Oregon S18 User Manual

Electronic Learning Products

For Ages 9 & UP

Chapter 1 About YourAcceleratorVision Learning PC

Chapter 2 Getting Started

Chapter 3 Useful Features and Controls

Chapter 4 Game Rules

Chapter 5 User Settings

Chapter 6 Activities

Word Sector Vocabulary Sector Mathematics Sector A. Mathematics Sector

Trivia / Games Sector Skill / PDA Center Tools / Reference Center W eb Area

Chapter 7 Safe-site.net

How to sign up for Safe-site.net Password for Child and Parent

Chapter 8 How to synchronize with your home PC

Chapter 9 X-Cable

Chapter 10 Trouble Shooting

14 16 18

22 25

30 38

43 43

TTable of Contents

able of Contents

Dear Parent

Thank you for choosing the Oregon Scientific Accelerator Vision.

Designed and engineered with extreme precision, the Accelerator Vision is packed full of learning,

offering stimulating games and activities that

make an invaluable contribution to your child’s development.

Some of the activities to further your child’s skills include language,

mathematics, music, memory and logical reasoning.

The Accelerator Vision provides a dependable and

realistic introduction to computers and

encourages creativity and independent learning.

Learning with Oregon Scientific is so much fun!

About your Accelerator Vision Learning PC

Chapter 1

Features

76 Activities

• Vocabulary / Spelling

• Mathematics

• Trivia

• Games / Language Tutor

• Reference / Tools

• PDA / Keyboard Skills

• Web Area

Internet Zone

• Safe-site.net capable

• Free e-mail account

• Download new questions

• Post game scores

• Profanity check

• Newsgroups

• Design your own web page

and host it at the safe-site.net server

The Accelerator Vision is supplied with the following parts. Please contact your retailer should any parts be missing.

1 - Unit 2 - Mouse Pad 3 - Opti-mechanical Mouse 4 - Instruction Manual for X-Cable 5 - User Manual for the

Accelerator Vision

6 - X-Cable software

CD-ROM 7 - X-Cable 8 - Access Key

Unit

X-Cable software CD-ROM X-Cable Access Key

Mouse jack

USB port AC jack

USB X-Cable Connection to PC

• Transfer documents between the Accelerator Vision and PC

• Print to any PC compatible printer

• Internet Connection

Keyboard

Directional Cursor Pad

Instruction Manual

for X-Cable User Manual for the Accelerator Vision

Speaker

Unit

LCD Screen

Mouse Pad

Opti-mechanical Mouse

Access Key

Chapter 2

1. Make sure the unit is turned off.

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

3. Insert 4 “AA” size 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.)

1. Make sure the unit is turned off.

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

3. Insert 2 “AAA” size batteries. (Note the correct polarity +, – ).

4. Replace the batteries and cover.

NOTE: Back-up batteries are essential for the retention of stored data.

Back-up battery installation

Your Accelerator Vision operates on 4 “AA” size batteries plus 2 “AAA” size batteries (not included), or a 9V AC adaptor (not included).

Getting Started

Battery Installation

Caution

• Do not mix different types of batteries or old and new batteries.

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

• Remove all batteries when replacing.

• Remove batteries from the unit if the unit is not going to be used for long periods of time.

• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.

• Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries.

• Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the toy before being charged.

• Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult supervision.

• Remove exhausted batteries from the toy.

• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.

• The unit must not be connected to a power supply greater than 9V.

• Only use the recommended adaptor.

• The adaptor is not a toy.

• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.

• Toys liable to be cleaned with liquid are to be disconnected from the transformer before cleaning.

Power failure may corrupt data stored in the memory. To reset your Accelerator Vision, see “Memory Failure” in the Trouble Shooting section.

Auto-off

The learning PC will be automatically turned off after about 6 minutes of no input from the player.

AC Adaptor Connection

1. Plug the adaptor into the adaptor jack at the back of the unit.

2. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.

3. Please turn off the unit before plugging in the AC adaptor. Otherwise the unit may be damaged.

Password Screen

Logging in

1. From the pull-down menu, select your name.

2. Enter your password in the Password field and press [ Enter ]. (If you have forgotten the password, click on [ Hint ] to see your pre-entered clue).

