In order to manage the Control Hub (REV-31-1595) or programming using the onboard programming languages, a computer or other Wi-Fi enabled device will need to connect to the Control Hub's Robot Controller Console. The Robot Control Console is a local network created by the Control Hub to program and manage the device.
This example assumes the user uses Windows 10 as their operating system. If you are not using a Windows 10, the procedure to connect to the network will differ. Refer to your device’s documentation for details on how to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
By default, the Control Hub has a name that begins with "FTC-" or "FIRST-" followed by four characters that are assigned randomly. The default password for the network is "password". If either of these is forgotten, there are a few ways to recovery or reset the password on the Control Hub.
There are two ways to access the Robot Controller Console. The first will cover how to access the Robot Controller Console with the REV Hardware Client. It is recommended to use the REV Hardware Client as it will allow the user to access the Robot Controller Console over a wired connection. The second will run through accessing the Robot Controller Console via a web browser.
Download the latest version of the REV Hardware Client and install on a Windows PC.
Startup the REV Hardware Client. Once the hub is fully connected it will show up on the front page of the UI under the Hardware Tab. Select the Control Hub.
After selecting the Connected Hardware the Update tab will pop up. Select the Program and Manage tab. This will take you to the Robot Controller Console build into the REV Hardware Client.
At this point it is useful to update the Control Hub Operating System, Robot Controller App, and the Hub Firmware.
Once in the Robot Controller Console, the homepage of the console will appear. In the upper right corner is the navigation menu which will allow users to access the Blocks, OnBot Java, and Manage pages within the console.
With the Control Hub powered, access the Wi-Fi network selector. For Windows 10 devices, click the Wi-Fi Network icon in the lower right corner of the desktop.
Look for the Wi-Fi that matches the naming protocol of the device.
To ensure you are able to locate the correct device, it is recommended that you first connect in a location without other active Control Hubs or significant Wi-Fi connections.
Depending on your version of Windows or other theme settings your Wi-Fi Networks list may vary in appearance.
Once you have found the target network in the list, click on it to select it then press connect.
Provide the network password (in this example “password”) and press “Next” to continue.
Passwords are case sensitive. Make sure that your spelling and capitalization matches the original spelling and capitalization for the password.
Once a wireless connection is established, the status is displayed in the wireless settings for the device.
When connected to the Control Hub, the connected device will not have access to the Internet. It only has direct access to the Control Hub.
Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) and navigate to "192.168.43.1:8080" through the address bar.
From the Robot Controller Console users can update the Wi-Fi settings, upgrade the operating system and firmware, as well as program the device. It is strongly recommended that you go through all steps above before you begin programming.
After receiving the Control Hub it is advised to unbox the device, power the Control Hub on, and start the configuration process. Below are the required materials to run through the initial bring up of the Control Hub and links to the different steps of the process.
Control Hub (REV-31-1595)
12v Slim Battery (REV-31-1302)
Driver Hub (REV-31-1596)
Etpark Wired Controller for PS4 (REV-39-1865)
USB A Female to Micro USB (REV-31-1807)
Windows PC running the REV Hardware Client
Optional Additional Materials needed to Connect an Expansion Hub:
Expansion Hub (REV-31-1153)
XT30 Extension Cable (REV-31-1392, included with Expansion Hub)
JST PH 3-pin Communication Cable (REV-31-1417, included with Expansion Hub)
One of the first recommendations made to users of the REV Control System is to update Wi-Fi settings, specifically the name and the password. All REV Control Hub's come with a default network name and password. It is useful to change the name and password especially in environments where there are multiple Control Hubs running like at an event or in a classroom. Changing from the default adds the element of network security back to the Hub by reducing the potential for access from outside sources.
With the release of Robot Controller Application 5.5 there have been some major changes to the process of changing Control Hub name, password, Wi-Fi Channel, and Wi-Fi band. Previously changes to the name and password had to be made separately. Each change would reset the network and require users to reconnect to the network in order to change anything else. With 5.5 all changes can be made at once.
The following section will highlight how to access and make changes within the Wi-Fi settings. This section will use the REV Hardware Client to showcase how to make these changes. Once a user has connected to the Robot Controller Console, either via the Hardware Client or a web browser, the steps for accessing Wi-Fi settings are the same.
While in the Robot Controller Console select the menu button. In the image below the menu button is highlighted by an orange square in the upper right-hand corner.
When the menu opens, select Manage.
The Manage page is where the Wi-Fi Settings live. The following steps will show and discuss each change as it is made. Please keep in mind the following warning while moving through the steps:
You will need to reconnect to the new Wi-Fi network after changing the name and/or password. This is true for any Wi-Fi connection, but if you are accessing the REV Hardware Client via a USB connection the Hub will stay connected. Though, you may need to close and reopen the Hardware Client in order to see the changes.
