# Vision Controller

The Cognex Vision Controller can be configured and managed using Cognex Designer. These topics will cover the configuration, setup and management of the vision controller from within Designer. These topics assume that the vision controller has been setup and wired into its application environment, following the steps provided in the Vision Controller Installation Manual.

After starting, the vision controller will automatically open Designer in the Cognex Designer Integrated Development Environment. By default, the desktop of the vision controller contains shortcuts to the Cognex GigE Vision Configuration Tool, the Cognex Comm Card Configuration Tool and Designer. Close Designer and run both the Cognex GigE Vision Configuration Tool and Cognex Comm Card Configuration Tools to establish connections to the attached cameras and communication devices. Re-open Designer once the connections are established.

Most typical use-case scenarios with the vision controller will be placing the vision controller on the network, establishing a Remote Desktop Connection to the vision controller from a networked PC, developing the application in Designer, and then deploying the application to the vision controller.

While supporting network connectivity, in addition, the vision controller has three USB 2.0 ports (allowing HID devices such as a keyboard and mouse to connect) and a VGA monitor port. Also supported is the ability to use USB mass storage devices for file transfers. This allows the vision controller to be deployed in an environment that does not have access to a network, and updates and projects can be uploaded to the vision controller via a USB thumb drive.

Note:

- For more information about the installation of the Vision Controller and cameras associated with the Vision Controller, please consult the Vision Controller Installation Manual (available from the Designer Help menu). The manual will need to be viewed on a PC with a PDF viewer installed.
- For more information about establishing a Remote Desktop Connection, please see the Microsoft Windows Support topic Connect to another computer using Remote Desktop Connection.