USER’S MANUAL
®
© VTECH
Printed in China
91-01348-000
Dear Parent:
At VTECH® we know that a child has the ability to do
great things. That’s why all of our electronic learning
products are uniquely designed to develop a child’s mind
and allow them to learn to the best of their ability. Whether
it’s learning about letters, numbers, geography or algebra,
all VTECH® learning products incorporate advanced technologies and extensive curriculum to encourage children
of all ages to reach their potential.
When it comes to providing interactive products that
enlighten, entertain and develop minds, at VTECH® we
see the potential in every child.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 1
POWER SOURCE .................................................... 1-3
BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................. 2
AC ADAPTOR CONNECTION ......................................... 2-3
AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF............................................. 3
MOUSE OVERVIEW ................................................ 3-4
SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS ...................................... 4
KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS ..... 5-9
SPECIAL FEATURES ................................................. 9
HEADPHONE CONNECTION ................................... 10
TO BEGIN PLAY ..................................................... 10
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES.......................... 10-17
SCORING ............................................................. 17-18
LEVEL....................................................................... 18
TWO-PLAYER MODE ................................................ 19
HELP FUNCTION ..................................................... 19
MUSIC CATEGORIES.......................................... 19-20
HOW TO USE AN EXPANSION CARTRIDGE........ 21
HOW TO PLAY WITH THE MATCHBOOKS .......... 22
CARE AND MAINTENANCE .................................... 22
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VTECH® Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy! We
at VTECH® are committed to providing the highest quality products to entertain and
educate your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call our
Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377
in Canada.
VTECH® Computer Pal® in Concert features a large LCD screen to display hundreds
of animated pictures, multiple friendly-speaking voices and Hi-Fi stereo sound to
actively encourage children. The 37 built-in activities and 4 bonus music cartridges,
enable children to spend countless enjoyable hours learning. Combine these 37
built-in activities with the addition of strong musical features; such as a piano
keyboard, stereo speakers, over 50 built-in melodies, and a silly sing along song
and you’ve got a terrific learning companion, that really Rocks!
Speaker
LCD screen
Volume Switch
AC Adaptor jack
Contrast Switch
OFF key
Cartridge door
Piano Keyboard
Song Card
Headphone jack
ON key
Mouse
Mouse Pad
4 bonus cartridges
POWER SOURCE
VTECH® Computer Pal® in Concert operates on 4 “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) or a
9V
300mA AC center-positive adaptor(not included).
1
BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the back of the unit
and open it.
3. Insert 4 “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated.
(The use of new, alkaline batteries is
recommended for maximum performance.)
4. Replace the battery cover.
BATTERY NOTICE
• Install batteries correctly observing the polarity (+,–) signs to avoid leakage.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not use batteries of different types.
• Remove exhausted or new batteries from equipment when you are not going to
use the unit for a long time.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
• Do not attempt to recharge ordinary batteries.
• The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited.
NOTE: If for some reason the program/activity stops working, please follow these steps:
1. Please turn the unit OFF.
2. Interrupt the power supply by removing the batteries.
3. Let the unit stand for a few minutes, then replace the batteries.
4. Turn the unit ON. The unit will now be ready to play again.
If the problem persists, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-5212010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.
AC ADAPTOR CONNECTION
Use a standard 9V 300mA AC center-positive adaptor.
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the adaptor jack on the back of the unit.
3. Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.
4. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.
5. Turn the unit ON.
NOTE: If for some reason the program/activity stops working, it may be the result
of the adaptor connection. Please follow these steps:
1. Please turn the unit OFF and unplug the adaptor for 15 seconds.
2. Reinsert the adaptor plug into the adaptor jack.
3. Turn the unit ON.
2
If the problem persists, it may be the result of the adaptor’s wiring or the unit. Please
call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-2677377 in Canada.
In the U.S.A.: Many retailers carry this type of adaptor. However, if you are unable
to find one locally, the VTECH
operate your Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy. For information
on how to purchase a VTECH® AC Adaptor, call our Consumer
Services Department at 1-800-521-2010.
In CANADA: Please see the enclosed VTECH
®
AC Adaptor is perfectly suited to
®
AC Adaptor offer coupon.
AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF
If there is no input into the VTECH® Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy, after about
5 minutes, the learning toy will automatically shut itself off to save power. To turn the
unit back on after an automatic shut-off, you will need to press the ON button. If the
VTECH® Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy is not going to be used for an extended
period of time, we recommend that you remove the batteries and unplug the adaptor.
