Frequently Asked Questions

Monolith Pricing

Q: Why is your radio so much less expensive than the Remotec one?
A: We like to ask that question a slightly different way" Why is Remotec's radio so darned expensive?" Simple answer is that this is what a high-performance digital radio control system SHOULD cost. Lithos is a smaller, smarter and faster company than our competitors. Being the new dog in the yard, we know that you have to be hungry to get ahead. We are able to focus our energies on making a really good product without all the operational and creative baggage that comes from being the only dog in the yard for too long. And we don't have to make up for sagging sales of new robots by over-charging for our radio system.

Knowing that the products we build go into service with the people whose job it is to keep the peace and make the world a safer place, we try very hard to keep pricing and costs down. This lets even small agencies and teams purchase top-of-the-line materials to keep their communities safe. That's our commitment. Like any company, we need to make a profit--but not at any price. We consider our relationship with our clients to be a partnership.

Q. What is the current Monolith price?
A: As of Spring 2010, the pricing structure is as follows (for single units)

Monolith Gen. 2 - $22,530

Monolith Gen. 3 - $26,760*

Upgrade Gen 2-3 - $4,230*

Upgrade Remotec NLR
to V2 - $7,951

Upgrade Remotec NLR
to V3 - $12,181

Digital Repeater - $9,879

Joint Sensor Kit - $9,933

*Comparison: Remotec Talisman Gold radio costs about $61,000.

Monolith Digital Controller

Q: What robots is it compatible with?
A: F6A, 5A1, Mini-II, RONS, Wolverine. Note that in older models of the Mini-II the radio is attached to the shoulder joint of the manipulator and will tilt as the shoulder tilts. This may impact performance. Check with Remotec to see if your vehicle can be upgraded so that the radio is not mounted to the manipulator.

Q: What about the HD-1?
A: Remotec had told us that we were compatible with the HD-1, but that is currently not true. We are actively testing to ensure compatibility. We currently believe that it is a simple interface cable change to be compatible with this vehicle.

Q: Is it compatible with the Wolverine?
A: Yes. Two customers have verified that it does work with the Wolverine.

Q: Encryption?
A: The controller encrypts all data, video, and audio. This prevents anyone (e.g. the evening news) from watching and/or recording your mission.

Q: Does use of this controller impact my robot's warranty?
A: The Monolith Digital Controller was designed with support from Remotec. It is fully compatible with your Remotec robot, both electrically and mechanically. It has been in use with these robots for many years and will not impact your warranty.

General Radio Issues

Q: Why don't radios always work right?
A: Radio performance is hurt by two factors: low signal level and multi-path interference.

Low signal level is just that, you don't have enough signal for the radio to work. This occurs when you operate at long distances (> 1.5 miles line of sight), or when you try to operate in buildings with metal walls, or thick concrete walls (such as inside of an arena). You can check the signal level by using the diagnostic display on the controller. Low signal level can also occur if your OCU antennas are not pointed at the vehicle, these antennas are directional with a beam width of about ±40° horizontal and vertical

Multi-path interference occurs when signals bounce around in the environment. This causes echos that can cause the controller to not hear the radio signals properly. There is signficant technology in the Monolith Digital Controller to reduce problems by multi-path.

Note that signal bounces can also be beneficial. Often, you can intentionally bounce signals off of buildings in the environment (by aiming the OCU antennas) to get a good signal level in areas where you can't if you aim the antennas directly at the vehicle. A good example is working around an office complex.