>>Transmission Initiated

The urban exploration team has arrived and is in position. Patrol Leader has assessed the situation and ordered a reconnaissance vehicle. Patrol Engineer (age 12) has begun construction using the Vexplorer kit. (Patrol Medic says it reminds him of his Erector Set he had when he was a kid. Patrol Leader ordered Patrol Medic to stay on task.) After deciding that some of the plans included in the kit were not physically possible, she improvised and built her own design from the available parts, including 2 sets of 3-wheel assemblies, claw and arm assemblies, and other basic construction parts.

After some time, the assembly has been completed. A/V camera has been mounted atop the arm actuator, allowing for vertical observation. Patrol Scout sent to buy batteries (10 "AA" and 1 9V needed). On Patrol Scout's return, batteries placed, and Vexplorer unit powered up. Included remote control unit with 2 analog joysticks to control wheels and 4 shoulder buttons to operate arm and claw used with moderate difficulty. Controls found to stick a bit. (Patrol Medic likes the Playstation-like controller and remembers his Erector Set having a wire connecting drone to controller. Patrol Medic reprimanded by Patrol Leader.)

Arm and claw found to easily pick up objects as needed. (Patrol Leader notes that soda cans should be emptied before picking up with claw. Patrol Engineer notes that the controller antenna is fragile and breaks easily.) Patrol Scout sent to buy replacement antenna at local hobby shop.

On Patrol Scout return and antenna replacement, test is completed successfully. Patrol Engineer activates camera mounted on Vexplorer arm, connects camera receiver to TV via RCA cables, and sends Vexplorer on reconnaissance mission, guiding remotely via TV. Patrol Engineer notes that image from camera is dark in fully lit room, but decent in daylight. Microphone determined to be adequate.

In mid-mission, Vexplorer stops responding. Patrol Scout recovers Vexplorer and discovers dead batteries. Patrol Scout sent to buy more batteries. Patrol Medic suggests using rechargeable batteries in the future. Patrol Leader reprimands Patrol Medic for being cheeky.

While waiting for Patrol Scout's return, Patrol Engineer attempts to use included virtual design software but discovers Vista incompatibility. Attempts to resolve issue with software manufacturer unsuccessful. Patrol Engineer notes that software expires and requires paid extension.

On battery replacement, Vexplorer sent out again. Data obtained. (Patrol Medic notes that Vexplorer looks very fun to build and control. Patrol Engineers answers with affirmative. Patrol Leader places Patrol Medic on permanent KP duty. Patrol Medic thinks Patrol Leader just wants to hog Vexplorer to himself.) Mission complete. Patrol Scout sent to buy 22 rechargeable batteries and confiscates Vexplorer to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. (Patrol Medic notes that his hands are busy peeling potatoes, and that Patrol Leader need not worry. Patrol Leader ignores Patrol Medic.)

>>Transmission Concluded