Logging in as “Guest”

From the pull-down menu, select “Guest”, and press [ Enter ]. NOTE: Users who log in as "Guest" will not be able to save any information or access the Web Area.

Chapter 3

Useful Features and Controls

Scroll Bar

To view continuing pages, click on the arrows at the bottom of the bar or press the down arrow key. To view previous pages, click on the arrows at the top of the bar or press the up arrow key.

Demo

Press this key to see a demonstration of the exciting features and activities on your Accelerator Vision .

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.

• Do not dismantle the unit.

• Always disconnect the power supply before cleaning.

• Do not get the unit wet.

• Wipe the unit with a dry cloth.

Mouse Connection

1. Ensure that the unit is turned OFF.

2. Open the mouse jack cover on the back of the unit.

3. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack.

4. Turn the unit ON.

5. To prolong the life of the mouse, only use it on a clean mouse pad.

Starting the Accelerator Vision Learning PC

When you first turn on the Accelerator Vision you will be asked to do the following:

1. Click on the word “YourName”. You will be prompted to type in your name and then press [ Enter ]. NOTE: This should be the same name you use when you install the X-Cable software in your PC.

2. Enter a password and then press [ Enter ]. Do this again to confirm the password and then press [ Enter ].

3. Set the date and time and then press Enter.

4. Select your time zone and then press Enter.

Mouse Jack

A. Making a selection with the touch pad - also called “Clicking on”

Use the touch pad to position the cursor arrow over the desired icon and press the left button.

B. Making a selection with the mouse - also called “Clicking on”

Use the mouse to position the cursor arrow over the desired icon and press the left mouse button.

C. Making a selection with the arrow keys

Press the arrow keys to highlight the desired icon and press [ Enter ].

D. Making a selection using the keyboard

For multiple-choice questions, type in the letter corresponding to the chosen answer.

Return to previous screens/Quitting a game

Click on the exit icon at the top right of the title bar or press the [ ESC ] key on the keyboard.

Main Menu

When the power is turned on, a welcome animation is shown, followed by the main menu. This menu consists of 8 sections. To reveal what activities are available in each section, select a category by clicking on one of the icons using the touch pad or mouse (see making a selection).

Remark: you can also assign keys to open any activity with the Hot Key settings

X-Cable

Please refer to the X-Cable manual.

The Keyboard

The keyboard operates in the same way as a computer keyboard or typewriter.

Cursor

The arrow cursor can be controlled by the mouse or touch pad.

The

Touch Pad

Use this to control the arrow cursor. Just move your finger across the touch pad in the direction you want the cursor to move.

The Mouse

This controls the arrow cursor. Move the mouse on the mouse pad in the direction that you want the cursor to move. The left mouse button functions as a selection key and an [ Enter ] key (see “Making a Selection” below).

The Flashing Cursor

This shows where the next typing entry will appear. This can be repositioned by moving the cursor arrow to a new position, and clicking the left mouse/touch pad button.

Making a Selection

In most of the activities, you will need to make a selection. This can be done in the following four ways:

These rules apply to most games.

Attempts

You are given three attempts to answer each question correctly.

Time Limit

There is a time limit for answers to be entered. (About one minute for each question). The clock resets after each incorrect attempt. If the time elapses before an answer is entered, then no more attempts to answer that question are allowed, and the game proceeds to the next question.

Help

Use “Help” to see the instructions. a. Press [ Help ] on the keyboard, OR b. Click the triangle on the top of the screen.

While the Help screen is open, the game's clock stops. Click on the exit icon, or press [ Esc ] to exit Help and resume the game.

Chapter 4

Game Rules

Hints

In some activities, you can ask the learning PC for a hint. Select [ Hint ] from the Help screen or press [ Function ] + [ T ]. Remember that there is a maximum of two hints per question, and a point is deducted for each hint used. Activities with the hint function are: Jail Break (1&2 player), Word Shuffle, and Anagram Slam.

Level/Score/Time Remaining

These are displayed on the Instruction/Help screen. (also see "Help").

Answer

If you don't know the answer to a question, you can press [ Ctrl ] + [ A] to see the answer. No points are awarded.

Levels

Each game have 5 levels. There are 10 questions in each level, and your movement between levels depends on your performance on the level just completed (see the table below). After a round of questions, a summary screen appears, showing your score, and whether you advance a level, go back a level, or stay at the same level.

