This ReadMe file contains tips on installation, optimization and TechLab 01 features.
Starting up TechLab 01
(Note: TechLab 01 will not run if QuickTime is not properly installed – see installation instructions below. Also make certain that "Virtual Memory" is disabled in your "Memory" control panel).
The Tech Lab 01 program runs straight from the CD-ROM and, except for QuickTime, no installation is necessary. Simply start the LEGO Technic program by double-clicking on the program icon TechLab 01 on the CD-ROM. For better performance however, the entire CD-ROM can be copied onto your hard disk, and then run straight from the hard disk.
QuickTime 2.1 Installation
Install QuickTime by dragging the contents of the folder QuickTime on to your System Folder. You will be asked if you want the extensions and control panels placed correctly within your system folder (or if QuickTime and its components already exist, you will be asked if you want to replace it with the older or newer version). After installing QuickTime, restart your computer before trying to run TechLab 01. For a more detailed explanation of QuickTime installation and its features, consult the ReadMe in the QuickTime folder.
General Tips:
–Quit other programs and applications before running the LEGO TECHNIC CD-ROM
–Make sure that 32-bit addresssing is enabled in your Memory control panel
–Make sure that "Virtual Memory" is disabled in your "Memory" control panel. (On some machines you may enhance performance by enabling or disabling the "Modern Memory Manager" in the "Memory" control panel)
–Set your "Disk Cache" to Apple's Defaults in your "Memory" control panel.
–Disable any other "background" applications or extensions.
–Disable unnecessary extensions such as those used for modems and fax-modems.
–Disable screensavers and other cosmetic toys
–Disable file-sharing and keep network activity to a minimum
–Do not run the CD-ROM with "Ram Doubler" installed
–Please use LaserWriter 8 (or later) printer drivers (not "LaserWriter")
–If you have extra RAM, you may wish to increase the partition for the main program by editing the "Preferred Size" in the "Get Info" dialog box
Apple is continually improving the Mac OS so please use this program with the most recent version of the System software that is recommended for your computer.
Tips that may increase TechLab 01 speed:
Use the Extensions Manager control panel to create a "Minimum" set of extensions consisting of:
–Apple CD-ROM (or other CD-ROM driver)
–QuickTime 2.5 or later (with QuickTime Power Plug if you are using a Power Mac)
–Sound Manager 3.2 or later
–Include the "LaserWriter 8" extension if you intend to print
–Also include the "Memory" control panel
Restart with this set of extensions enabled.
TechLab 01 CD-ROM features:
Introduction:
(Note: In order to use the questionnaire and order form feature of TechLab 01, your computer must be connected to a printer).
After choosing your country and language, you enter TechLab 01 by clicking on the helmet.
The Lab:
By using your mouse and a few keyboard controls you will be able to use Apple’s QuickTime VR technology to navigate around the entire lab in virtual reality viewed through the helmet’s display. There are 19 different virtual locations that can be explored on three levels – Land, Air and Sea, as well as objects that you can rotate such as the Full Track Vehicle, the Bar Code Truck, the Submarine and the Helicopter. (See the navigation controls for Apple’s QuickTime VR technology described below).
The Information Bar
A text read out of important TechLab 01 features and navigation controls will appear in the green Information Bar located just above the helmet’s display.
How to navigate in the Lab.:
The following describes the cursors indicators and keyboard controls for navigating in QuickTime VR:
“Explore Cursors: appear when you hold down the mouse button anywhere in the scene. Drag the mouse in any direction to turn around. The further you drag the faster you turn.”
“Jump Cursor: appears when there is another scene you can jump to. Click the mouse button to jump.”
“Object Cursor: appears when the mouse is over something you can rotate or use. Click the mouse to access it.”
“Rotation Cursor: appears when the mouse is over an object you can rotate. Drag the mouse to turn the object.”
“Zooming Cursors: appear when you are zooming in and out at your current location in the scene. Hold down the alt. key to zoom in or the control key to zoom out. The keys are located at the bottom left of your keyboard. Drag the mouse while zooming to change the viewing area.”
