VTech SkillStarter Handheld Owner's Manual

User’s Manual

SkillStarter™ Handheld

Dear Parent,

At

VTech®

we know that kids have a lot to juggle these days- busy school
schedules, sports, extracurricular activities, and of course, homework.
That’s why we created the

XL Series™

- an innovative line of portable
learning companions designed to fit the always on-the-go lifestyle of your
school-aged child.

The

XL Series™

is a powerful system of learning tools that helps give
your child the much-needed competitive edge in school through fun, age
appropriate activities - and helps them learn essential skills. Created with
portability in mind,

XL Series

products have a sleek, compact design in
both handheld and notebook formats that allow kids to bring the learning
fun anywhere, anytime. Plus, all the

XL Series

connectable to a PC and the Internet. Using the

products are easily

vPort™

accessory, kids
can wirelessly access reference tools or download new educational activity
sets for their

At

VTech®,

we are committed to creating fun learning toys that foster a

XL Series

products.

child’s intellectual and social development. We thank you for trusting

VTech®

with the important job of helping your child succeed in school!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at

To learn more about XL Series™ and other VTech® toys, visit www.vtechkids.com

VTech®

25

SkillStarter™ Handheld

Thank you for purchasing the
toy . The

SkillStarter™ Handheld

VTech® SkillStarter™ Handheld

is a fun-filled learning companion for

learning

children aged 5-7 who are just beginning school, and enjoy playing and
learning no matter where they go!

SkillStarter™

products focus on teaching core reading and math skills,

with additional content related to practical skills such as telling time.
There are 22 learning activities that are presented in an engaging game-

like environment. The

SkillStarter™ Handheld

gives kids a competitive
edge for school success and builds confidence - while providing hours of
rewarding fun!

Get connected to school success. Excel with the
We at

VTech®

are committed to providing the best possible products to

XL Series™

!

entertain and educate your child. Should you have any questions or
concerns, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521­2010 in the US or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.

26

Contents

INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 1

GETTING STARTED ....................................................... 2

POWER SOURCE ............................................................... 2

CONNECTING THE PRINTER ............................................ 2

BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................. 2

DC ADAPTOR...................................................................... 3

BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION.................................. 4

RESETTING HANDHELD.................................................... 5

SETTING THE TIME ............................................................ 5

POWERING THE HANDHELD ON AND OFF..................... 6

DETACHING THE HANDHELD FROM THE KEYBOARD

DOCKING............................................................................. 6

ATTACHING THE HANDHELD TO THE KEYBOARD

DOCKING............................................................................. 6

AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF FEATURE.................................... 7

YOUR SKILLSTARTER™ HANDHELD ....................... 7

THE HANDHELD BUTTONS............................................... 7

THE TOUCH PANEL ........................................................... 8

DESCRIPTIONS OF KEYBOARD ............................... 9

SYNC ............................................................................... 10

VTech® vPort™ .................................................................. 11

ADD A NEW USER ACCOUNT IN DESKTOP SOFTWARE ...

........................................................................................... 11

SYNCING YOUR SKILLSTARTER™ HANDHELD WITH

YOUR COMPUTER............................................................ 12

ADDING NEW ACTIVITIES INTO YOUR SKILLSTARTER™

HANDHELD ....................................................................... 12

IR ...................................................................................... 14

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES ............................... 14

STATUS KEY ..................................................................... 14

27

WORD FUN........................................................................ 15

Alphabet Alley .........................................................................15

Synonyms ................................................................................ 15

Word Search ............................................................................ 15

MA TH MANIA GAMES....................................................... 15

Sort and Count ........................................................................15

Addition.................................................................................... 16

Subtraction ..............................................................................16

Time’s Up ................................................................................. 16

SCHOOL TOOLS............................................................... 16

Unit Converter .........................................................................16

Calculator................................................................................. 16

Dictionary................................................................................. 16

MY FILE ............................................................................. 17

Personal Profile.......................................................................17

Phone Book .............................................................................17

GAME LAB ........................................................................ 18

Fish Frenzy ..............................................................................18

A-Mazing ..................................................................................18

Nutri-Nuts................................................................................. 18

Juke Box ..................................................................................18

Fenced In ................................................................................. 19

Balloon Blast ...........................................................................19

Soccer ......................................................................................19

CREATION STATION......................................................... 19

Creation Station ...................................................................... 19

CREATIVE STUDIO ........................................................... 20

Music Composer .....................................................................20

Artwork Studio ........................................................................ 20

IR ZONE ............................................................................. 21

DATA DOWNLOAD............................................................ 21

ACTIVITY SCORING AND LEVELS ......................... 21

SKILLSTARTER™ HANDHELD ACTIVITIES ................... 21

CARE AND MAINTENANCE ...................................... 22

28

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for buying the VTech® SkillStarter™ Handheld! We at VTech® are
committed to providing the best possible 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.

