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1. Place black electrician’s tape on a reflective floor (hardwood or
   linoleum, for example).
   You don’t have to create a straight line; you can use several pieces to
   design a circular or oval track.


2. Place Sam on the track with the sensors on either side of the tape.


3. Put batteries in Sam and the remote control flip the on/off switches on
   both to On.


4. Flip the start/stop switch to start and press the transmit button on the
   remote control to get Sam moving.


5. Flip either the speed or horn switch on the remote control and then
   press the transmit button to activate either effect.


6. To stop Sam, flip the start/stop switch to stop and press the transmit
   button.

If nothing happens, here are a few things to check out:

All the batteries are fresh, are tight in the battery pack, and face the

right direction.

See whether any wires or parts have come loose.

Compare your circuit with the photos in this chapter to make sure you

got all the connections right.

If Sam gets going but doesn’t follow the track as you expect, you can adjust

the sensors by loosening the screws and sliding the sensors up or down.

If Sam stalls, try these steps:

1. Put the start/stop switch in the start position.


2. Push the transmit button once more.

Taking It Further...........................................................................................

We’re sure you can see why this neat little guy is Earl’s favorite project. You

can create huge tracks and have him follow around the room. He confuses

recalcitrant cats (refer to Figure 13-1), and you can put notes in his cart and

send them to someone else on the other side of the room.

Chapter 13: Sensitive Sam Walks the Line 341