VTech NITROVISION User Manual

2006 © VTech

Printed in China

91-02195-000

Nitro Vision™

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 2 INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE

SECTION 2 SET-UP

CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED

CHAPTER 2 CONNECTING TO A TELEVISION

CHAPTER 3 PRODUCT FEATURES

SECTION 3 ACTIVITIES

CHAPTER 1 MAIN UNIT

CHAPTER 2 CARTRIDGE 1: LANGUAGE LAUNCHER

CHAPTER 3 CARTRIDGE 2: SCIENCE & NATURE

CHAPTER 4 CARTRIDGE 3: DISCOVER THE WORLD

CHAPTER 5 CARTRIDGE 4: MATH EXPLORER

SECTION 4 CARE & MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER 1 CARE & MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER 2 TROUBLESHOOTING

CHAPTER 3 TECHNICAL SUPPORT

CHAPTER 4 OTHER INFO

2

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing your VTech® Nitro Vision™.

Your Nitro Vision™ is an electronic learning tool that challenges young minds with 41
activities in different categories as diverse as Language Skills, Math, Spanish, Science,
Geography and History.

Cartridge Storage
Compartment

Power Indicator Light

ON/OFF Button

Infrared Receiver

Cartridge Slot

Reset Button

Main Menu Hot Key

Battery Compartment

Personal Profile Hot Key

Progress Report Hot Key

Caps Lock Light

INTRODUCTION

Infrared Emitter

Cursor Key

Mouse Pad

Interactive Mouse

3

Cartridge Hot Key

Mouse Jack

4 Bonus Activity Cartridges

INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE

• Nitro Vision™ Console

• Interactive Infrared (IR) Keyboard

• Mouse Pad

• Interactive Mouse

• 4 Bonus Activity Cartridges: Language Launcher, Science & Nature,

Discover the World, Math Explorer

• Instruction Manual

WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tabs are not

part of this toy and should be discarded for your child’s safety.

SET-UP

GETTING STARTED

Before playing for the first time, be sure you have inserted 3 “C”-sized batteries into the
console unit, and 2 “AA”-sized batteries into the IR keyboard.

USING THE MOUSE

1. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack on the right side of the infrared
keyboard.

2. Move the mouse in the direction you want the cursor to move.

3. Click the mouse button to make a selection.

CLEANING THE MOUSE

1. Following the arrows, use a screwdriver to open the cover on the bottom
of the mouse.

2. Take the ball out of the mouse and use a dry cloth to clean the mouse
and the ball.

3. Place the ball back in the mouse, replace the mouse cover and screw
the cover closed.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

The Nitro Vision™ console unit operates on 3 “C”-sized batteries or a VTech® 9V adaptor
(sold separately).

1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

2. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of the unit and
open it.

3. Insert 3 “C”-sized batteries as illustrated.

SET-UP / INTRODUCTION

4

4. Close the battery cover.

NOTE: For best performance, use new alkaline batteries.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

The Nitro Vision™ Infrared Keyboard operates on 2 “AA”-sized batteries (sold
separately).

1. Locate the battery cover on the bottom of the unit and

open it.

2. Insert 2 “AA”-sized batteries as illustrated.

3. Close the battery cover.

NOTE: For best performance, use new alkaline batteries. Please replace batteries when

any of the following events occur:

1. The IR keyboard does not register that a key has been pressed.

2. The Caps Lock light does not light up when the Caps Lock is activated.

3. The IR emitter on the keyboard does not light up when a key is pressed.

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.

BATTERY NOTICE

• Install batteries correctly observing the polarity (+, -) signs to avoid leakage;

• Do not mix old and new batteries;

SET-UP

• Do not mix batteries of different types: alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable
(nickel-cadmium);

• Remove the batteries from the equipment when the unit will not be used for an extended
period of time;

• Always remove exhausted batteries from the equipment;

• Do not dispose of batteries in fire;

• Do not attempt to recharge ordinary batteries;

• The supply terminals are not to be short-circuited;

• Only batteries of the same and equivalent type as recommended are to be used.

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THE USE OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.

Notice: When the Nitro Vision™ is running on batteries, you may see this icon

appear on the TV screen. This indicates that battery power is low. Please
replace the batteries as soon as possible.

AC ADAPTOR

• Use a standard 9V 300mA AC/DC adaptor. We recommend the use of a VTech®
9V AC/DC adaptor.

5

• Make sure the unit is turned OFF.

• Locate the adaptor jack on the back of the unit.

• Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.

• Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.

NOTE: The use of an adaptor will override the batteries. When the

toy is not going to be in use for an extended period of time,
unplug the adaptor.