The SkillStarter™ Handheld is an electronic learning aid that challenges young
minds with 22 activities in categories as diverse as word, math and logic games.
It also includes school tools like a calculator and unit converter. Release the
handheld and tap its screen with the stylus pen to start!

Items included in this package:

SkillStarter™ Handheld Keyboard Docking
SkillStarter™ Handheld Handheld

User’s Manual

1

GETTING STARTED

Locate on the back of your SkillStarter™ Handheld. Remove the red
tab so the information you input will be saved.

POWER SOURCE

SkillStarter™ Handheld operates on 3 “AAA” size batteries (UM-4 or LR03) or

a VTech® 9V adaptor (sold separately).

CONNECTING THE PRINTER

1. Make sure both the SkillStarter™ Handheld and the VTech® VT-41 printer
(sold separately) are turned OFF.

2. Locate the printer port on the back of the keyboard docking.

3. Connect the printer plug to the printer port.

4. Turn on SkillStarter™ Handheld and the printer.

NOTE: Only the VTech® VT-41 printer is compatible with SkillStarter™

Handheld.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

1. Make sure the SkillStarter™ Handheld is OFF.

2. Open the battery cover on the back of the handheld.

3. Insert 3 new “AAA” batteries into the battery
compartment as illustrated.

Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

4. Close the battery cover and tighten the screw to
secure the battery cover.

2

NOTE: The use of new, alkaline batteries is recommended for maximum

performance.

IMPORTANT!!!

When replacing the 3 "AAA" size batteries, make sure the backup battery is in
place or the SkillStarter™ Handheld is plugged into the wall outlet with a 9V
adaptor. Otherwise, you will lose all the information stored in certain applications.

Standard for battery toys

• Do not try to 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;

• Do not mix different types of batteries; Do not mix new and used batteries;

• Only use batteries of the recommended or equivalent type;

• Always insert batteries properly matching the plus (+) and minus (-) signs;

• Batteries that have run out of energy must be removed from the toy;

• Do not short circuit the supply terminals;

• Do not use more batteries than recommended;

• Remove batteries from toy if it will not be used for an extended period of
time.

NOTE: If the unit suddenly stops working or the sound becomes weak, turn

the unit OFF for 15 seconds, then turn it back ON. If the problem
persists, it may be caused by weak batteries. Please install a new set
of batteries and try again.

DC ADAPTOR

Use VTech® or any standard adaptor complying with EN61558 DC 9V 300mA

DC center-positive adaptor.

Connection:

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.

2. Locate the adaptor jack on the back of the keyboard docking.

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 the unit suddenly stops working or the sound seems weak, it may be

the result of the adaptor connection. Turn the unit OFF and unplug the

3

adaptor for 15 seconds. Next, plug the adaptor back in and turn the
unit ON. If the problem persists, it may be the result of the adaptor’s
wiring or the unit.

Do not leave the adaptor plugged in for long periods of time if the unit is
not in use.

Standard for adaptor toys

• 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;

• Never clean a plugged-in toy with liquid;

• Never use more than 1 adaptor;

• Do not leave 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.

BACKUP BATTERY INSTALLATION

SkillStarter™ Handheld comes with a backup battery already installed. Before

using the unit, remove the protective strip from the backup battery by pulling on
the plastic tab. To avoid damage to the unit from leaky batteries, replace the
backup battery at least once a year.

