Getting started

I am just getting started with BrickPi and am trying to run SimpleBot without any luck. I uncommented the DEBUG line, and it is saying

BrickPiRx Error : -2 (3 times)
Retry Failed

Looking at the comments in BrickPi.py, it sounds like this is a timeout, but I’m not sure how to fix it.

I think I have the power working: I have fresh batteries in the 6xAA back, and have it plugged in as well.

Are there any lights or voltages I can look at to make sure the BrickPi is working? Anything else I should try?