper function.
The V5 Pneumatics Kit can be broken down into 7 different
functional categories. These categories include the following and are
listed in order of importance from the initial pressurization of air and
ending with the actuation of mechanical parts:
• Reservoir: this includes components related to the
influx and storage of compressed air in the system.
• Pressure Monitor: this includes devices used to
regulate and monitor the air pressure in the
system.
• Fittings: this category is for various types of
connectors and plugs used to join tubes together
or to connect them to different parts of the
system.
• Tubing: this category is for components related to
the flexible tubes that carry the air in a pneumatic
system.
• Manual Control: this category contains devices
that allow for manual control of the airflow in the
system.
• Electronic Control: this category is for components
that provide electronic control over the system.
• Cylinders: this is where the mechanical work
happens in a pneumatic system. Cylinders use the
energy of the compressed air to create motion.
V5 Pneumatics Kit (276-8750) Contents List:
• (1) 75mm Stroke • (2) Double Acting Solenoid
Pneumatic Cylinder Driver Cables
• (1) 50mm Stroke • (2) Double Acting Solenoids
Pneumatic Cylinder • (1) Shut Off Valve Fitting
• (1) 25mm Stroke • (8) Elbow Fittings
Pneumatic Cylinder • (5) Tee Fittings
• (1) Air Tank 200mL • (2) Air Flow Valve Fittings
• (1) Air Pressure Gauge • (10) Straight Male Fittings
• (1) Air Pressure Regulator • (1) Straight Female Fittings
• (1) Air Pressure Regulator • (1) Valve Stem
Mounting Bracket • (10) 4mm Plugs
• (1) Tubing Cutter • (3 Meters) 4mm Tubing
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
Force & Pressure:
• System Pressure:
689 kN/m^2 (100
psi)
• Cylinder Bore: 10
mm (0.394 in)
• Max Force: 54 N
(12 lbf)
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
Air Tanks:
• 315 g (0.694 lbs)
The Pneumatic Cylinder, which comes in 3 sizes in the Kit, turns pressurized
air into a back-and-forth motion and can extend (push) and retract (pull)
because it has a dual-acting feature. The "stroke length," or how far the
cylinder moves in one cycle, is different for each size, so it can fit different
project needs. You connect the Cylinder to the Tubing using a Straight Male,
Elbow Pneumatic Fitting, or Air Flow Valve Fitting. This makes a setup that
turns air pressure into movement. Remember, the more pressure you supply
to the cylinder, the stronger the force it exerts - so more pressure means
more force. The piston rod of the Cylinders features an #8-32 thread,
making it compatible with standard VEX hardware.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
Remove the black nut near the knob of the Air Pressure
Regulator and slide the bracket on. Then replace the nut
and tighten to hold the Air Pressure Regulator to the
Bracket. The Bracket can be attached to your robot using
standard VEX hardware.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
Straight Female Fitting:
• M5 Thread Straight Fitting
VS.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
90° Fitting:
• M5 Thread Fitting
• 4mm Hose Other End
The Elbow Fitting is similar to the Straight Male Fitting,
but the Tubing exits at a 90-degree angle. The M5
thread can be screwed into the device that you need to
connect the Tubing to. The Tubing is then a push-fit into
the red end of the fitting. To release the Tubing from
the fitting, press the red release button and remove the
Tubing. The Elbow Fitting also has a mounting hole
which can be used for securing it to your robot.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
90° Fitting With Valve:
• M5 Thread Fitting
• 4mm Hose Other End
• Plus a Knurled Knob the controls the valve
The Air Flow Valve Fitting is used to control the speed at
which your Air Cylinders move. Unlike the Air Pressure
Regulator which controls the force of the Air Cylinder
movement, the Air Flow Value controls the flow rate
which affects speed. The Air Flow Value is usually fitted
to a port on the Air Cylinder for which you want to
control the speed.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
90° Fitting: 90° Valve Fitting:
• M5 Thread Sticking • M5 Thread Sticking
Out of the Fitting Out of the Fitting
• 4mm Hose • 4mm Hose Connector
Connector • Plus a Valve w/Knob
VS.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
90° Tee Fitting:
• Has (3) 4mm Hose Fittings
The Tee Fitting, which is named for its "T" shape, lets you
connect 3 pieces of Tubing together in your pneumatic
system. For example, you might use it to connect the Air
Tank, Air Pressure Gauge and use the third outlet to supply
air to the rest of the system. The Tubing is a push-fit into
the red end of the fitting. To release the Tubing from the
fitting, press the red release button and remove the Tubing.