To replace the backup battery:

1. Make sure the unit is OFF.

2. Locate the battery cover on the back of the
handheld and open it.

3. Remove the old backup battery with a
screwdriver.

4. Insert 1 CR2032 battery as illustrated.

5. Close the battery cover and tighten the screw
to secure the battery cover.

4

RESETTING HANDHELD

If your Handheld stops working or doesn't turn on:

1. Check your batteries. Make sure the batteries are fresh and installed properly.

2. Insert the tip of a paper clip (or a similar object without a sharp tip) into the
RESET hole (as illustrated).

3. If you are still having problems, visit our website at
troubleshooting tips.

www.vtechkids.com for

SETTING THE TIME

To set the time:

1. Press Clock
screen to set the time.

2. Tap icon

3. Tap icon

4. When you have finished setting the time, tap Enter.

button to activate clock, press the button again or tap the

or to set the hours and minutes.

or to switch the time to am or pm.

5

POWERING THE HANDHELD ON AND OFF

To turn the handheld ON, press and hold the Power button for 1 second or
longer. To turn the handheld OFF, press the Power button again.

DETACHING THE HANDHELD FROM THE KEYBOARD
DOCKING

Detach the handheld from the keyboard docking as shown below:

Release Button
Press this button to release your handheld from the keyboard docking.

A TTACHING THE HANDHELD TO THE KEYBOARD DOCKING

Attach the handheld to the keyboard docking as shown below:

6

AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF FEATURE

T o save power , the SkillStarter™ Handheld automatically shuts down if it doesn’t
receive any input after several minutes. Press the Power button to wake your
unit. We recommend that you turn off the unit when finished playing. Remove
the batteries and unplug the adaptor if your SkillStarter™ Handheld will not be
used for an extended period of time.

YOUR SKILLSTARTER™ HANDHELD

IR lens

Power Button

Volume Button
Contrast Button

Touch Panel

Sync Button

Stylus pen

Reset

IR Button

THE HANDHELD BUTTONS

Power Button

Press and hold the button for about a second to turn the handheld ON. Press it
again to turn the handheld OFF.

Volume Control Button

Press the Volume button to change the sound level of the speaker.

7

Continuous pressing of this button can also adjust the volume.
After pressing Volume, a control panel will appear on the screen.
Use the stylus pen to select the level. You can also turn the

background music ON

or OFF .

Contrast Control Button

Press the Contrast button to change the darkness/lightness of
the screen. Continuous pressing of this button can also adjust
the contrast. After pressing Contrast, a control panel will appear .
Use the stylus pen to select the desired level.

Sync/IR Button

Press the Sync button to Sync with your PC.
Press the IR button to start IR Communication between two VTech

units.

®

XL Series™

THE TOUCH PANEL

There are five icons on the touch panel. To use these icons, tap on them with
the stylus pen.

Home Icon

Tap this icon to return to the Main Menu at any time.

Exit Icon
Tap this icon to exit the current screen and go back to the previous screen.

Keyboard Icon
Tap this icon to use the On-Screen Keyboard in some activities. Use the On-

Screen Keyboard just like a real keyboard!

8

To Use the On-Screen Keyboard:

1. Tap the

2. Tap letters, numbers or symbols icons with the stylus pen to enter data.

3. T o type capital letters, tap the
the

4. To enter numbers or symbols, tap the
symbols, tap

icon.

5. To enter a space, tap the

Erase Icon

Tap this icon to erase the letters or numbers in an answer or entry before you
press Enter.

Enter Icon

Tap this icon to confirm a selection or an answer.

icon to display the On-Screen Keyboard.

icon. To go back to lowercase letters, tap

icon.

icon. To use more advanced

icon. To go back to entering letters, tap the icon or the

icon.

DESCRIPTIONS OF KEYBOARD

The VTech® SkillStarter™ Handheld has a full alphanumeric keyboard with 56
keys including:

Function keys:

Del Press this key to erase characters to the right of the cursor.
Shift Press this key to capitalize letters.

9

Clock Press this key to view the clock, press it again or tap the

screen to set the time.

Menu Press this key to return to the Main Menu at any time.
Creation Station Press this key to go to the Creation Station activity at any

time.

Print Press this key to print the screen. Note: The SkillStarter™

Handheld is only compatible with VTech®’s VT-41 printer.
Repeat Press this key to repeat the instruction or the question.
Space When typing, use this key to insert a space between words

or numbers.
Help Press this key to get helpful hints about the activities you’re

playing.
Answer Press this key to find the correct answer to a question.

You will not receive points if this key is pressed.
Sync Press this key to Synchronize your SkillStarter™ Handheld

with your PC.
IR Press this key to start IR Communication between your

unit and another VTech® XL Series™ Unit.

