Oregon 18041 USER MANUAL

Learning PC

For Ages

5

& UP

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Thank you for buying

Oregon Scientific aims to develop unparalleled electronic learning products that make

Designed by experts, our products are packed with unique interactive activities

that make an invaluable contribution to your child’s development.

As well as activities with specific objectives of furthering skills of

language, mathematics, music, memory, logical reasoning and general knowledge,

Zip the Robot Plus

computers and encourage creativity and independent learning.

Oregon Scientific’s products help them achieve their potential.

Learning PC will provide a safe and realistic introduction to

When it comes to developing your child’s mind,

Zip the Robot Plus

Using the latest technology,

learning a lot more fun.

Learning PC.

Table of ContentTable of Contents

Chapter 1
About your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC

Chapter 2
Getting Started

Chapter 3
Useful Features and Controls

Chapter 4
Game Selection

Chapter 5
Game Rules

Chapter 6
Two-Player Mode

Chapter 7
Make a Selection and Submit Your Answer

1

3

5

7

7

Chapter 9
Games and Game Codes

Spelling
Word
Vocabulary
Mathematics
Games
Memory
Logic
Keyboarding
Tools

Chapter 10
Trouble Shooting

11

11
12
13
14
16
17
18
20
21

22

8

9

Chapter 1Chapter 1

About your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC

Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC is

Features
Interactivity

• Animated character

• challenges and

praises
55 Activities

• 19 Vocabulary/
Spelling/Word

• 13 Mathematics/Logic

• 13 Games/Memory

• 10 Computer Skills/

Tools
Multimedia

• Digital Sound/
Animation

Expandability

• Expand learning
potential with our
Smart Cards

(each sold separately)

supplied with the following parts.
Contact your retailer if any
parts are missing.

1 - Unit
2 - Mouse
3 - Mouse Pad
4 - Instruction Manual

Keyboard

Left

Cursor Button

Instruction

Manual

4

Volume

Switch

Game
Menu

Directional

Cursor

Button

Speaker

Right

Cursor

Button

Smart Card

Drive

Mouse Pad

Safety Catch

3

Unit

1

LCD

Screen

Contrast
Switch

Mouse Jack

Left Mouse
Button

Right
Mouse
Button

2

Mouse

1

Unit

Smart Card

Drive

Mouse

Jack

Battery

Cover

AC Adaptor
Jack

Handset Jack

Top

Battery Cover

2

+

-

Chapter 2Chapter 2

Getting Started

Your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC operates on 4 AA size batteries (not included) or
a 9V AC adaptor (sold separately).

Battery Installation

1. Make sure the unit is turned off.

2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, open
the battery cover at the back of the unit.

3. Insert 4"AA" batteries.
(Note the correct polarity: +, - ).

4. Replace the cover.
(The unit is automatically turned on
as soon as the batteries are installed
or the adaptor is plugged in.)

AC Adaptor Connection

Plug the adaptor into the adaptor jack
on the left side of the unit.
Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.

Auto-off

Caution

• Don not mix different types of batteries or new and used
batteries.

• Only use batteries of the same or equivalent type as those
recommended.

• Remove all batteries when replacing.

• Remove batteries from the unit if the unit is not going to be

used for long periods.

• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.

• Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries.

• Removed rechargeable batteries from the toy

before being charging. (if removable)

• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult
supervision. (if removable)

• Always remove exhausted batteries from the toy.

• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.

Caution

•

Do not connect the unit to more than a 9V power supply.

•

The unit must only be used with the recommended adaptor.

•

The adaptor is not a toy.

•

Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.

•

Disconnect the unit from the transformer before cleaning

with a liquid.

The learning PC will be automatically turned off after about 5 minutes of no input from the player.

3

Mouse Connection

1. Ensure the unit is turned OFF.

2. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack on the right side of the unit.

3. Turn the unit ON.

4. To ensure the mouse is kept clean, keep it on a clean mouse pad.

Mouse Jack

Cleaning and Maintenance

The unit should be regularly examined for damage to the cord, plug, enclosure and other parts. In the event of such
damage, the unit must not be used with the adaptor until the damage has been repaired.

Always disconnect the power supply before cleaning.
Wipe the unit with a dry cloth.
Do not get the unit wet.
Do not dismantle the unit.

