Millennium M830 User Manual

CONTENTS

1 Important information ................................................................................................................ 4

1.1 Safety instructions .............................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning ............................................................................................ 4

1.3 Notes on the power supply.................................................................................................. 4

1.4 Package contents ................................................................................................................ 4

2 Getting started ........................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 Connecting the adaptor ...................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Selecting the language ........................................................................................................ 5

2.3 Adjusting the backlight ....................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Preparing for a game .......................................................................................................... 5

2.5 Switching on and off ........................................................................................................... 6

2.6 Reset .................................................................................................................................. 6

2.7 The buttons and their functions (summary) ......................................................................... 6

3 Playing against the computer ...................................................................................................... 7

3.1 Your move .......................................................................................................................... 7

3.1.1 Ordinary moves ........................................................................................................... 7

3.1.2 Special moves ............................................................................................................. 7

3.2 The computer’s move ......................................................................................................... 8

3.3 Errors ................................................................................................................................. 8

3.4 Symbols displayed in the bottom line during play ................................................................ 8

3.5 Retracting and replaying moves .......................................................................................... 9

3.6 Result of the game .............................................................................................................. 9

3.7 Starting a new game ........................................................................................................... 9

4 The info screens ....................................................................................................................... 10

4.1 Info screen: Large clock .................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Info screen: Game score .................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Info screen: Analysis ......................................................................................................... 11

4.4 Info screen: Opening name and code ................................................................................ 12

4.5 Info screen: Permanent brain ............................................................................................ 12

4.6 Info screen: Small clock .................................................................................................... 12

5 Special functions ...................................................................................................................... 13

5.1 The menu ......................................................................................................................... 13

5.2 Menu: Move ...................................................................................................................... 13

5.3 Menu: Hint ........................................................................................................................ 13

5.4 Menu: Level ...................................................................................................................... 14

5.4.1 Normal levels ............................................................................................................ 14

5.4.2 Easy levels ................................................................................................................ 14

5.4.3 Fun levels.................................................................................................................. 14

5.4.4 Blitz levels ................................................................................................................ 14

5.4.5 Tournament levels..................................................................................................... 15

5.4.6 User level .................................................................................................................. 15

5.4.7 ‘Fixed depth’ levels ................................................................................................... 16

5.4.8 ‘Find mate’ level ........................................................................................................ 16

5.5 Menu: Nextb (Next best) ................................................................................................... 16

5.6 Menu: Start ....................................................................................................................... 16

5.7 Menu: End ........................................................................................................................ 16

5.8 Menu: Analy (Analysis) ...................................................................................................... 17

5.9 Menu: 2Play (Two Players) ................................................................................................. 17

5.10 Menu: CLink (ChessLink) ............................................................................................... 17

5.11 Menu: Opts (advanced Options) ..................................................................................... 18

5.11.1 Overview of the advanced options ............................................................................. 18

5.11.2 Altering an option ..................................................................................................... 18

5.11.3 Opts: Invert Board ..................................................................................................... 18

5.11.4 Opts: Tutor ............................................................................................................... 18

5.11.5 Opts: Book1 .............................................................................................................. 19

5.11.6 Opts: Book2 .............................................................................................................. 19

5.11.7 Opts: Permanent Brain ............................................................................................... 19

5.11.8 Opts: Randomness .................................................................................................... 19

5.11.9 Opts: Contempt ........................................................................................................ 19

5.11.10 Opts: CPU speed ....................................................................................................... 20

5.11.11 Opts: Style ................................................................................................................ 20

5.11.12 Opts: Sound .............................................................................................................. 21

5.11.13 Opts: Contrast .......................................................................................................... 21

5.11.14 Opts: Language ......................................................................................................... 21

5.12 Menu: SetUp ................................................................................................................. 21

5.13 Menu: Verfy (Verify) ...................................................................................................... 23

6 USB mode – Communicating with a PC ...................................................................................... 23

6.1 Connecting to the PC ........................................................................................................ 23

6.2 Saving and loading games................................................................................................. 23

6.2.1 Saving the current game ............................................................................................ 23

6.2.2 Loading a game ........................................................................................................ 24

