REFERENCE: Questions & Answers:

Q. I sent you a email and did not get a reply?
A. I reply to all email that do not try to sell me something, has a valid email address, is not blocked by the servers and returned to me, or those that demand information.

Q. What is or do I do first?
A. Contribute: Add to this information. Give something back for the next person.

Q. What do I do next?
A. Define the problem. My robot doesn't work is a problem, but is not detail enough to resolve the issue. Examples:

1. Does it have batteries?
2. Are the batteries good?
3. Does it make contact and supply power to the robot?
4. Does the robot need a controller?
5. Is the controller good?

Note: Trace the problem down and (write down) record the information. You will need that information to let others know if/when you try to get help.

Example: (Problem #1 of many:

Q. Where can I buy batteries for my ROBOT?
A. For recommendations you should try the hobby groups, some are listed at the bottom of my LINKS page.

Q. What batteries and/or charger does my ROBOT (any robot shown on this web site) use?
A. Go to the download page and download the manual, or look at the web pages online. You can then look it up.

Q. Where can I get a charger for my ROBOT battery?
A. For recommendations you should try the hobby groups, some are listed at the bottom of my LINKS page.

Q. Where can I buy a controller for my ROBOT?
A. Try eBay and look at the web sites on the LINKS pages.

Q. Where can I get the instructions for my ROBOT?
A. Go to the download page and download the manual. You can then print it out.

Q. Where can I get This (any robot shown on this web site) ROBOT?
A. Try eBay and look at the web sites on the LINKS pages.

Q. Where can I get my ROBOT fixed?
A. I have listed some recommendations in the repair section further on.

Q. I want to fix my ROBOT myself. Could you tell me how to fix it?
A. I have added some information to aid you in robot repairs. For any additional information that is needed, you should try the hobby groups, some are listed at the bottom of my LINKS page.

Q. I have a controller but and that is all I know?
A. Get the instruction sheet or manual for that robot and find out the frequency first. You will need that to test It.

Q. I have a controller at 49.XX MHz or 27.XX MHz and I don't know if it works, what do I do?
A1. Take the controller to a Hobby shop and have them check it.

A2. Get a radio receiver ^{# 1} that has a range of 30 MHz to 50 MHz, VHF (low) frequency band and tune it to the controller frequency. The lower end usually will fall into the 27MHz range and test the TX on the controller. Test the controller.

^{# 1} Example (Radio Shack Patrolman CB-60 Radio)

Q. I want to check the circuit board for my robot, what do I have to watch out for?
A. Always use a static wristband for static discharge when handling the circuit boards.

Q. I bought a robot that is 20 years old with the original battery, how do I check the battery to see if it is good?
A. Buy another new battery.

Note: Check the Internet for batteries and their life cycle, but replace the battery.

Q. Where can I buy a controller for my robot? (What robot? You need more information.)

A. For almost all of the older robots (10 to 30 years old), it is easier to buy both the robot and the controller, than it is to buy a controller. There is always a but; If you are persistent enough and actively keep trying, you can eventually run across and buy one.

Q What are the most common problems working with the medium size robots? Problems;

A1. Old or no battery. = Replace battery.
A2. Missing controllers. = Replace controller and/or substitute a similar function or controller.
A3. Battery contacts corroded. = Clean and repair the contacts.
A4. Plugs and jacks oxidized and one or more pins not making contact. = Use a contact cleaner and plug into the jack multiple times, to wipe the pins, and make contact. In extreme conditions replace the plug and jack.
A5. Switches oxidized and not making good contact. = Use a contact cleaner and slide or flip the switch multiple times to clean the contact. In extreme conditions replace the switch.