Cleaning the Mouse
Turn the round mouse-ball cover in counter-clockwise direction and lift open the cover.
Take the ball out, and wipe the ball and the inside of the mouse with a dry cloth cleaning out all the dust.

Starting Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC

Open the unit by pushing the safety catch located on the front of the unit.
Turn on your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC using the [On] button located on the lower left of the keyboard.

At the end of your session, remember to turn off the power using the [Off] button on the lower left of the
keyboard. (Attention: Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC has no data storage capacity.)

4

Chapter 3Chapter 3

Useful Features and Controls

The Keyboard

The keyboard operates in the same way as a real computer keyboard.

The Mouse

Move the mouse in the direction that you want to move the cursor arrow.
(see How to Make a Selection and Submit Your Answer)

The Cursor Buttons

Use these to control the cursor arrow. Press the arrowheads on the directional cursor
button to indicate the direction you want the cursor arrow to go . Press either the left
or the right cursor button to enter your selection.

Cursor Arrow

The mouse and the cursor buttons control the cursor arrow.

The Flashing Cursor

This indicates the position where keyboard entries appear.

Smart Card

Do not scratch or damage the metal contact plate of the Smart Card.
Only insert Oregon Scientific Smart Cards into the Smart Card drive.

1. Plug the Smart Card into the Smart Card drive on the right side of the unit.

(sold separately)

5

The current activity is interrupted and the Smart Card animation begins.
Expansion questions for the following activities are included on each Smart Card.

Name of Smart Card

Word Fun
Spelling Fun
Vocabulary Fun

While the Smart Card is plugged in, only those activities included on the Smart Card are available. To play other
games in the learning PC, unplug the Smart Card. Press [Game Code][ to go to Game Code screen, and enter a
game code from the Game Menu.

Activities

Art Smart, Punctuation Please, Rhyme Match
Leap Frog, Sound Aware, More Than One
Opposing Sides, Pair Up Animal Farm

Demo

When the [Demo] button is pressed, you are shown a demonstration of some of the exciting features and activities on
your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC.

Volume

You may adjust the volume to a lower setting.
The volume switch is located at the lower left of the screen.

Volume

Switch

6

Contrast

Depending on your surrounding lighting conditions, adjust the contrast for better
viewing. The contrast switch is located at the lower right of the screen.

Chapter 4Chapter 4

Contrast

Switch

Game Selection

From the game menu above the keyboard, choose a game. When the Game Code screen
opens, enter the game code of the game you want to play. If no game is selected, Zip the
Robot Plus Learning PC automatically makes a selection for you. Press [Game Code] to
go back to the Game Code screen anytime you want to play another game.

Game Selection

Chapter 5Chapter 5

Game Rules

Attempts

Game questions come in groups of 10. You are given 3 attempts to answer each question.
Points are awarded according to the number of attempts taken to answer each question correctly.

Time Limit

Each attempt to answer a question is timed (1 minute for levels 1-5, 30 seconds for level 6). If you are unable to
answer the question in the allotted time period, it is counted as an incorrect attempt. The clock resets after each
incorrect attempt.

(These apply to most games.)

7

Scores

If the question is answered correctly in the first attempt, 10 points are awarded.
If the question is answered correctly in the second attempt, 6 points are awarded.
If the question is answered correctly in the third attempt, 3 points are awarded.
Score 85 points or higher after a group of 10 questions to go to the next HIGHER level of difficulty.
Score 60 points or lower, to go to the next LOWER level of difficulty.

Help

Press [Help] to repeat the audio instruction prompt.

Hints

If a question too difficult, press the [Hint] button to get a clue.
You can only use a maximum of 2 hints per question, and a point is deducted for each hint used.

Summary Screen

After a round of questions, a score screen and a level screen appear.
The summary screen disappears, and the game resumes automatically.

Winning a Game

Beat level 6 with a score of over 85 points and discover a special surprise. Good Luck!

Summary Screen

Chapter 6Chapter 6

Two-Player Mode

Basics
Go to two-player mode by pressing [Player1/2] . Return to one-player mode by pressing [Player1/2] again .
Most games follow a basic format in the two-player mode. The left cursor button is the Player 1 button,
and the right cursor button is the Player 2 button.