Standard Guidelines for Adaptor Toys

• Please make sure the adaptor is out of reach by children;

• Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid;

• Never use more than one adaptor;

• The toy is not intended for use by children under 3 years old;

• Only use the recommended adaptor with the toy;

• The adaptor is not a toy;

• Do not leave the toy plugged in for extended periods of time.

NOTICE TO PARENTS

Regularly examine the adaptor, checking for damage to the cord, plug, transformer or other
parts. Do not use the adaptor if there is any damage to it.

CONNECTING TO A TELEVISION

SET-UP

NOTE: Before you connect Nitro Vision™ to a TV, check to make sure that the unit is
working. Once you have turned the unit ON, the power indicator light (VTech® logo) should
glow. If the VTech® logo does not glow, check to see that the adaptor is connected correctly,
or that the batteries are installed correctly. If the batteries are not installed correctly,
Nitro Vision™ will not function and damage to the unit could result. Make sure that both
your TV and the Nitro Vision™ console unit are turned OFF before you begin making
connections.

Connect Nitro Vision™ to your TV or VCR by plugging the Nitro Vision™ console unit’s
colored cables into the matching color video and audio input jacks on your TV set or VCR.

FOR TVS WITH STEREO AUDIO INPUTS

- Connect the yellow plug on the Nitro Vision™ cable to the
yellow video input terminal on your TV.

- Connect the white plug on the Nitro Vision™ cable to the white
audio input terminal on your TV.

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FOR TVS WITH A MONO AUDIO INPUT

- Connect the yellow plug on the Nitro Vision™ cable to the
yellow video input terminal on your TV.

- Connect the white plug on the Nitro Vision™ cable to the white
audio input terminal on your TV.

CONNECTING TO A VCR

If there are no video IN and audio IN terminals on your TV set, you can connect Nitro
Vision™ to a VCR.

- Connect the yellow plug on the Nitro Vision™ cable to the yellow
video input terminal on your VCR.

- Connect the white plug on the Nitro Vision™ cable to the white
audio input terminal on your VCR.

SET-UP

CARTRIDGES

Please take the cartridge out of the storage compartment in the top of the unit before
the cartridge.

- Make sure the Nitro Vision™ console unit is turned OFF.

- Insert a cartridge into the cartridge slot on the front of the main console
unit. The cartridge should lock into place. Please use carefully when
inserting or removing the cartridge from the slot.

- Turn on the TV.

- Set your TV input mode to accept input from the port to which
Vision™ is connected. In many cases this will involve setting the TV
to “video” mode; however, since all TVs vary, please refer to your TV
or VCR manual for further details.

Nitro Vision™ on by pressing the ON Button.

- Turn

NOTE: When Nitro Vision™ is running any activity, inserting a cartridge into the cartridge

slot is NOT RECOMMENDED. Inserting a cartridge will cause Nitro Vision™ to
reset. Please make sure the Nitro Vision™ unit is turned OFF when inserting any
cartridge.

Nitro Vision™ bonus activity cartridges are only to be used with the Nitro Vision™ console
unit.

7

Nitro

using

PRODUCT FEATURES

PLAY MODES

With Nitro Vision™ you can choose five different categories of play and learning:

Main Unit

Cartridge 1: Language Launcher

Cartridge 2: Science & Nature

Cartridge 3: Discover the World

Cartridge 4: Math Explorer

One/Two Player Mode

Press the Player button on the keyboard to switch between one-player and two-player
modes. The activities that can be played with two players are:

Cartridge 2: Science & Nature

1) Science Quiz

2) Animal Quiz

3) Human Body Quiz

4) Who Invented What?

Cartridge 3: Discover the World

5) World Wonders Quiz

6) Space & Planet Quiz

7) Earth Challenge

8) Ocean Quiz

TURNING THE UNIT ON AND OFF

Pressing the ON/OFF button will turn the unit ON. Pressing the ON/OFF
button again will turn the unit OFF.

RESETTING THE UNIT

Pressing the Reset button on the main console unit will reset the unit.

ACTIVITIES

MAIN MENU

When the unit is turned ON, you will see a short opening scene and enter the Main Menu.
Icons for different activities will be shown in the Main Menu. You can choose an activity in
one of these ways:

1) Use the arrow keys to choose the activity you want. Then press the Enter button to
select the activity.

2) Use the cursor keys to choose the activity you want. Then press the Enter button or click

PRODUCT FEATURES / ACTIVITIES

8

the mouse to select the activity.

3) Use the mouse to choose the activity you want by clicking on the activity icon on the
screen.

