Part 1 General Operating Instructions; Chapter 1 Getting Started; Operating Tips And Safety Information - Robotronics Vehicle Robot Operating Manual

Part 1 General Operating Instructions

Operating Tips and Safety Information

ROBOTRONICS, Inc. robots are a unique and exciting tool in the hands of a skilled and trained operator.
The operator provides much of the excitement the robot conveys. The selection and training of the
operator should be done carefully, so as to provide a person with good judgment and an outgoing
personality. Nevertheless, with a little practice anyone can learn to operate the robot and even those with
a shy personality can be very effective using the robot. It is important that you observe the following
safety guidelines. Include this in any operator training. Practicing with the robot and having a program
outline or script will help you have success the first few times out.
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The operator must have the radio control in their hands when the robot is on. If you need to
set the radio control down, turn the robot off first.
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Always have a trained person (escort) near the robot for safety purposes, to help in crowd
control, and to protect the robot from vandalism. This person is also available to answer questions
and interact with the robot.
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When using the robot on a stage, the area just in front of the stage should be clear of children
for at least 10 feet.
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Neck Strap. There is a hook on the RC that you can attach a neck strap to. This will help prevent
drops.
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Keep the robot indoors with the cover on when not in use. This will keep the robot clean and the
color at its best. Direct sunlight/UV light can fade the plastic over time.
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You can paint the body if it fades or if you want to change the color of the body/trim. See the painting
instructions for tips.
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Operate the robot with charged batteries in the transmitter and robot.
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Never operate the robot out of line-of-sight.
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Make sure trims (sliders) on the RC are centered prior to turning on the RC and the robot.
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Operating distance should never exceed 100 feet. When moving the robot through crowds, the robot
should be operated slowly and smoothly without any sudden changes of direction. Walls, turns, and
other obstacles are hazards to be avoided. Never leave the robot "ON" when unattended or in direct
sunlight for extended periods of time.
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The robot is designed to be operated on hard, smooth surfaces and carpet. Avoid extra deep shag
carpet, dirt, gravel, or grass surfaces. Avoid steep inclines or large uneven surfaces such as curbs,
gutters, or uncovered electrical lines.
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If there are other radio controlled robots at the same event, confirm that they are not on the same
frequencies. See the diagrams showing your RC and wireless voices to locate these frequencies.
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When attempting to operate the robot for the first time, do so in a large flat area without obstacles.
The operation of the controls should be done in a smooth, fluid manner. Avoid jerking starts and
stops or overreacting to the controls. When first practicing movement, it is sometimes helpful to
follow behind the robot, as robot movement will match stick movement. (Controls respond opposite
when the robot is facing the operator.)
The robot can be a highly successful tool for education and entertainment. Appropriate jokes, stories and
general conversation can be very effective. Children of all ages are strongly attracted to the robot. They
will talk to it, hug it, kiss it, and generally treat it as a good friend. The smaller sized robots are very
effective with children. They are light in weight and just the right size to communicate with children. The
most important ingredient to the use and effective operation of the robot is common sense. The following
instructions will help you get set up and start using the robot.

CHAPTER 1 Getting Started

Getting Started
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