8

1. Initiate the two-player mode by pressing [Player 1/2] on the keyboard after the first question appears.
The "Two-Player-sign-in screen" appears.

2. Player 1: Type in your name and press [Enter].

3. Player 2: Type in your name and press [Enter].
The two-player mode screen disappears, and the names are saved.
After the player sign-in screen has been filled in, the game proceeds similar to the one-player mode except the

players must compete to answer the questions.
The first player to hit his/her button (Player 1: left cursor button, Player 2: right cursor button) is awarded an
attempt to answer the question.

1. If the first player answers the question correctly, points are awarded to the first player, and the game continues.
If the first player answers the question incorrectly, the second player is invited to answer the question.

2. If the second player is correct, points are awarded to the second player, and the game continues.

3. If the second player is incorrect, the correct answer is revealed, and the game continues.

Two-Player Game Rules

Each attempt to answer a question is timed (1 minute for levels 1-5, 30 seconds for level 6).
Each player is given one attempt to answer a given question. Ten points are given for the first correct answer and
zero points for an incorrect answer. In the second attempt, 6 points are awarded. No hints are available in the
two-player mode. Game questions come in groups of ten. After a group of ten questions, the summary screen will
show both players’ scores and announce the winner.

Chapter 7Chapter 7

Make a Selection and Submit Your Answer

In some games, you must select your answer from a list shown
on the screen.

Mouse

Keys

Arrow
cursor

Directional

cursor pad

&

Cursor buttous

9

Method 1

1. Press the arrows on the directional cursor button to move the arrow cursor over the chosen object.

2. Press the left cursor button once.

Directional

cursor pad

&

Cursor buttous

Method 2

1. Use the mouse to move the arrow cursor over the chosen icon.

2. Press the left-button on the mouse once.

Method 3

Press the letter key that corresponds to the choice.

a > Spatter b > Platter

c > Cider d > Sputter

Method 4

In some cases, you do not need to make a selection. Use the keyboard to type in your
answer at the flashing cursor.

HOSE DOWN

BLAST OFF

ART SMART

Type in the answer

10

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

(Games and Game Codes)

(Games and Game Codes)

Spelling

(01) Fill Up

Remember the animated vocabulary word presented by Zip the Robot Plus. After the
animation, the vocabulary word appears with a missing letter.
Type in the missing letter.

(02) Word Mixer

Unscramble the letters to spell the animated vocabulary word

(03) Spell Bound

Key in the animated vocabulary word.

(01)

(02)

(03)

11

(04) Hose Down

A word with an extra letter scrolls across the top of the screen.
When the extra letter is directly above the fireman,

(04)

press [Enter] or either cursor button to remove it.

(05) Sound Aware

From the four words shown on the screen, select the word that begins with the
same sound as the animated vocabulary word.

(05)

(06) More Than one

Key in the plural form of the displayed word.

Word

(07) Word Order

The object of this activity is to rearrange the question words to form a complete sentence.
Use the ¨ and Æ buttons of the directional cursor button to highlight a word. Press [Enter]
or either cursor button to move it to the Answer screen. Press the ≠ button of the directional
cursor button to move back to the Question screen. Press the Ø button of the directional
cursor button to move from the Question screen to the Answer screen. Use [Delete] or
[Backspace] to remove a word from the Answer screen.

(08) Art Smart

A sentence scrolls across the bottom of the screen.

1. Identify the letter that should be capitalized.

2. When the desired letter is underneath the paintbrush, press [Enter] or either cursor
button to capitalize the letter.

(09) Word of Mouth

Press letter keys to learn the alphabet.

(10) Punctuation Please

A sentence without the correct punctuation mark scrolls across the screen.
Replace the blank with the correct punctuation mark.
Use the keys or the left cursor button to select the proper punctuation mark from
the choices given below the sentence.
(You can make the sentence scroll faster by pressing any key.)

(06)

(08)

(09)

(10)

12

(11) Word Challenge

Challenge your opponent to solve a mystery word.

1. Player 1: Type in a word (maximum 7 letters) without Player 2 seeing it, and
press [Enter].

2. Player 2: Guess the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type in your
guesses (maximum 8 wrong attempts).

3. Player 2: Type in a word (maximum 7 letters) without Player 1 seeing it, and
press [Enter].

4. Player 1: Guess the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type in your
guesses (maximum 8 wrong attempts).
Whoever scores the most points wins the game.