MOUSE OVERVIEW
Once the mouse is installed you may move the mouse cursor
around the screen freely. The mouse has a roller ball in it and
therefore should be used on a flat surface. A mouse pad is
ideal, but you may also try a piece of paper, a notebook or a
magazine. A clean flat surface is important to be able to use
your mouse effectively.
Your mouse is very easy to use. To use the mouse, push it
in the direction that you would like the pointer
In most activities, pressing the left mouse button will have the
same effect as pressing the ENTER key. Pressing the right mouse
button will have the same effect as pressing the ESC key.
to go.
MOUSE CONNECTION
Your mouse is specially designed for the Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy.
Please follow the steps below to connect your mouse.
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the mouse jack on the right side of the learning toy.
3. Plug the mouse into the learning toys’ mouse jack.
4. Turn the unit ON.
3
MOUSE MAINTENANCE
To clean the mouse, you need to open the cover on
the bottom of the mouse by using a screwdriver.
Twisting in the direction of the arrows will release the
cover. Once the cover is removed, the mouse ball
should be taken out and the contents inside the mouse
should be cleaned with a dry cloth. The mouse ball
should also be cleaned with a dry cloth. Once you
have finished cleaning the mouse, place the mouse
ball and the cover back on the mouse, and tighten
the screw to secure the mouse cover.
MOUSE STORAGE
The mouse can be stored in the mouse storage compartment located on the back
of the learning toy.
SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS
ON BUTTON
Turn your Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy on, by pressing the
ON button. The unit will show an opening animation, and instruct you
to select a category of your choice.
OFF BUTTON
Turn the Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy off by pressing the
OFF button.
PIANO BUTTON
Press this button to use the piano keyboard.
CONTRAST SWITCH
Adjust the image on the screen by sliding the Contrast Switch to the
right for higher contrast and to the left for lower contrast.
VOLUME SWITCH
Adjust the volume by sliding the Volume Switch to the right to raise
the volume and to the left to lower the volume.
4
KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS
The Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy has a full alphanumeric typing keyboard
and a modified piano keyboard.
MENU BUTTON
Press the MENU button to access the category menu and select a category. After
you have selected a category, you may select an activity within that category. Press
this button at any time during game play to select a new category.
ACTIVITY BUTTON
To select a new activity press the ACTIVITY button, and enter the respective activity number.
DEMO BUTTON
The DEMO button is available at any time to demonstrate any of the activities. Pressing
the DEMO button in the main menu or during category selection will demonstrate
all of the activities except the cartridge activities. If the DEMO button is pressed when
a player is in an activity, it will demonstrate that particular activity.
CARTRIDGE BUTTON
Press the CARTRIDGE button to access all cartridge activities. This button will only
work when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge slot.
MATCHBOOK BUTTON
Press the MATCHBOOK button when you want to play with a SMART START
Matchbook (sold separately).
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CURSOR BUTTONS
Use the four cursor buttons, to move the cursor to the right, to the left, up or down
on the screen. The cursor buttons are also used as color-coded answer keys in
Matchbook activity.
NUMBER KEYS
Use the number keys when inputting the answers in the Math Maestro activities or
when you select a melody from the Jammin’ Jukebox activities. The number keys
may also be used to enter an activity number when the ACTIVITY button is pressed.
LETTER KEYS
Use the letter keys when inputting answers for word-related activities. They follow
the same pattern as a standard computer keyboard or typewriter.
PIANO KEYS
card slot
The piano keyboard is used for the MUSIC activities and allows you to create your
own tunes. You can also place the song card inside the card slot and compose
the respective song.
6
FUNCTION KEYS
Press the REPORT key to see how well you scored within each
category. The report feature is only available for the categories
Vocabulary Vibrations, Math Maestro and Live Logic & Games.
Press the DELETE key to delete letters or numbers before you press
the ENTER key.
Press the ESC key to exit from the current activity and go to the
previous screen. Repeatedly pressing the ESC key will bring you back
to the category selection screen.
Press the STATUS key to check the current status of your score,
level and player mode.
Press the SWAP key to change between uppercase and lowercase
letters in all Vocabulary Vibrations activities. The SWAP key will also
change the orientation of addition and subtraction equations from
horizontal to vertical or vice versa in levels 2 and 3.
Press the SETUP key to turn the background music ON or OFF.
This key will also allow you to disable or enable the demo at the
start of each activity. Please note that if you do not customize these
features the default mode is ON.