Direction Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, left or right.

Status Press this key to view your status- level, score and chance

while playing a particular activity.
Level Press this key to select an activity’s level of difficulty from

easy to medium to hard.
Symbol Press this key to access the symbol menu. Use the stylus

to select and input a symbol.
Enter Press this key after choosing your answer to confirm your

selection.

SYNC

“Syncing” is the process of connecting your SkillStarter™ Handheld to your
computer. It exchanges and updates information between your SkillStarter™

Handheld and your personal computer. Changes you make on your
SkillStarter™ Handheld or your PC will appear in both places after the Sync

process. For example, if you changed records in your SkillStarter™ Handheld,

10

after Sync, the changes will be updated on the related files in your computer.
Similarly, if there are files that have been changed in your computer, Sync will
update the related files in your SkillStarter™ Handheld.

T o enhance your SkillStarter™ Handheld with this Sync function, an accessory
VTech® vPort™ (sold separately) is needed. The vPort™ is an electronic device,
which offers Infrared wireless communication between your SkillStarter™
Handheld (or any selected VTech® learning unit) and your PC. In the vPort™
package, there is a CD-ROM with Desktop Software inside. To perform a Sync,
the SkillStarter™ Handheld Desktop Software must be installed.

With everything ready, the following applications can be synchronized during a
Sync session.

Dictionary Phone Book

Additionally, you can download new activities or data from our VTech® website
(

www.vport.com) to your SkillStarter™ Handheld with the Desktop Software

(internet access is required).

VTech® vPort™

To purchase our VTech® vPort™, please directly contact our Customer Service
Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.

For details on how to install vPort™, please refer to the VTech® vPort™ user
manual.

For additional information about using the VTech® Desktop Software, open the
VTech® Desktop Software and then choose Desktop Help from the Help menu.

To start the VTech® Desktop Software, click Start, then Applications, then select

SkillStarter™ Handheld (US).

ADD A NEW USER ACCOUNT IN DESKTOP SOFTWARE

VTech® Desktop Software allows multiple users to share the same Desktop
Software. VTech® Desktop Software does this by managing different User
Accounts.

Each User Account must have a unique name. To create a User Name:

1. Make sure you have been logged out from any account by clicking the logout

button on the left.

2. Click the New button on the bottom.

3. Complete the User Information form.

4. Enter your User Name.

5. If you want to protect your User Account with a password, click the option

box to set Security On.

6. Then, enter your password into the password box.

11

7. And enter you password again to confirm.

8. Personal Folder is where your uploaded files are saved. Click the Set
Personal Folder icon to change your folder, if necessary. Click OK to save

and back to the User Information form screen.

9. Click OK to save your User Account information or click Cancel to quit without

saving.

SYNCING YOUR SKILLSTARTER™ HANDHELD WITH
YOUR COMPUTER

1. Make sure your vPort™ is connected properly to your PC.

2. Make sure the IR Lens of vPort™ and SkillStarter™ Handheld are in an
effective position.

3. Make sure the VTech® Desktop Software is installed on your computer.

4. Make sure the VTech® vPort Manager is installed and running on your
computer.

5. Press the Sync button on your SkillStarter™ Handheld.

ADDING NEW ACTIVITIES INTO YOUR SKILLSTARTER™
HANDHELD

Visit www.vport.com frequently so you’ll be up-to-date with the new learning
activities and games created for your SkillStarter™ Handheld. While you’re in
the VTech® Desktop Software, you can click on the vPort icon to automatically
go to our website. There you can download any new information into your

SkillStarter™ Handheld.
Before adding new activities or content, please make sure that:

1. Your vPort™ is connected properly to your PC

2. The IR Lens of the vPort™ and SkillStarter™ Handheld are in an effective
working position. (You may refer to the following section for information)

3. The vPort Manager is running.

4. You have enough memory available on your SkillStarter™ Handheld.

Here’s what you do to load in the activities:

1. Open the VTech® Desktop Software and log into your account.

2. Click the Download button in the VTech® Desktop Software.

3. Now you can select the activities you want to add to your SkillStarter™
Handheld. To select an activity or file, click on it, and then click the Add to
List button. The number of activities and data you can add to SkillStarter™

Handheld is limited by the amount of available memory on your SkillStarter™
Handheld.