(12) Under Cover

1. Remember the position of the letters that made up the word.

2. After the letters are hidden, click once on the tiles to uncover them, and press [Enter].
(To re-cover the revealed tile again, click on it once.)

(13) Mix Up

Unscramble your opponent's word (maximum 7 letters).

1. Player 1: Type in a word without Player 2 seeing it, and press [Enter].

2. Player 2: Unscramble the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type
it in (maximum 3 wrong attempts).

3. Player 2: Type in a word without Player 1 seeing it, and press [Enter].

4. Player 1: Unscramble the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type
it in (maximum 3 wrong attempts).
Whoever scores the most points wins the game.

Vocabulary

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

(14) Word Wise

Select the animated vocabulary word from the list displayed on screen.

(15) Opposing Sides

Match the question word with its opposite.

(15)

13

1. Scroll to choose the opposite word by using the down arrow on the directional cursor
button.

2. Press [Enter]

or either cursor button

when a word is chosen.

(16) Pair Up

Find the synonym of the word at the top of the screen.
Press either cursor button or [Enter] when it is directly under the arrow.

(17) Rhyme Match

Select the word that rhymes with the animated vocabulary word.

(18) Leap Frog

Use the arrow cursor to delete a letter to create a new word.

(19) Animal Farm

Use the scroll arrows to the left and right of the screen to see more animals.

1. Select the animal that matches the vocabulary word.

2. Press [Enter] or either cursor button.

Mathematics

(20) Number Place

Use the arrow cursor to select the numbers in numerical order.

(21) Add

Type the correct answer in the space provided.

(16)

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)

(21)

14

(22) Subtract

Type the correct answer in the space provided.

(23) Multiply

Type the correct answer in the space provided.

(24) Divide

Type the correct answer in the space provided.

(25) Sand Pit

Solve the math problem by supplying the missing number.
Press [Enter] or either cursor button to select the number
positioned in front of the bulldozer.

(26) Blast Off

Press [Enter] or either cursor button to select the missing operation sign.

(27) More or Less

Compare the 2 equations on the screen.

1. Select the correct operation sign using the cursor buttons.
If you think the first equation is greater than the second one, then choose [>].
If you think the first equation is less than the second one, then choose [<].
If you think the first equation equals the second one, then choose [=].

2. Press [Enter]

or either cursor button

to submit your answer.

(22)

(23)

(24)

(25)

(26)

(27)

15

Games

(28) Letter Line

Use the arrow cursor to select the letters in alphabetical order.

(28)

(29) Star Gazer

Use ←, →, ↑ and ↓ on the directional cursor button to move through space and pick
up all the stars without repeating your path or bumping into the monsters.
The path will be reset after 3 invalid responses.

(30) Clock Work

Select the clock that matches the announced time.

(31) Safari Sounds

Select the answer that matches the sound.

(32) National Anthem

Select a country to hear its national anthem.
Press any key to interrupt the music and return to the country menu screen.

(29)

(30)

(31)

(32)

16

(33) Singled Out

Four icons are shown on the screen.
Select the icon that is different from the rest.

(34) Self Design

Build your own robot.
Select a menu from the list on the left side of the screen.
Choose an option from the menu.
To delete a feature from the robot, select the feature then press [Delete].

(33)

(34)

(35) Quiz Time

Challenge a friend to a spelling contest!
Each player is given a chance to spell an animated vocabulary word.
The first player to correctly spell two words after their opponent has made a mistake wins.

Memory

(36) Speed Dial

A sequence of numbers is dialed on the keypad.
Use the number keys to repeat the number sequence.

(37) Match Maker

A grid of icons is briefly shown and then hidden. Uncover the icons a pair at a time.

(38) Same As

Remember the icon flashed on the screen.
Select the icon you just saw from the selection of four.

(35)

(36)

(37)

(38)

17

(39) Tune Time

Play melodies along with your Zip the Robot Plus.
Melodies are played one note a time.
Repeat the notes using the keys indicated on the screen.
A new note is added with each correct response.

(40) One By One

A sequence of icons appears on the top of the screen.
Use the cursor arrow to select the icons in the order they appeared.