Score Movement

Above 85% Advance to the next level 61%-84% Repeat the current level Below 60% Move down to the previous level

Click the triangle for Help.

Changing the Password

1. Type your new password in the “New Password” field and the “Confirm Password” field. The same word must be entered in both of these fields. (An asterisk is displayed for each letter entered so that your password remains a secret.)

2. Enter a clue in the “Hint” field to remind yourself of the password in case you forget.

• Reset the password by removing and replacing the back-up batteries.

Be sure to leave all batteries out for at least 10 minutes to clear the memory.

• NOTE: Back-up batteries are essential for the retention of stored data.

Removing the back-up batteries will delete all stored data.

Screen Saver

The Screen Saver protects the screen from damage from a prolonged period of exposure to one image. If there is no input for more than a set period of time, the Screen Saver is turned on automatically. As soon as any key is pressed the Screen Saver is turned off and the previous screen returns. The time that elapses before the Screen Saver picture comes on can be changed.

1. Select “Screen Saver”.

2. Select the elapsed time before the Screen Saver comes on.

3. Press [ Enter ] or select [ OK ] to save the changes or [ Cancel ] to ignore any changes.

One point is deducted for each hint used (maximum of two per question). Your score is totaled only when you advance a level or when or you quit the current level. A penalty (minus 100 x level) will be given when you move down a level.

For example: If you are in level 1 and you score 95 points you move up to level 2.

In level 2 you only score 45 points, then your cumulative points are 95-100, and you must go back to level 1.

Winning a Game

Beat level 5 and discover a special surprise. Good Luck!

If a question is answered correctly Points awarded e.g Level 2 e.g Level 3

1st Attempt 10 x level 10 x 2 = 20 10 x 3 = 30 2nd Attempt 6 x level 6 x 2 = 12 6 x 3 = 18 3rd Attempt 3 x level 3 x 2 = 6 3 x 3 = 9

Scores

Points are awarded according to the number of attempts taken to answer each question correctly.

Chapter 5

User Settings

Volume

You can adjust the volume to a lower setting.

1. You can press [ Function ] + [ Q ] to go to the volume setting screen.

2. Click on the plus or minus button or press the arrow keys to move the button to the desired volume level.

3. Click on [ OK ] or press [ Enter ] to set any changes, or click on [ Cancel ] to ignore any changes.

The Contrast Setting Screen

Depending on the surrounding lighting conditions, adjust the contrast for better viewing. The Accelerator Vision features a 10 level adjust.

1. You can press [ Function ] + [ W ] to go to the Contrast setting screen.

2. Click on the plus or minus button or press the arrow keys to move the button

to the desired level.

3. Click on [ OK ] or press [ Enter ] to set the changes or [ Cancel ] to ignore any changes.

The Voice Setting Screen

1. Click on [ On ] or [ Off ] to activate or de-activate the voice prompts.

2. Click on [ OK ] or press [ Enter ] to set the changes or [ Cancel ] to ignore any changes.

The Time and Date Setting Screen

1. At the Setting sub-menu, select “ Time/Date”, OR press [ Function ] + [ E ] to go to the Time/Date

setting screen.

2. Set the date by selecting the month, day and year from the pull-down menu.

3. Set the time by highlighting the field and pressing the up or down arrow keys to change

the hour/minutes/am/pm components. Click on the time box again to confirm the time set.

4. Click on the box to activate/deactivate the 24-hour clock.

Assigning Hot Key Settings

At the Setting sub-menu, select “Hot Key”. Assign any of the activities to the F1-F12 keys by selecting from the pull down menu.

Chapter 6

WORD SECTOR

Activities

Spelling Zone

Jail Break

Your mission is to prevent the villain from escaping from jail. At the bottom of the screen is a secret word. You must guess which letters make up the word. You can guess incorrectly 7 times, but with each incorrect guess a bar will be removed from the jail. When all the bars are taken away, the villain will escape!

Jail Break - 2 players

Play against a friend. Take turns to score as many points as possible. Player 1 - Enter a word (maximum 9 characters) Player 2 - Prevent the villain from escaping from jail (see instructions for Jail Break)

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