12

4. T o remove an activity or file from the list, click on the item you want to remove,
and then click on the Remove from List button.

5. When you have finished making your list, press the Sync button on your
SkillStarter™ Handheld. This begins the Sync session.

6. To play the new activities on your SkillStarter™ Handheld, go to the Main
Menu and select the Data Download category. Then you’ll see a list of the
new activities you have downloaded.

Deleting Activities From Your SkillStarter™ Handheld

1. Go to the Main Menu and select the Data Download category.

2. Y ou will see a list of the activities and data files that you have stored in your
SkillStarter™ Handheld.

3. Tap on the activity or the data file that you want to delete, then press the

Delete key on the keyboard.
IMPORTANT!

Only activities or data that you have added can be deleted from your

SkillStarter™ Handheld. Built-in activities cannot be deleted.

Uploading Files From Your SkillStarter™ Handheld to Your
Computer

Y ou can upload Artwork Studio pictures to your PC if you want. Press the Sync
button on your SkillStarter™ Handheld, the unit will automatically upload the
available files. After uploading the Artwork Studio’ s file, it is converted into BMP
format which can be opened in many graphic applications. Therefore, you can
edit and/or print the file in your PC.

All uploaded files will be saved in your personal folder. The default location of
your Personal Folder is the My Documents folder in Windows. To view the
current path of your Personal Folder, select Options from the menu bar and click
Set Personal Folder. When uploading files, if a file with the same name already
exists in your Personal Folder, a new index number will be automatically added
after your filename to avoid overwriting. You can check the sync log for the
filename used.

T o open the uploaded file, open the application that can read BMP format. Then
pick the file open function and select the file from your Personal Folder.

13

IR

5cm - 45cm

SkillStarter™ Handheld has an Infrared (IR) Lens that enables wireless
communication between XL Series learning units. Through the IR Lens, an XL
Series unit can play an IR game with another XL Series learning unit. Moreover,
they can exchange information, such as Personal Profile records, Phone Book
records, Artwork Studio pictures, Music Composer melodies, Creation Station
characters, etc. In SkillStarter™ Handheld, all games that support the IR
function can be found in the IR Zone.

T o play a game with another XL Series learning unit, select a game that supports
IR playing. Then select the IR 2-player mode on-screen by clicking the icon or
you can press the IR button.

Another IR function is to send a file to another XL Series unit. Open the activities
that support IR beaming. Then select the IR function in the tool bar or press the IR
button. After that a screen for you to select sending or receiving file will be shown.

When doing IR communication between two learning units, make sure the IR
Lenses of the units are facing correctly to each other and within the working
distance.

Effective Working Position for IR Communication

Working Distance: 5cm to 45cm
(approx. 2 inches to 1.5 feet)

NOTE: The IR Lenses on VTech®
SkillStarter™ Handheld units are flexible so

you can move them into the best working
position.
IR communication under direct sunlight is not recommended.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES

STATUS KEY

Chances Remaining

Current Score

While you’re playing a game or activity, pressing the Status key shows your:
level of play; chances remaining; and current score.

14

Level

WORD FUN

Alphabet Alley

Is alphabetizing right up your alley? In Alphabet Alley, test your knowledge of
alphabetical order. When you open the activity, you'll see a letter matrix-- it's
sort of like a maze made up of letters. Your goal is to find a path of letters from

the entrance to the exit . The trick is that the letters must be in the correct
alphabetical order. Use the stylus or arrow keys to play . Moves can be horizontal

or vertical. Press Help to show the next right move.

Synonyms

This activity improves your vocabulary and ability to associate similar words.
Three words will swim into view. One by one they will auto open. Choose the
one with the SAME meaning of the given word. T ap Enter to confirm your answer .
Or you can type in the number 1, 2 or 3 to answer directly . Press Help and one
incorrect answer will be eliminated.