6.2.3 Loading a PGN file ..................................................................................................... 24

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6.2.4 Creating a PGN file .................................................................................................... 25

6.2.5 Saving a game from a ‘set up’ position ...................................................................... 25

6.3 Further downloads ............................................................................................................ 26

6.3.1 Installing a new version of the chess program ........................................................... 26

6.3.2 Installing a new openings book ................................................................................. 26

7 FAQ and troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 26

7.1 My board does not work as intended ................................................................................. 26

7.2 I need spare chess pieces .................................................................................................. 26

7.3 Can I save games? ............................................................................................................. 26

7.4 Can I load games onto the King? ....................................................................................... 26

7.5 Is there a firmware update? ............................................................................................... 26

7.6 Can I go back to older firmware? ....................................................................................... 27

7.7 The Update or PGN Tool does not recognize the chess computer unit ................................ 27

7.7.1 Driver update ............................................................................................................ 27

7.7.2 Cable and connection ................................................................................................ 27

7.7.3 USB mode ................................................................................................................. 27

7.8 The TKP_Udate Tool cannot acquire the latest firmware ..................................................... 27

7.9 How long does the update take? When is the update complete? ......................................... 27

7.10 Feedback and questions ................................................................................................ 27

8 Disposal ................................................................................................................................... 27

9 Warranty, servicing and contact with manufacturers .................................................................. 28

10 Technical specifications ............................................................................................................ 28

3

1 Important information

Before using this device, please read the following safety notes and operating instructions completely, and
pay careful attention to them. Please store this user manual with the device, so that you can refer to it later if
needed. If you later give this device to another user, please also give them this manual.

1.1 Safety instructions

Please note that this product is not a child’s toy within the meaning of Directive 2009/48/EC. If you let your
children use the device, instruct them accordingly and ensure that the device is used only as intended.

• Keep the packaging bags and film away from babies and small children, as there is danger of
suffocation!

• In order to avoid damage, do not expose the device to heat, e.g. from radiators or from direct
sunlight, and do not expose it to any kind of moisture.

• In order to avoid malfunctions, do not operate the device on or near devices that create magnetic
fields or electromagnetic radiation, such as for example televisions, loudspeakers, mobile and
cordless telephones, WiFi devices etc.

• Do not open the device under any circumstances. It does not contain any serviceable parts. In the
event of malfunction, contact the service address or your local shop.

1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning

• Please note that real wood needs extra care. Handle the wood carefully, always store the device where it
is dry and do not expose it to strong sunlight.

• When required, only clean the device’s surface with a slightly damp cloth, and ensure that no moisture
can penetrate into the device.

• Do not use solvents or other aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents, as these can damage the device’s
surfaces.

1.3 Notes on the power supply

Only operate this product with the AC adaptor supplied.
Input 100–240 V 50/60 Hz, 0.45A max; Output 9V DC 1A

When using the AC adaptor, please observe the following:

• The power socket should be located close to the device and should be easily accessible.

• The device should not be connected to more power sources than recommended.

• The electrical contacts must not be short-circuited.

• Before cleaning the device, ensure you disconnect the adaptor from the mains.

• Regularly check the product and the AC adaptor for damage, and do not use either of them if they

are damaged. Never open them up.

• Please observe any safety information printed on the AC adaptor.

1.4 Package contents

The package contains the following components:

• 1 King Performance computer unit M830 with liquid crystal display (LCD)

• 17 white chess pieces (including additional queen)

• 17 black chess pieces (including additional queen)

• 1 AC adaptor

• 1 cable with 2 identical connectors (to connect the computer with the ChessLink)

• 1 user manual

4

2 Getting started

Language

Shown on display

English

English

German

Deutsch

French

Français

Dutch

Nederlands

Italian

Italiano

Spanish

Español

Russian

Pусский

German:

English:

2.1 Connecting the adaptor

At the rear of the computer unit there are three sockets.

1. Take the AC adaptor (supplied in the package) and insert the small connector on the end of the cable

into the right-hand socket on the rear of the computer unit.