The Tee Fitting has two mounting holes which can be used
for securing it to your robot.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
4mm Plug:
• Male 4mm Hose Plug
The 4mm Plug, which has a solid black tube on one side and a
small handle on the other side, is a useful tool for closing off
open ends in your pneumatic system. It fits tightly into any
Pneumatic Fitting that isn't being used and is the same size as
your tubing. This is useful for parts like the Solenoid where
unused outputs could let air escape. Instead of having to reroute
extra tubing with a Tee Fitting, you can put this plug straight into
a Fitting to stop the airflow. This makes sure all the pressurized
air stays in your system, providing a way to save space and use
your system efficiently.
Pneumatics Kit Specs:
4mm High Pressure Tubing:
• 4mm hose that can handle
high psi air pressure
The 4mm Outer Diameter x 2.5mm Inner Diameter
Polyurethane (PU) Tubing in your Pneumatic Kit works like
the veins in your pneumatic system, moving pressurized air
from one part to another. Just like how veins carry blood in
our bodies, this tubing moves air around in your setup.
The Double Acting Solenoid Driver Cable links the Double Acting
Solenoid to the V5 Brain of your robot. One end of the cable has
a 3-wire plug which connects to a 3-wire port on the Brain. At the
other end are two sockets which are connected to each of the
plugs on the Solenoid. The connector with the black and red
wires should connect the side of the Solenoid labeled A, and the
connector with the green and white wires should connect to the
side of the solenoid labeled B.
One Cylinder System:
A One Cylinder System,
using just one Pneumatic
Cylinder, is suited for
operations needing a
single motion. For
instance, a robot might
use this system for a
specific task, like moving a
claw or releasing a
mechanism.
Multi Cylinder System:
The concepts in a One
Cylinder System can be
expanded for multi-cylinder
systems. The setup illustrated
above is an advanced version,
featuring most components
from the V5 Pneumatics Kit.
Now, let's understand why
components are positioned
as they are and how this
impacts the system's
functionality.
Double Acting Solenoid Operation:
• First, connect your Double
Acting Solenoid Driver Cable to
the Solenoid, placing the Green
and White Wire near outlet B
and the Red and Black wire in
the remaining slot.
• Remember, the green and white
wire plug must connect to the
side labeled 'B' on the Solenoid;
not doing so will flip the logic,
causing the cylinder to extend
when you want it to retract.
Double Acting Solenoid Operation:
The inlet marked P receives
pressurized air, while the outlets A
and B connect to the corresponding
cylinder. Air flow directed to outlet A
causes outlet B to expel air via
exhaust port R, enabling cylinder
movement. This exhaust process
releases waste air, facilitating
movement in the opposite direction.
While no attachment is necessary at
Refer to the following outlet R, it's important to be aware of
step for instructions on its role in air release. Directing air
directing air flow to towards an outlet, like A, closes its
adjacent exhaust port (as indicated
outlet B. by the nearby crossed-out R),
focusing air flow to the cylinder.
Double Acting Solenoid Operation:
When air is directed
to outlet B, outlet A's
exhaust port R opens
to expel air, aiding in
cylinder movement.
Double Acting Solenoid Operation:
Pressure to B & Pressure to A &
Released Out A. Released Out B.
VS.
Coding the V5
Pneumatics in
VEXcode Blocks
The VEXcode V5 Software
• Click on the VEXcode
V5 Software Icon
• This version of the
software is the same
on both MAC & PC.
• This version allows you to program using
Blocks &/or a Blocks/Text Hybrid.