Press the HELP key if you need help within an activity. The help
feature will give you a hint to aid you in answering a question. If
you use the HELP feature you will lose one chance in all games
where the HELP option is active. Please note that the HELP key
is disabled in 2-Player Mode for all activities.
Press the ENTER key after you have typed your selected answer
to a question.
Press the SHIFT key together with the LETTER KEYS to change
to uppercase letters.
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Press the ANSWER key to find the correct answer to any question. The
ANSWER key is disabled during the first player’s turn in 2-Player Mode
for all activities.
Press the LEVEL key to change the difficulty level within an activity. There
are three levels of play within most of the activities. The first level is
the easiest and the third level is the most challenging. Levels can be
changed at any time during an activity.
Press the PLAYER key at any time to change from one player mode
to two player mode. Please note, not all activities offer the two player
mode option.
Press the REPEAT key to repeat the instructions or the question.
Press the SPEED UP key to make the onscreen text scroll faster.
Press the SLOW DOWN key to make the onscreen text scroll
slower. In the Jammin’ Jukebox activities, these keys can be used
to change the speed of a melody to play faster or slower.
Press the SPACE key to insert a space between
words or numbers when typing. Each time you
press the SPACE key, a space will be added.
Press the PLAYER A and the PLAYER B keys in the 2-player
mode. In this mode the players are in head-to-head competition.
When a question is asked, the first person to press his or her
player button will get the opportunity to answer the question first.
Press the ARROW keys to move the on screen cursor
up, down, left, or right.
Press the PLAY key to hear the melody that you have created, or to hear
a selected song in the Jammin’ Jukebox activities.
Press the PAUSE key to insert a musical rest when creating a melody
in the Creative Conductor activity or to pause a melody in the Jammin’
Jukebox activities.
Press the RESET key to erase the song you’ve created in the Creative
Conductor activity or to stop a melody while playing.
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SPECIAL KEYS FOR MUSIC ACTIVITIES
In addition to their regular letter functions, these keys are used in the Jammin’ Jukebox
activities and allow you to create or play a melody with various musical instruments.
SPECIAL FEATURES
SCREEN SAVER
When there is no input for about 2 minutes, a screen saver will appear on the screen.
The screen saver will remain on until there is input or the unit turns OFF automatically.
BACKGROUND MUSIC
In many of the activities, you have the option of listening to background music as
you learn. Press the SETUP key to turn the background music ON or OFF. Please
note the default is ON.
REPORT
Every time you turn your Computer Pal® in Concert on and play, the Computer
Pal® in Concert will keep track of your scores within each activity. Press the REPORT
key to see your cumulative score. The scores will be displayed by category.
STATUS
Press the STATUS key to see the current level, current player mode and accumulated
score for the activity you are playing.
SWAP␣␣␣␣
Press the SWAP key when playing Sum it Up or Minus Madness to change the
mathematical format to either horizontal or vertical. You may also press this key when
playing in any of the Vocabulary Vibrations activities to change between uppercase
and lowercase letters.
9
HEADPHONE CONNECTION
1. Use headphones with an appropriate headphone plug.
2. Make sure the unit is OFF.
3. Locate the headphone jack on the side of the learning toy.
4. Insert the headphone plug into the learning toy’s headphone jack.
5. Turn the unit ON.
After finishing the above procedure, check if the headphones are working. If not,
repeat the above procedure.
NOTE:
• If the headphones still don’t work, please repeat the above procedure with another
set of headphones.
• If the problem persists it may be the result of the headphone jack wiring or the
learning toy. Please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010
in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.
TO BEGIN PLAY
• Turn your Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy on by pressing the ON key.
• Press the MENU key and select one of the categories (Vocabulary Vibrations,
Math Maestro, Live Logic & Games or Jammin’ Jukebox) you want to play. Then
select the activity you wish to play by pressing the ENTER key.
• Or press the ACTIVITY button to input the code number of the activity you want
to play. Press the ENTER key to confirm your selection. Note that this does
not apply to cartridge activities.
• Choose the number of players by pressing the PLAYER key. The default number
of players is one.
• Set the level of play by pressing the LEVEL key. The default level is Level 1.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES
VOCABULARY VIBRATIONS
1. Letter Buzz
Buzz into the sound gallery to hear the sounds of letters. All you have to do is type
any letter on your keyboard. The input letter will then appear on the screen and the
sound of that letter will be voiced.
2. Letter Blaster
Get ready to blast into the world of letters and words. Type any letter on your
keyboard. A word that begins with this letter and the corresponding picture will appear
on the screen.
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