Logic

(41) Grid Lock

Arrange the tiles in numerical order.
Slide the tiles by clicking on a tile adjacent to the shaded empty space.
Only tiles next to the space can be moved.

(42) Lie detector

Press [Enter] or either cursor button when items displayed on the screen do not match
what Zip says. If the displayed items match the audio, do not press any key.
You have 3 seconds to make your decision.

(39)

(40)

(41)

(42)

18

(43) Number Line

A sequence of numbers is shown but one number is hidden in a balloon.
Key in the missing number.

(44) Mewsic

Find the hidden kitten.
An instrument is played.
The kitten is hiding behind one of the instruments next to it.
Select the animal which the fly is hiding behind.

(43)

(44)

19

(45) Circuit Board

Select gthe icon that completes the sequence.

Keyboarding

(45)

(46) Touch Type

Learn to touch type!
Follow the lessons and learn to type the letter keys using the correct fingers.
Type the displayed letter using the finger indicated on the screen.

(47) Catch Phrase

Practice your touch-typing skills.
Type the moving ietters on the screen to keep the frog from falling into the waterfall.

(48) Black Hole

Type the scrolligng words to keep the space ship out of the black hole.

(49) Flash Back

1. Remember the flashed word.

2. Type the word in the empty spaces.

(50) Pile Up

Letters move across the bottom of the screen.

1. Use the directional cursor button to move the sprinkler over a letter.

2. Type the letter to spuirt it before itreaches the top.

(46)

(47)

(48)

(49)

(50)

20

Tools

(51) Melodizer

Use the keys indicated on the screen to compose a melody. Press [Enter] to play your
melody back.

(52) Calculator

Use the number and the function keys to enter a mathematical equation.
Press [Enter] to see the answer.
Press [C] to cancel your last entry.

(51)

(52)

Division

Subtraction Cancel

Addition

Multiplication

Equals

(53) Animator

Select a word and see its exciting animation.

(54) Music Gallery

To hear a melody, select its title as it scrolls across the screen.
Press any key to interrupt the music.

(55) Sound Studio

Press any key to hear one of the exciting sound effects stored in the Zip’s memory.

(00) Settings

1. Type your name and personalize your unit.

2. Press [Enter].

(53)

(54)

(55)

(00)

21

Chapter 10Chapter 10

Trouble Shooting

Before contacting an authorized service center at 1-800-853-8883, carry out the following simple checks.
They may save you the time and expense of an unnecessary service call.

No display

Is the power supply connected?
Are the batteries installed properly?
Do the batteries need replacing?

Difficult or no response from the mouse

Is the ball of the mouse and mouse pad clean and free from dust?
Is the mouse connected correctly?

Black-out screen or abnormal display

Disconnect the power supply by removing batteries or disconnecting the adaptor for at least 10 seconds before
connecting the power supply again.

Developing learning aids is a responsibility that we take very seriously.
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the information which forms the value of our
products. However, errors can sometimes occur. It is important for you to know that we stand behind our
products and we encourage you to call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-853-8883 with any problems
and/or suggestions that you might have. Our service representative will be happy to help you.

Conforms to safety requirements of ASTM F963, EN71 Parts 1,2 and 3 and EN50088.
In an effort to continually improve our products, the actual screen display on product may differ slightly from the

diagrams shown.

22

Accessories available for this Learning computer (sold separately)

Zip the Robot Plus

Smart Card for Zip the Robot Plus

Smart Card 1

Word Fun

Increase the challenge
of grammar and
punctuation activities
with these new questions.

Including:

• Capitalisation

• Punctuation

• Phonetic Recognition

Smart Card 2

Spelling Fun

Expand spelling
excitement with

the new questions
in this spelling upgrade.

Including:

• Spelling Rules

• Phonetic Recognition

• Word Formation

Smart Card 3

Vocabulary Fun

New questions add
upgraded fun to
vocabulary activities.

Including:

• Synonyms

• Antonyms

• Word Recognition

AC Adaptor

(

9 VOLT 300mA

)

Oregon Scientific, Inc.

19861 SW 95th Place

Tualatin, OR 97062

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Look for us on the World Wide Web!

http://www.oregonscientific.com

Warning:
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment.

NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.
" This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003."
" Cet appareil mumérique de la class B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada"

P/N : 086-000106-032

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