2. Connect the AC adaptor to a power socket. A sound is emitted.

2.2 Selecting the language

The chess computer’s LCD display can show its text in any of the following 7 languages:

After you connect the power, the display shows the word ‘English’ together with the version number of the
chess program:

To select the English language: Confirm by pressing the GREEN button.

To choose a different language:

1. Press the down arrow button ò as many times as needed to display the desired language.

2.

Then

confirm with GREEN.

2.3 Adjusting the backlight

The LCD display has a backlight that you can adjust by pressing the BACKLIGHT button as many times as
necessary.

2.4 Preparing for a game

After you have selected the language, the display shows the ‘Large clock’ info screen:

You can now prepare for a game:

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1. Place the chess pieces on their starting squares. Initially the computer assumes that White is playing

German:

English:

‘up the board’, i.e. the white pieces start from the 2 rows next to the control panel. If you want Black
to play ‘up’, give the ‘Invert board’ command as described in Sections 5.11 and 5.11.1.

2. You can now start play against the computer on its ‘Easy’ level 4. (If you want to select a different

level of play, see Section 5.4.)

3. If you want the computer to play White, give the ‘Move’ command as described in Section 5.2.

2.5 Switching on and off

If the computer is running and you press the On/Off button, the following display appears:

If the computer unit is connected to a PC or laptop via a USB cable, you can now perform operations such as
loading or saving games – see Section 6.

If instead you press the GREEN button, the device switches off.

Or if you press the RED button, it reverts to the ‘info’ screen or the menu (see Section 5).

If switched off in the correct manner (as above), the computer will still retain the current game in its memory,
with the parameters (level, etc.) that you have specified – even if you afterwards disconnect the power.

the power is reconnected, the computer automatically switches on. To switch on when the power has
been disconnected, press the ON/Off button.

After switching on, you can resume play from where you left off.

When

not

2.6 Reset

If you wish to delete all previous data:

• Disconnect the device from the power supply.

• Hold down the RED button and reconnect the power.

• Keep the RED button held down until the start screen appears (as in Section 2.2). The computer is

now in the same state as when you first acquired it. This operation may occasionally be useful in case
of a problem you don’t understand.

2.7 The buttons and their functions (summary)

RED button Cancels a command.

GREEN button Confirms a command.

Note:

The RED and GREEN buttons have various uses depending on the situation. Their functions at any
particular moment are indicated by the ‘inverted’ wording (i.e. text on a dark background) in the bottom line
of the display: RED in the left corner, GREEN in the right corner. If nothing is indicated, the respective button
is not currently enabled.

ON/OFF Switches the device on or off.

NEW Starts a new game.

BACKLIGHT Adjusts the display’s backlighting.

Retracts moves.

6

Replays moves.

ï Returns to the previous screen. Moves the cursor left.

ð Proceeds to the next screen. Moves the cursor right.

ñ Moves the cursor up.

ò Moves the cursor down.

If held down, the buttons will ‘auto-repeat’.

3 Playing against the computer

3.1 Your move

3.1.1 Ordinary moves

Press on the departure square of the piece you want to move. There is a ‘beep’, and the red lights at the
corners of the square come on.

To complete your move, press the piece down on its destination square after taking away any piece that you
are capturing.

3.1.2 Special moves

• ‘En passant’ capture: First move your own pawn, then press on the square of the captured pawn as
you take it off the board.

• Pawn promotion: Move the pawn to the promotion square. The bottom line of the display will show
(e.g.):

This invites you to promote to a queen. If you want, you can switch to a different piece by pressing ï
or ð. When the desired piece is shown, press GREEN and replace the pawn with the piece.

• Castling: Move the king first. Then move the rook in the same way, i.e. pressing on the ‘from’ and
‘to’ squares.

In normal (i.e. ‘classical’) chess, the above method is always recommended.

In ‘Chess960’ (see

Section 3.7), an alternative method is sometimes necessary: –

(1) Press the departure square of the king.
(2) Press the departure square of the rook with which you want to castle.
(3) Move the king, pressing its destination square.
(4) Move the rook, pressing its destination square.

This is essential when the king castles by moving just one square:

To castle, press b1 – a1 – c1 – d1.

The procedure sometimes involves pressing the same square twice:

To castle, press d1 – g1 – g1

– f1.