CARTRIDGES

Make sure the unit is turned OFF. Insert a cartridge into the cartridge slot on the front of
the main console unit. Then turn the unit ON. You will see a short opening scene and enter
the Main Menu. You will now see the cartridge icon in the Main Menu. When you select the
cartridge icon and press the Enter key, or click on the cartridge icon with the mouse, you
will enter the Cartridge Menu. Icons for different activities will be shown in the Cartridge
Menu. You can choose an activity in one of these ways:

1) Use the arrow keys to choose the activity you want. Then press the Enter button to

select the activity.

2) Use the cursor keys to choose the activity you want. Then press the Enter button or click

the mouse to select the activity.

3) Use the mouse to choose the activity you want by clicking on the activity icon on the screen.

LEVEL SELECTION

1) Press the Level button on the keyboard to go to the Level Selection screen. Use the arrow

keys or mouse to select Level 1 (easy), Level 2 (medium) or Level 3 (hard).

2) Pressing the Personal Profile button will take you to the Auto Leveling Selection Screen.

Use the arrow keys or mouse to select Auto Leveling ON or OFF.

ANSWERS

In most activities, the answer will be provided after a certain number of tries.

ACTIVITIES

KEYBOARD LAYOUT

In addition to a full QWERTY keyboard, you will also find the hot keys and function keys
described below:

9

IR RECEIVER RANGE

TV

KEYBOARD HOT KEYS

MAIN MENU

Press this key to go to the Main Menu.

ACTIVITIES

PERSONAL PROFILE

Press this key to go to your Personal Profile.

PROGRESS REPORT

Press this key to go to your Progress Report.

CARTRIDGE

Press this key to go to the Cartridge Menu.

FUNCTION KEYS

Esc Key: Press the Escape key to exit the current activity.

Level Key: Press the Level key to select an activity’s level of difficulty

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(easy, medium or hard).

Caps Lock Key: Press the Caps Lock key to type capital letters. Press it

again to type lowercase letters.

Shift Key: Press the Shift key to capitalize letters. This key can also

access the alternate function of another key, when both
keys are pressed at the same time.

Status Key: Press the Shift and Status keys at the same time to get the

status of the current game.

Help Key: Press the Help key to see a helpful instruction for the current

activity.

Repeat Key: Press the Repeat key to repeat an instruction.

Answer Key: Press the Answer key to see the correct answer to the

current question. The player will not receive points if this
key is pressed.

Hint Key: Press the Hint key to get helpful hints about the current activity.

The player’s score will be reduced if this key is pressed.

Space Bar: When typing, use the space bar to insert a space between

words or numbers.

Sym.: Press the Symbol key to access the symbol menu. Use the

mouse to select and input a symbol.

Player: Press the Player key to choose between one-player and

ACTIVITIES

Arrow Keys: Press the arrow keys to move the cursor up, down, left or

Player 1 or Player 2: Press the Player 1 or Player 2 key to switch between player

Enter: Pr e s s th e Enter key af ter choosing to ent e r your

Delete: Press the Delete key to delete the character or space to the

Backspace: Press the Backspace key to delete the character or space

Cursor Keypad: Press the cursor keypad to move the cursor up, down, left

two-player modes.

right. Press one of these keys and the Shift key to access
the Page Up, Page Down, Home and End functions.

one and player two in two-player mode.

selection.

right of the cursor.

to the left of the cursor.

or right.

AUTOMATIC POWER OFF

To save power, Nitro Vision™ automatically shuts down if it does not receive any input after
20 minutes. Press the On/Off button to turn on your unit. We recommend that you turn off

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the unit when finished playing. Remove the batteries and unplug the adaptor if your Nitro
Vision™ will not be used for an extended period of time.

ACTIVITIES

Your Nitro Vision™ offers a total of 41 activities, including 31 activities from bonus
cartridges.

MAIN MENU

Activity
No.

1 My Notepad My Notepad allows you to type notes, memos and lists. You

2 Calculator This tool is for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

3 Personal

4 Photo Gallery Browse through many colorful photos.

Activity Name Activity Description

can save what you write and view it later.

Use the mouse to click on the on-screen numbers. Or you can
also type numbers on the keyboard.

Tip: click on the “C” icon to clear the calculator between
operations.

Personalize your Nitro Vision™ by storing information about

Profile

yourself in the Personal Profile. You can enter your information
or set your preferences for volume (music and voice), auto
leveling status, mouse sensitivity and appearance.

ACTIVITIES

5 Progress

Report

6 Typing Tutor Practice your typing skills in the exciting Typing Tutor. Quickly

This function shows how well you are doing in most activities.

type the whole word before it reaches the top of the screen.

12

GAME ZONE

Activity
No.

