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Release the black Motors/Test button.
When in System mode, the amber User LED stays lit continuously and the green System LED,
while mostly lit, flashes very quickly when you are downloading data to the controller's FLASH.
Press Reset or switch Power OFF to end System Mode. Any data downloaded to the controller
during a System Mode session will remain there permanently until changed during another
System Mode session. However, if you prematurely end a System Mode session before all the
data are downloaded from the PC to the controller (only half of a sound file, for example), then
not only are the downloaded data corrupted, but the system tool will have erased the original
data, in preparation for the new information. Fortunately, the remedy is simple: download the
data again until it is complete.
You may enable System Mode at any time, even when connected with a PC-based controlling
program like ARIA.
System Mode overrides all other modes, thereby automatically
disconnecting the robot from any other controlling program.
S a f e t y F e a t u r e s
AmigoBot contains several features that make it safe to use in many environments, even around
infants and small pets.
Pick It Up!
AmigoBot is light, weighing approximately three kilograms (seven pounds), so it can be easily
picked up and moved out of trouble. With normal use, it won't cause damage if it falls or runs
into something.
Accordingly, if it's headed for trouble, such as toward a flight of down-stairs, simply grab the
robot and pick it up! Place it down elsewhere, out of trouble, or press Reset to start over.
Watchdog
When in Control Mode, an AmigOS "watchdog" constantly monitors the robot's serial
connection with the controlling program on your PC. If for some reason the robot doesn't hear
from the program after a short period of time (typically two seconds), such as when radio
interference temporarily disrupts AmigoBot Serial Ethernet communication, AmigoBot will
automatically stop moving and wait until communications with the controlling program are
restored.
Low Battery
Like the battery in your car, AmigoBot's battery doesn't like to be discharged too severely.
When its power gets low (typically around 11 volts), the robot will begin to complain, repeating a
low-battery lament. If you ignore its complaint and let AmigoBot's battery discharge to below
10 volts, the onboard systems will go into shutdown. Although it is not able to shut off its power
entirely, AmigoBot will stop moving (motors take a lot of power) and wait for you to come to its
rescue.
Low-battery shutdown is not a failsafe. If you leave AmigoBot ON for several days, its systems will
eventually drain the battery and may damage it. See "Maintenance and Repair," for details.
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