Not all aspects of the Wi-Fi settings need to be changed. If you need to change name and password and do not need to mess with the Wi-Fi band or channel, leave those settings at default, and click Apply Wi-Fi Settings.
Under Wi-Fi Settings, there is an option to change the name of the Control Hub.
It is useful to change the Control Hub name to something unique, especially in environments where there are multiple Control Hubs running like at an event or in a classroom. Changing from the default adds the element of network security back to the Hub by reducing the potential for access from outside sources.
For FTC teams you will want to change the name from the default to team number - RC. (i.e. 99999-RC)
Under Wi-Fi Settings, there is an option to change the password of the Control Hub. There are not any restrictions on the password. Changing it from the default is advised but it does not have to change to anything complicated.
The default password 'password' is a well know password by Control Hub users, since it is the default for all Control Hubs. Staying with the default password significantly reduces network security. Changing from the default adds the element of network security back to the Hub by reducing the potential for access from outside sources.
Once a Wi-Fi band is chosen there are two options for dealing with Wi-Fi channels. One option is to let the Control Hub auto default on a channel. The other is to set a specific channel. Both options can be accessed via the drop down menu under the Wi-Fi channel section of the Wi-Fi settings.
It is valuable to know how to change the Wi-Fi Band and Channel as technical staff at an event can request to change those settings.
This section assumes you have already gone through the process of setting up your Driver Station device. If you have not please go through the following guides for more information on getting started with a Driver Station:
The procedure for pairing the Driver Hub and the Control Hub only needs to be performed once for each set of hardware. If you replace your Driver Hub or Control Hub, this procedure will need to be repeated.
Once you have powered on your Control Hub follow through the process for connection to either a Driver Hub or a Driver Station phone.
Your Driver Hub is now paired with your Control Hub!
Your Driver Station is now paired with your Control Hub!
The Control Hub () can utilize either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. In OS versions 1.1.1 and older the Control hub defaults to a channel on the 2.4 GHz band. REV Robotics advises that during competition teams utilize a 5 GHz channel for robot communication. Consult the table below for Driver Station devices that can operate on the 5 GHz band.
When using OS 1.1.2 the Control Hub operates by default on the 5Ghz band. To switch to the 2.4 Ghz band without the REV Hardware Client, see the .
The following steps assume that users have already connected to the Robot Controller Console. Please go to the if this is not the case.
As mentioned in the of this page, the Control Hub is capable of utilizing either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. This change is also made within the Wi-Fi Settings.
The Robot Controller Console makes it easy to change between the 2.4 GHz an 5GHz bands. It is advised to check the table to determine which band to operate in.
The Wi-Fi band and channel can be changed via the Driver Station Application. For more information on how to make these changes from the Driver Station please see section.
When you first receive your Control Hub (), you will have to connect it to a supported Android Device, like a Driver Hub. The following section of the page will walk through how to pair a Driver Hub or Driver Station phone to a Control Hub.
- To know what supported Android Devices can be used as a Driver Station
- To setup a Driver Hub
- To setup a non Drive Hub supported Android Devices as a Driver Station
This section assumes you have gone through the process of setting up your Driver Hub. If this is not the case please go to and go through the process of bringing up your Driver Hub.
This section assumes you have gone through the process of setting up your Driver Station Android Device. If this is not the case please go to and go through the process of configuring an Android Device to act as the Driver Station.
Section
Summary
In order to manage the Control Hub (REV-31-1595) or programming using the onboard programming languages you must have access to the Robot Controller Console. Follow through the steps in this section to ensure your Control Hub is connecting properly
Once in the Robot Controller Console, update your Control Hub's Wi-Fi settings for better performance and network security.
A Driver Station is required to in the REV Control System, to run code remotely. This section walks through the steps of connecting a Driver Station device to a Control Hub.
Showcases what hardware components plug into which ports on the Control Hub.
Once the hardware components are connected to the Control Hub, the basic steps for getting started have been covered. This section covers the important next steps you should take for working with and maintaining your Control System.
Steps
Power on the Control Hub, by plugging the 12V Slim Battery (REV-31-1302) into the XT30 connector labeled “BATTERY” on the Control Hub.
The Control Hub is ready to connect with a PC when the LED turns green. Note: the light blinks blue every ~5 seconds to indicate that the Control Hub is healthy.