7 What Looks

8 Switcheroo Test your addition and subtraction skills. Rearrange the

9 Speedy

10 Music Builder Add up music notes to match the value of the note in the

Activity Name Activity Description

Look at two similar pictures and find five differences between

Different?

Shapes

them. Hurry before time runs out!

numbers to form a correct equation. Press the Enter key when
you have finished.

Count all the cars with different shapes on them. Press the
Enter key to count them.

question. When the notes add up to the correct amount, those
notes will disappear.

CARTRIDGE 1

LANGUAGE LAUNCHER (CARTRIDGE COLOR: ORANGE)

ACTIVITIES

Activity
No.

11 Spanish

12 Spanish Quiz Test your Spanish skills. Try to match up the English and

13 Reading

14 Literature Guess the rhyming word to complete the poem. Use the Hint

15 Word Builder Improve your vocabulary with this game. Read the clues and

Activity Name Activity Description

Listen and learn Spanish! Choose an English word and then

Lessons

Comprehension

learn it in Spanish.

Spanish words.

Read the stories and answer the questions to improve your
reading comprehension skills.

button to see a letter clue.

guess the word. Hurry, before time is up!

13

16 Letter

Launcher

17 Synonyms &

Antonyms

18 Spelling

Scramble

Boost your spelling skills. Press the Enter key to choose a
letter to complete a word.

Test your synonym and antonym knowledge. Match the words
with the correct synonyms or antonyms.

Rearrange the letters to spell the secret word.

CARTRIDGE 2

SCIENCE & NATURE (CARTRIDGE COLOR: WHITE)

Activity
No.

19 Science Starter Learn about physical and life sciences. Choose a topic and

20 Science Quiz Test your knowledge of physical and life sciences. Choose an

21 Animal World Find out cool facts about animals. Choose an animal and

22 Animal Quiz Take a quiz on animal facts. Choose an answer in the multiple-

23 The Human

24 Human Body

25 Great

26 Who Invented

Activity Name Activity Description

read all about it.

answer in the multiple-choice questions before time is up.

learn all about it.

choice questions before time is up.

Learn about the human body. Choose a topic and find out

Body

Quiz

Inventions

What?

interesting facts.

Test yourself on human body facts. Choose an answer in the
multiple-choice questions before time is up.

How much do you know about inventions? Explore these
topics and learn more.

Test what you’ve learned about great inventions. Choose an
answer in the multiple-choice questions before time is up.

ACTIVITIES

14

CARTRIDGE 3

DISCOVER THE WORLD (CARTRIDGE COLOR: BLUE)

Activity
No.

27 Wonders of the

28 World

29 Space

30 Space &

31 Secrets of the

Activity Name Activity Description

World

Wonders Quiz

Exploration

Planet Quiz

Earth

ACTIVITIES

Our world has many spectacular sights. Choose a topic and
learn about the famous wonders of our world.

Test what you know about the wonders of the world. Choose
an answer in the multiple-choice questions before time is up.

Take a trip into space by choosing a topic and learning cool
space facts.

Quiz yourself on space and planet facts. Choose an answer in
the multiple-choice questions before time is up.

Our Earth has many mysteries. Choose a topic and learn all
about our planet Earth.

32 Earth

Challenge

33 Ocean

Wonders

34 Ocean Quiz Test your ocean knowledge. Choose an answer in the

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Test what you’ve learned about our planet Earth. Choose an
answer in the multiple-choice questions before time is up.

The ocean is a deep place full of surprises. Choose a topic
and learn more about the ocean.

multiple-choice questions before time is up.

CARTRIDGE 4

MATH EXPLORER (CARTRIDGE COLOR: GREEN)

Activity
No.

35 Geometry Quiz yourself about geometry. Choose an answer in the

36 Number Puzzle Improve your logical thinking. Fill in numbers on the grids.

37 Shape Puzzle Play a fun logic game. Fill in shapes on the grids. There can

38 Multiplication &

39 Add It Up Put your math skills to the test. Line up numbers that add up

Activity Name Activity Description

multiple-choice questions before time is up.

There can only be one of each number in each horizontal or
vertical row.

only be one of each shape in each horizontal or vertical row.

Test your multiplication and division skills. Rearrange the

Division Drills

numbers to make equations.

to the sum shown at right. If you are correct, those numbers
will disappear.

40 Measure It Count all the cars with measurement units on them. Press the

Enter key to count them.

