Get started programming your Marty V2 with Unplugged Mode, using coloured cards instead of a screen.
What is Unplugged Mode?
Unplugged Mode lets you guide Marty through challenges using coloured coding cards. You can purchase the colour tiles from our store. You will also need a colour sensor, which comes as standard with Marty.
With a press of a button, you can start coding with cards without using a phone, tablet or computer.
Who can use Unplugged Mode?
Marty Unplugged is suitable for learners of mixed abilities and requires no prior programming knowledge. It is designed to offer an accessible introduction to programming for children younger than five, but people of all ages can use it.
Unplugged activities help children think about sequences and instructions: valuable foundations for coding.
How do I enter Unplugged Mode?
- Press the power button to turn Marty on.
- Press the A/MODE button, next to the power button.
You should hear Marty say “unplugged” in a robotic voice. The power light will also turn white for a few seconds, confirming that Unplugged Mode is active.
How does it work?
In Unplugged Mode, Marty detects the colour of the card beneath the foot with the colour sensor and carries out the command associated with that colour. The colour sensor is the one that lights up, usually attached to the left foot. For example, green means walk forwards.
Choose a suitable surface: a white surface works best. Wooden surfaces can sometimes be detected as yellow, which makes Marty walk backwards. With younger learners, place Marty on the floor rather than on a desk or table.
To try a sequence:
- Make sure Marty is switched on. If necessary, press the power button.
- Press the A/MODE button to enter Unplugged Mode.
- Lay out the tiles in your chosen sequence, then place Marty on the first tile to get moving.
How do I turn Unplugged Mode off?
Press the A/MODE button again. You will hear a “buzz, buzz, whistle” sound confirming that Marty has left Unplugged Mode.
Older firmware: if your firmware is version 1.1.8 or earlier, press the A button twice quickly to turn Unplugged Mode off.