Plug the Control Hub into the PC using a USB-A to USB-C Cable (REV-11-1232)
Phone | Wi-Fi Band |
2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Dual Band) |
Moto G (2nd generation) | 2.4 GHz (Single Band) |
Moto G (3rd generation) | 2.4 GHz (Single Band) |
Moto G (4th generation) | 2.4 GHz (Single Band) |
Moto G5 | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Dual Band) |
Moto G5 Plus | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Dual Band) |
Moto E4 | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Dual Band) |
Moto E5 | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Dual Band) |
Moto E5 Play | 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz (Dual Band) |
Power on the Control Hub by plugging the 12V Slim Battery into the XT30 connector labeled “BATTERY” on the Control Hub. You may also choose to include a switch between the Battery and Control Hub, if you prefer. |
The Control Hub is ready to pair with the Driver Station when the LED turns green. Note: the light blinks blue every ~5 seconds to indicate that the Control Hub is healthy. |
Open the Driver Station application from the HOME Screen. |
In the Driver Station application, click the three dots in the upper right corner to open the drop down menu. |
In the drop down menu select Settings. |
Select, “Pair with Robot Controller”. |
Select Wi-Fi Settings. Note: In initial bring up for the Driver Hub you are asked to connect to a Wi-Fi network with internet, which is why this Driver Hub is already connected to a network. However, now the focus is on connecting to the Control Hub. |
Select the name of the Wi-Fi network generated by your Control Hub. The default SSID name starts with either “FIRST-“ or “FTC-“. In this example we want to choose our REV-DEMO Control Hub. |
Enter the password to the Wi-Fi network in the password field. This defaults to “password”. Press CONNECT. After pressing connect, press the back arrow at the bottom of the display until you return to the main driver station screen. |
After a couple of seconds, the Driver Station page will indicate the network name, a ping time, and battery voltage. |
Power on your Android Device by holding down the power button. |
Open the Driver Station application from the HOME Screen. |
On the Driver Station page, open the menu from the top right corner, then select Settings. |
Select, Pairing Method. |
Select, Control Hub. |
Select, Pair with Robot Controller. |
Select Wifi Settings. |
Select the name of the Wifi network generated by your Control Hub. The default SSID name starts with either “FIRST-“ or “FTC-“. |
Enter the password to the Wifi network in the password field. This defaults to “password”. Press CONNECT. After pressing connect, press the back arrow at the bottom of the display until you return to the main driver station screen. |
After a couple of seconds, the Driver Station page will indicate the network name, a ping time, and battery voltage. |
Being able to connect to the Robot Controller Console, connect a Driver Station to a Control Hub, and the basics of connecting Control Hub to different actuators and sensors is just the start. This section focuses on the next steps for using the REV Control System, including getting started with programming and best practices for managing the Control Hub and Slim Batteries.
In order for the Control Hub to properly communicate with hardware components, you must perform a two part process known as hardware mapping. One of the most important, and commonly forgotten steps, when getting started programming is the creation of the configuration file, which is the first part of the hardware mapping process. A properly created configuration file, defines each hardware component with a unique name and a port type and number. After attaching hardware components to the Hub, use the Driver Station application to create a configuration, before beginning to program.
Depending on the application more motor, sensor, or servo ports maybe needed. If your robot needs more motors adding an Expansion Hub might be necessary. Adding an Expansion Hub adds the same amount of hardware ports as one Control Hub (an additional four motor ports, six servo ports, and all the sensor ports) to the system.
Information on updating various pieces of software for the Control Hub, Expansion Hub, and Driver Hub can be found in the Managing the Control System section.
All rechargeable batteries have a finite lifespan. Factors that affect lifespan include the number of discharge/charge cycles and the average loading of the battery. The following best practices can help maximize the lifespan of your battery:
Charge rate
Minimum: 1.5A
Maximum: 3.0A
Recommended: 1.8A or 2.0A
Do not overcharge
Disconnect the battery from the charger once it indicates a full charge.
Typical charge time does not exceed 2 hours.
Do not charge a battery that hasn't been discharged significantly.
For example, running the robot under minimal load for a few minutes will not significantly discharge the battery.
Minimum no-load voltage: 9.0V
Discharging the battery past 9.0V can reduce the lifespan of the battery and can permanently damage the cells.
Periodic dips below 9.0V when under load is expected and OK.
For example, don't forget to unplug your battery after you are finished running the robot and don't run your robot until it completely stops responding!
Temperature
Let the battery cool before and after charging.
The battery may feel warm after heavy loading or after charging. This is normal.
Before configuring your Control Hub, devices must be connected to the Control Hub. Below is a sample wiring diagram to show a sample of actuators and sensors usable with the Control Hub.
For more information on the connectors and cables used with the Control Hub see the links below:
REV Driver Hub ()
Now that the Control Hub is setup, it is ready to start programming to control a robot! The walks through the necessary steps for getting started with programming. The guide has suggestions to choose the right programming tool, configuring your robot, and the basics of programming.
For more information on the important of hardware mapping and how to configure your robot please see the page.
For more information on how to add a secondary Expansion Hub please visit our page.
The Control Hub and Expansion Hub are field upgradable devices. When new software is released with new features, bug fixes, and season specific changes users can update the device themselves. Checking for software updates at the start of September and then about every 6-8 weeks is recommended. To check for software updates you can use the or check the Managing the Control System section of the documentation.
To maintain and care for your battery, reference the general best practices on the 12V Slim Battery () product page or the information below. This includes how to properly store, charge, and care for your battery on the long term.