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In the next example,

two

squares are pressed twice:

To castle, press f1 – g1 – g1 – f1.

If the king or rook is already on its destination square, castling is effected by simply moving the other
piece:

To castle queenside, press a1 then d1. To castle kingside, press c1 then g1.

3.2 The computer’s move

The computer announces its move with a ‘beep’, and the red lights ‘blink’ to indicate the ‘from’ and ‘to’
squares alternately. Press down on the squares as you move the piece.

It may then be necessary to complete a ‘special’ move. The red lights indicate the square or squares where a
piece must be placed or removed. Note also the ‘prompts’ at the bottom left of the screen:

In this example, the square h8 must be vacated and the black rook must be placed on f8 (to complete a
castling move). Press the squares as you carry out the operation.

The square b4 must be vacated (by a pawn that has been captured
remove the pawn.

To carry out an ‘underpromotion’ of pawn to rook, press the square b2 as you remove the pawn, then press
the rook down on b1.

If the computer gives check, its move is followed by a high triple buzz.

If you prefer, you can also execute the computer’s move
switches the lights off and erases the ‘prompt’), then simply move the piece(s). Note that
‘prompted’ in the bottom line may be carried out in this way; this includes moves that are being retracted or
replayed (see Sections 3.5 and 5.6).

without

en passant

pressing the squares: press RED (this

). Press the square as you

any

move that is

3.3 Errors

If you press on a piece but then decide not to move it after all, press the square again. The lights go out, and
you can restart your move.

An illegal move is rejected by a low triple buzz. Simply complete a legal move in the normal way.

If (e.g.) pieces get knocked over and you aren’t sure where to put them back, you can use the ‘Verfy’ (=
verify) function – see Section 5.13.

3.4 Symbols displayed in the bottom line during play

• (rotating hourglass): The computer is thinking about its move.

• : You are to move with White.

• : You are to move with Black.

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3.5 Retracting and replaying moves

3.5.1 Retracting a move

If you want to take back the last move played, you may press the clockwise arrow button . The red lights

on the chessboard, and the prompts in the bottom line of the screen, direct you to move the piece back, e.g.:

Return the white bishop from h4 to g5, pressing the squares as you do so. (Alternatively press RED and
simply move the piece – compare Section 3.2.)

3.5.2 Retracting a sequence of moves

After taking back one move, you may also take back the previous one or a longer sequence.

To do this, you can repeat the same procedure as before. However, in a long sequence you don’t need to
retract the moves one by one in a specific order. For example, to retract the last seven moves played, you can
simply press seven times and then proceed to reconstruct the position, pressing the squares that are
indicated in the bottom line. The VERFY function (see Section 5.1.3), as well as the red lights on the board,
can help you.

3.5.3 Replaying moves

A move that you have retracted can be
the piece on the board as prompted by the lights and the screen.

To replay a sequence, you may repeat this same procedure to execute each individual move. Alternatively,
you may simply press the anticlockwise arrow button several times and then reconstruct the position at the
end of the sequence.

3.5.4 Continuing the game

At any time after retracting or replaying moves, you can resume the game from the current position on the
board. Carry out a move in the normal way, or give the ‘Move’ command (see Section 5.2) to make the
computer play next – you will then be playing for the opposing colour.

replayed

by pressing the

anticlockwise

arrow button and moving

3.6 Result of the game

The final move is accompanied by three ‘beeps’, and the result is announced in the bottom line of the
display:

• Mate Checkmate

• Stale Stalemate

• Draw 3x Draw by threefold repetition

• Draw 50 Draw by 50-move rule

• NoMat Draw due to insufficient material (neither side can mate the opponent)

• TooLong The game cannot be continued, as it would exceed the available

memory space (maximum: 256 moves for each side).

3.7 Starting a new game

You can start a new game at any time, except in the middle of some special operations as described in
Section 5.

Press the NEW button. The screen shows ‘New Game?’ and
pieces to start a game of ‘Chess 960’. To switch between these displays, use ñ or ò.

To begin a game of ordinary (‘classical’) chess, press GREEN when the screen shows ‘Classic’.

either

the word ‘Classic’ or an arrangement of

9