“Normal Cursor: appears when the mouse is not over a jump point or an object.”
TechLab 01 CD-ROM features (continued):
Help:
The Helper will guide you and give you status updates as you explore TechLab 01. He can also be accessed by clicking on the green button under his display screen.
Health meter & Oxygen gauge:
Your vital health functions will be monitored and indicated by a steady green light wave at the top of your helmet display. Your oxygen level will be displayed via the gauge on the upper left. Be sure that you are wearing an air tank to stay under water or you might run out of oxygen. An airtank is located to the left of the elevator.
Map:
You access a Map of the Lab by clicking on the green Map button. Once displayed, you can click on a green dot to link to a location within the Lab.
Settings:
You access the Settings panel of the Lab by clicking on the green Settings button. The three states of Help and Sound: none, middle and high can be set from this control panel.
Accessing the Land, Air and Sea consoles
As you navigate around TechLab 01, you will locate three consoles, one for each level – Land, Air and Sea – which will be your plug-in point. When you locate it, click on the flashing green console power button to turn the console on. You can unplug from the console and go back to the Lab by pressing the “unplug console” button.
Features of the Land, Air and Sea consoles
After you have turned on the console power, you can interact with LEGO Technic models by clicking on the small model images at the bottom of the console display. Roll the cursor over the full-sized picture of the model and click down when the cursor turns into a magnifying glass to zoom in on a detail. By clicking on the highlighted animation, you can watch most models animate. Click on the arrows at the bottom to see more models.
In the Land level console you can click the Test button to test drive a vehicle or click the Code button to try the Bar Code Truck. In the Air level console you can click the test button to test fly a helicopter. In the Sea level console you can click the test button to test dive a submarine, but you will first need to assemble the Pneumatic System. You can access the Pneumatic System by returning to the Lab and clicking on the computer screen at the Land level. The computer screen is right next to the fire extinguisher. Click the VR button to see the current model in virtual reality. You can also watch product videos by clicking on the small images at the bottom of the console in the Air and Land level, and by clicking on the porthole in the pool.
Test directions:
Test Drive:
Select a vehicle of your choice by using the arrow keys and press start to test your track time against the computer. You control the car’s accelerator by pressing “ctrl,” and the left and right arrow keys to steer. You have five test laps to beat the computer.
Rescue Helicopter Test:
Your mission is to rescue the people off the buildings and take them to the heliport. You can only carry two at a time. When the men flash, you are about to lose them - so hurry before they disappear. Control the helicopter with the Right, Left, Up and
Down keys and use the spacebar to toggle between the furthest buildings and the closest buildings.
Pneumatic System:
To test the submarine, you need to assemble the Pneumatic system. Click on the computer screen located next to the fire extinguisher at the Land level of the Lab. Correctly the pump, air tank, grabber and switch, then connect them with the hoses. When you are done, press TEST to try the system. If you see the grabber working, you have been successful. You position the parts by clicking on a part and dragging it into the right place, while you hold down the mouse button. When you let go of the mouse button with the piece over the right spot it will click into place.
Submarine Test:
Barrels containing radioactive waste have been found at the bottom of the ocean and its your job to recover the barrels before they leak radiation. Pick up the barrels using the grabber and take them to the bottom of the surface platform. When the barrels flash they are about to leak - so hurry before they discharge waste. Control the submarine with the Right, Left, Up and
Down keys. Use the spacebar to grab or drop a barrel.
Bar Code Truck test:
The LEGO TECHNIC Bar Code Truck is controlled by a Code Pilot that reads bar codes. To read a bar code, click on the Code Pilot and drag it from left to right over the bar code, while you hold down the mouse button. When you have read 3 codes, drag the Code Pilot onto the truck right between the cab and the platform. Then press the green PLAY button to see the truck start to work.
Model Bank:
You can transfer the current model to the Model Bank by clicking the Insert button or remove the current model by clicking the Delete button. Switch to the In Bank mode to view the contents of the Model Bank, then Switch to the In Console mode to view all the models on the current level. There is room for eight models in the Model Bank. You can print out this Model Bank to use as a wish list by clicking the Order button.
