The Lack of Spares ... Good or Bad

[EricH]

The lack of spares is both good and bad.

Good: You are forced to design so that the original lasts. If you do it right, you get the Mars rovers--more than ten times the original mission length, and they are still going. You may also design for a suitable replacement to be easily placed in in case of emergency. It forces creative engineering.

Bad: If something goes wrong and there isn't an acceptable replacement, you're toast. In the real world, you have to have at least a backup plan, if not a spare. Spares are easier (they just slap in, and you can make them with little extra effort).

Overall, the lack of spares is not exactly a good thing.

Oh, and if the FP service people tell you to bring your "toy" in so they can replace the motor, just do it if you are in range. I want to see their faces when you bring in your robot...and explain that this is why you just want a motor.