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CHAPTER 2

Your choice of Spybot can make the difference between mission success and failure. This chapter covers some of the features common to all Spybots and the features that make each Spybot unique. You'll also find some ideas to consider when you develop your own Spybots.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Identifying the common features of each Spybot
• Determining the relative speed and strength of a Spybot
• Describing the special features of each Spybot

One of the techniques I use to explain the Spybot features and operation is simple exercises designed to help you understand what's going on by thinking and acting like a Spybot. Experienced designers and engineers will often do this to get a better grasp of the problems they might have with their projects.

Common Spybot Features

The basic LEGO Spybot brick is the same (except for the color of the transparent domes) on all of the Spybots. Chapter 3 goes into more detail about the electronic systems in your Spybot. In this section, I just talk about the mechanical aspects of the Spybot brick.

Each Spybot brick has a battery compartment, a touch sensor, and two motors, as shown in Figure 2-1. Each of these mechanical features either provides input to or is controlled by the computer inside the Spybot brick.

If you look closely at your Spybot and/or the Spybot in Figure 2-1, you'll notice the following additional features:

• Two buttons on top: The black button is the power button, and the silver/gray button is the Run button to run the current downloaded program.
• Six lights in an arc: These lights are for display. During missions, various lights display for the S.M.A.R.T. agent to make appropriate responses. The lights also indicate the status of a mission. When you first turn the Spybot on, the number of lights displayed indicates your current Spybotics security clearance.
• Center yellow light: This light displays information during missions and shows you that the Spybot is ready to start a mission.

You will learn more about these additional features in the appropriate sections of Chapter 3.

The Battery Compartment

On the underside of the Spybot brick, you'll see a panel with beveled edges and an arrow molded into the part. Gently push the panel in the direction of the arrow and lift it clear of the battery compartment. There is room for three AA (LR-06) batteries. For more information on batteries, see the "Choosing Among Battery Alternatives" section in Chapter 4.

When you insert batteries into the compartment, be careful to ensure that the "button" on the top of each battery is pointing in the right direction. There is a picture molded into the bottom of the compartment that will help you get it right. Remember, you can't hurt the Spybot by inserting the batteries the wrong way, but it won't work if you do so.

When you replace the panel, make sure the arrow is pointing to the front of the Spybot (see Figure 2-2). You should also make sure that the front of the panel is in line with the front of the Spybot. Then gently push the panel back to seal the battery compartment.

If you're thinking about building a custom Spybot, it's good to keep the access to the battery compartment free of any obstructions. Avoid running bracing or suspension parts across the battery compartment.