Step 1.1 - Open VEXcode V5 Software
• Either click on the VEXcode V5 ICON on
your desktop or search for “VEX” in the
search bar at the bottom of your Windows
screen.
Step 1.2 - Open VEXcode V5 Software
• This is what the software looks like when
opened.
Updating Firmware(s)
Firmware:
1. The Brain has Firmware.
2. The Controller has Firmware.
3. The Bluetooth Dongle has Firmware.
4. & YES, the Battery has Firmware!
• These will have to be updated periodically
& it’s very simple.
• If they need updates here are the
directions:
Updating Firmware(s)
Updating Firmware(s)
Updating Firmware(s)
Updating Firmware(s)
Updating Firmware(s)
PROGRAMS!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. You can program a VEX robot
with more than 1 controller.
2. Use Autonomous programs &/or
Remote.
3. Use sensors &/or not.
4. You can program all the different
Joysticks &/or Buttons in many ways.
5. For most robots they can be programmed in so
many different ways that the numbers are just literally
astronomically large!
THEREFORE: I’m going to show you 1 way of programming your robot &
just using one joystick. However, just remember that there is a huge
number of ways that a robot can be programmed!!!
Step 2 – Lets Name the Program & Save It
• Click here, select where to save it (Server
&/or Flash Drive), name it, & save it.
Step 3.1 Open Devices
• Click on the Devices Icon located here.
Step 3.2 - Add a Device
• We need to tell
the software
what devices
(motors, sensors,
&/or controllers)
that we are
plugging into our
robot, what ports
we are plugging
them into, & also
name them.
• Click Add a Device.
Step 3.3 - Select
Controller
• We are going to put
each Motor in
individually &
individually Name each
motor.
Step 3.4 – Click Done
• Just going to use 1
controller.
• We are going to
program the controls
manually in the
program code.
• Click Done – It will label
it “Controller1”
automatically.
For Starters, Build a One Cylinder System:
You are going to build a One Cylinder System like in
the picture & write a program to manually control it
with a controller.
Our tank says that it can handle 150psi.
Tank: Over that risks rupture. A literally
explosion! Put in air here on the Schrader
valve / Tire Valve.
Pressure Gauge:
When placed here, it allows you to read the pressure
the tank is under.
Shutoff Valve:
Lets you fill the tank & read the pressure on gauge
without pressurizing the rest of the system.
Lets you lower the pressure on the
system downstream of it. Turn the
Pressure
knob & read the gauge to set the Regulator:
pressure.
2 Way Solenoid Valve:
2 Electrical Solenoids that each move one of 2
valves, each valve goes to each side of pneumatic
cylinder.
4mm Plug:
This plug caps off this open fitting, here additional
pneumatics could be later attached…
90 Degree with Valve:
Putting this valve here allows you to slow the speed
of the pneumatic down?
Step 4.1 – Digital Output
• The Controller1 should be
there.
• Next step we are going to
put each Digital Output in
individually & we are
going to individually name
each Output.
• Click On - “Add a Device.”
Step 3.2 - Select 3-
Wire Device
• We are going to put a
3-Wire Device
Step 3.3 - Select 3-
Wire Digital Out
Device
• We are going to put a
3-Wire Digital Output
Device.
Step 3.4 - Select Which 3-Wire Port
• Add a device.
Step 8.4 – Add Optical Sensor
• Click on add an Optical
device.
• This sensor pictured
below.
Step 8.5 – Name it & Select Port #
• Name it.
• Select Port #
• Click Done
Step 8.6 – Should look like this…
Step 9.1 – Drag in a Forever Loop
• Click on
forever loop
• Drag it into
the
program
• Like so…
Step 9.2 – Drag in a if () Then Loop
• Click on if ()
then loop
• Drag it into
the
program
• Like so…
Step 9.3 – Drag in a Optical found an object?
• There are a number of
if () then options here.
I’m bringing in “found
an object?”
• Drag it into the
program
• Like so…
Step 10.1 – Digital a Output
• Click on
forever loop
• Drag it into
the
program
• Like so…
Step 10.2 – Reads