What is Roamer?
Roamer is a friendly programmable robot that introduces children to computer programming in a very concrete way. Roamer has its own programming panel on its back allowing children to program it to move around the floor and explore space and shape. By adding a pen Roamer can draw its trail. Roamer can provide challenging activities for children from 3 to 18. Most of all it's fun!

Which Roamer accessories would you recommend for my children?
3 - 7 years old:

7 plus:
Pen Pack, Card Pack, Jackets and ...

My Roamer keeps doing a triangle before it does what I've told it to do.
Whenever Roamer is switched on it will perform its demonstration program when GO is pressed. To get rid of the demonstration program simply press CM CM.

I cannot cancel my Roamer's memory.
The CM button needs to be pressed twice to clear Roamer's memory. This is to avoid cancelling programs by mistake. You will hear two differen tones for each press.
if Roamer's memory still doesn't cancel - problem with Roamer.

I want to use my Roamer on a table top but Roamer units are too big - what can I do?
Change the unit. Roamer's default unit is its own body length (30cm) but it can be changed to any uit from lcm - 99cm. Simply press [ number of centimeters wanted for new unit ] GO
eg: [5] GO
The new unit will now be 5 centimeters. This will not be cancelled by the CM button but will be cancelled when Roamer is switched off.
If you are setting the new unit for the class we suggest that you put some sticky tape over the on-off button to stop them switching Roamer off.

Degrees are too complicated for my young children. What should I do?
Change the unit . Roamer's default unit of turn is degrees but this can be changed to any any amount.
Press [ new number of degrees required ] GO
eg: [ 90 ] GO
The new unit will now be 90 degrees therefore 1 will turn Roamer through 90 degrees.
If you are setting the new unit for the class we suggest that you put some sticky tape over the on-off button to stop them switching Roamer off.

My Roamer doesn't do a proper square
Roamer's accuracy can be affected by the surface it is running on. It will never have the sort of precision accuracy of the Valiant Turtle. It would cost a lot more money to get that sort of accuracy.
However it is possible to improve Roamer's accuracy in the following way:
(It is best to adjust it for the suface it is most likely to run on.)

Accuracy Before drawing with Roamer, you can adjust it for accurate results. Remember the Roamer cannot move as precisely as a Floor Turtle. If you require geometric precision, you should consider using a Turtle. Adjusting the Roamer's Accuracy Fit a pen and pen bracket to the Roamer. Place the Roamer on a large piece of paper on a flat, level surface. Switch on the Roamer, clear the memory, program it as follows:
If the circle is like this the wheels should be moved in.	If the circle is like this the wheels should be moved out.
Adjusting the wheels Note: It is only necessary to adjust the Roamer's wheels once in its lifetime. Turn the Roamer upside down. Slacken the screws holding the gearbox, but do not undo them completely. Move the gearbox as required. Tighten the screws. Do not over-tighten, as this may damage the plastic. Draw another circle. If further adjustments are necessary, make them in the same way. The Roamer isn't designed to be a precision drawing instrument so there will always be some inaccuracy.

My Roamer is going round in circles.
90% of the time this is a battery problem. How to test:
Switch the Roamer on and press GO. Note which way the Roamer is turning. Turn Roamer upside down and undo battery compartment (coin twist to release push to close). Swap the batteries round - right to left and left to right. Switch Roamer on and press GO. Now which way is Roamer turning?
If it is turning in the opposite direction it is a problem with the batteries (one battery is supplying more power to a wheel than the other) . Simply replacing the batteries should solve this problem.
If it continues to turn in the same way it is likely to be a problem with Roamer. Have they been running it on a carpet? Fluff in the gear box. Outside - grit.

How long is the warranty on Roamer?
One year of normal use. This can be invalidated by using incorrect batteries or opening the Roamer up.
The return rate under warranty stands at 0.02%. Roamer is very reliable.

How can I clean my Roamer?
It is best to use a damp (not wet) cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasives.

What are the purple keys on Roamers keypad for?
These operate the control box which is an additional accessory that can be attched to the underside of Roamer. S = Sensors, T = Two State Output (Lights, motors, buzzers etc.), M = Stepper Motor.

Is it possible to keep the Roamer programs once you have switched Roamer off?
Yes, there is a computer interface available that allows you to download the Roamer programs onto floppy disk for storage. You can also view the programs on screen and print them out. However you cannot edit them on the computer. To do that you need to buy the RoamerWorld software.

How can I stop Roamer in the middle of a program?
If you hold down any button Roamer will stop at the end of the instruction it is carrying out, without cancelling the program. Obviously if you have put in 99 you will have to wait a long time for it to stop. It may be better to switch it off at the front and start again (remembering to CM CM when you turn it back on).

HOW TO CHARGE THE ROAMER RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

The Valiant 6-volt 4-Ah Lead Acid Lantern batteries ("Roamer Rechargeable Batteries") must be charged using only the Valiant Charger Unit, part number 1521-115.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU ATTEMPT TO USE ANY OTHER TYPE OF CHARGER UNIT: THIS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS DAMAGE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT AND WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY.

1. BATTERY CARE & WHEN TO CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
   1. You MUST charge the batteries immediately on receipt, they may have been in storage for some time and will require it to ensure they become fully charged before initial use.
   2. Recharge the batteries immediately AFTER each use. This will keep them in tip top condition and is the only way of ensuring they are not unintentionally discharged.
   3. If you intend to store your batteries you must first charge them; they will then need recharging at least once every 6 months afterwards.
   4. NEVER leave batteries in the Roamer during holidays or other extended periods. NEVER leave batteries in the charger when it is not recharging as the batteries will DISCHARGE.
2. HOW TO CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES
   1. Insert the two Valiant Lead Acid batteries into the charger housing, ensuring the spring contacts align correctly.
      NOTE: THE CHARGER UNIT WILL NOT CHARGE INDIVIDUAL BATTERIES. BOTH BATTERIES MUST BE INSERTED BEFORE THE CHARGER WILL WORK.
   2. Connect the power adaptor jack plug into the charger socket. The red lamp above the charger socket should illuminate; then plug in the power adaptor to the mains electricity supply and switch on.
   3. The red lamp should stay illuminated, indicating FAST CHARGE. It will remain lit until the batteries are fully charged. Should your batteries already be fully charged, the lamp will extinguish after a few seconds.
      NOTE: IF THE LAMP GOES OUT INSTANTLY, THE BATTERIES ARE NOT CHARGING BECAUSE THEY HAVE FAILED. Replacements may be purchased from your Valiant supplier.
   4. When the batteries are fully charged swftch off the mains electricity supply and disconnect the jack plug from the charger before removing the batteries - see 1 d) above.
   * BATTERIES LEFT PARTIALLY CHARGED OR WITH NO CHARGE WILL QUICKLY FAIL - PLEASE FOLLOW THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
3. BATTERY DISPOSAL
   When the batteries are no longer serviceable they must be disposed of in a safe manner. These batteries, in common with all battery types, contain chemicals that may be harmful to you and the environment, so contact your Local Authority's cleansing department for recycling arrangements.
   NEVER throw batteries into fire.