41 Odd & Even

Road Rally

Count all the cars with odd or even numbers on them. Press
the Enter key to count them.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

1. Keep your Nitro Vision™ clean by wiping it with a slightly damp cloth. Never use solvents
or abrasives.

2. Keep the unit out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.

3. Remove the batteries when not using the unit for an extended period of time.

4. Avoid dropping the unit. NEVER try to dismantle it.

5. Always keep the Nitro Vision™ away from water.

ACTIVITIES / CARE & MAINTENANCE

16

WARNING

A very small percentage of the public, due to an existing condition, may experience epileptic
seizures or momentary loss of consciousness when viewing certain types of flashing colors
or patterns, especially on television.

While Nitro Vision™ does not contribute to any additional risks, we do recommend that
parents supervise their children while they play video games. If your child experiences
dizziness, altered vision, disorientation, or convulsions, discontinue use immediately and
consult your physician.

Please note that focusing on a television screen at close range and handling a keyboard for
a prolonged period of time may cause fatigue or discomfort. We recommend that children
take a 15-minute break for every hour of play.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Possible Reason Solution

The

Nitro Vision™
power light does not
come on when the ON
button is pressed.

The

Nitro Vision™
power light is ON, but
there is no picture on
the screen.

WARNING / TROUBLESHOOTING

The

Nitro Vision™
power light is ON, but
there is no picture (or
incorrect picture) on
the TV, and pressing
the OFF button has
no effect.

The TV picture is
black and white.

17

1. Incorrect or
missing power
connection

2. Program needs
to be reset

1. Incorrect TV
connection

2. Incorrect TV
mode selected

1. Program needs
to be reset

1. Non-matching
color system

2. Cable connection
problem

1. Check that new batteries are correctly
installed, or an AC/DC adaptor (9V 300mA,
center-positive) is properly connected to the
main unit.

2

.1 Disconnect all power supplies

(batteries and adaptor).

2.2 Remove the cartridge.

2.3 Then reconnect power supplies.

1. Make sure that the yellow plug of the main
unit is connected to the video IN terminal
(usually yellow) on the TV.

2. Make sure that the TV is set to “video” mode.
Some TVs have several video inputs - please
make sure you have selected the video input
that matches the video port connected to the
Nitro Vision™

1.1 Disconnect all power supplies (batteries
and adaptor).

1.2 Remove the cartridge.

1.3 Then reconnect power supplies.

1. Make sure that the TV is set to the correct
TV system (e.g. NTSC or Auto).

2. Make sure that the yellow video cable is
firmly connected to the video input on the
TV.

unit.

There is a picture on
the TV, but no sound.

The IR keyboard does
not work.

The mouse does not
work.

1. TV setting 1. Raise the volume of the TV, and make sure
it is not set to “Mute.”

2. Cable connection

problem

1. Incorrect or

missing power
connection

2. IR Keyboard

needs to be reset

Low battery

2. Make sure that the white audio cable is
firmly connected to the audio input on the
TV.

1. Check that new batteries are correctly
installed in the IR keyboard.

2. Disconnect all power supplies (batteries),
then reconnect power supplies.

Click on the mouse button to activate the
mouse. If there is no change, please replace
the batteries in the keyboard with new alkaline
batteries.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you have a problem that cannot be solved by using this manual, we encourage you to
visit us online or contact our Consumer Services Department with any problems and/or
suggestions that you might have.

A support representative will be happy to assist you. Before requesting support, please be
ready to provide or include the information below:

- The name of your product or model number (the model number is typically located on
the back or bottom of your product).

- The specific problem you are experiencing.

- The actions you took right before the problem occurred.

Internet: www.vtechkids.com

Phone: [phone] in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada

OTHER INFO

DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any

damage or loss resulting from the use of this handbook. VTech® Electronics North America,
L.L.C. and its suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or claims by third parties that
may arise through the use of this software. VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. and
its suppliers assume no responsibility for any damage or loss caused by deletion of data
as a result of malfunction, dead battery, or repairs. Company: VTech® Electronics North
America, L.L.C.

Address: 1155 West Dundee Rd., Suite 130, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 USA

Phone: [phone] in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada

TROUBLESHOOTING / TECHNICAL SUPPORT / INFO

18

NOTICE: 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.

COPYRIGHT NOTICES

© 2006 VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. VTech and the
VTech® logo are registered trademarks of VTech®. Nitro Vision is trademark of VTech®

Electronics North America, L.L.C. All other trademarks are property of their respective
owners.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Creating and developing the Nitro Vision™ product is accompanied by a responsibility
that we at VTech® take very seriously. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the
information that forms the value of our products. However, errors sometimes can occur. It is
important for you to know that we stand behind our products and encourage you to call our

OTHER INFO

Consumer Services Department at 800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada
with any problems and/or suggestions that you might have. A service representative will
be happy to help you.

Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for

compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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