Word Search

Word Search lets you stretch your spelling ability. You'll see a letter matrix--a
maze made up of letters-- with 10 words hidden in it. You need to find all 10
words. Click on the letter that starts the word you want to find. A bar will highlight

the letter. Click or press Enter. T o highlight a vertical word, click the icon at
the bottom of the screen. To highlight a horizontal word, click the
the bottom of the screen. Use the arrow keys

screen to scroll back and forth through the matrix. Press Help to see one of the
hidden words. Press Answer to see where all words are hidden.

at the bottom of the

icon at

MATH MANIA GAMES

Sort and Count

In Sort and Count, you're assigned a specific number of
objects to collect. Get 6 bananas. Find 4 apples. The
directions are easy, but you've got to catch the falling objects
in your basket while other fruit keeps falling, too. Use your
stylus or the arrow keys to move your basket. When you
collect the exact number of objects you're supposed to, move

your basket to the right corner of the screen to the
or press Enter to check out. SkillStarter™ Handheld will

15

icon

check out place

then check you out and reward you if you collect the right number of objects.
Y ou can press Help at any time and the objects falling from the sky will get less
confusing.

Addition

It all adds up: Add the numbers and input the answer . Tap the or with your
stylus to input answers. Or you can use the keyboard to type numbers directly.
T ap or press Enter to confirm your answer . Remember, you've got to act quickly ,
you're on a strict time limit!

Subtraction

Less is more: Subtraction tests more of your math skills. The game play is the
same as Addition.

Time’s Up

What happens when the clock strikes 13? Time to get a new clock! In this
game, you'll see a clock followed by 3 multiple choice answers showing the
digital time. Choose the correct time using the stylus pen or the arrow keys. Or
you can use the keyboard to type the letters A, B or C to select the right time to
answer. Press Help to remove 1 incorrect answer.

SCHOOL TOOLS

Unit Converter

The Unit Converter activity helps you with basic metric and imperial unit
conversion. The screen will display categories such as speed, time and weight,
etc. Select a category, a starting unit of measurement, input a value, and then
choose a new unit of measurement to convert.

Calculator

This is an eight-digit calculator for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Use the stylus to click calculator buttons or use the keys on the keyboard to

input a calculation. For best results, click the clear
between calculations.

icon to clear calculator

Dictionary

Y ou can put away the big books, SkillStarter™ Handheld lets you look up words
using the Internet. Open the Dictionary application and select New Search

Input up to 3 words you want to look up. When you Sync up your SkillStarter™

16

.

Handheld with your PC, VTech® Desktop Software will help you to look up the
information using an Internet Dictionary. Then, after the next Syncing, open the

Dictionary application and select View Result

to check the results.

MY FILE

Personal Profile

Name

Nickname

Telephone No.

Favorite movie

Personalize your SkillStarter™ Handheld by inputting your data into the Personal
Profile. Enter your name

address

and any miscellaneous facts . Horoscope will generate

automatically after you input the date of birth, tap the up
icon on the bottom of the screen to scroll through your profile. You can also
have your SkillStarter™ Handheld give you a nickname from its list of 20 names
by pressing the

Press the IR button or tap the IR icon in this activity and you can automatically
send your basic information to a friend who also has a VTech® XL Series™
product. Remember, your friend needs to open his/her Phone Book activity
and press the IR button or tap the IR icon.

Hobby

School

, nickname , telephone number , email

, birthday , favorite movie , hobby , school , grade

icon. Or you can input a new one.

Email

Birthday

Horoscope

Grade

Other

icon or the down

Phone Book

Keep track of your friends and family in Phone Book. You can list their name

, nickname , telephone number , email address and birthday
. T ap the up icon or the down icon at the bottom of the screen to scroll

through your Phone Book. At the bottom of the screen you'll also find 3 icons
that will help you organize quickly:

17

New Tap to create a new record
Edit
Delete

Press the IR button or tap the IR icon in this activity and you can send the phone
book information to a friend who also has a VTech® XL Series™ product.
Remember, your friend needs to open his/her Phone Book activity and press
the IR button or tap the IR icon.

Note: Your unit can store up to 30 records. You can also exchange and update
information between your SkillStarter™ Handheld and your PC with the VTech®
vPort™ (sold separately) through Sync function.

Tap to edit an existing record

Tap to delete an existing record

GAME LAB

Fish Frenzy

You'll be fried after you play this game! Fish Frenzy tests your reaction time.
Use your stylus to control the net and you'll catch fish as they jump out of the
pond. The fish move even faster as you progress to harder and harder levels!

A-Mazing

Finding your way home, not much of a challenge, right? WRONG! In this maze
game you've got to get home. The trick is that you must walk all the steps in the
path without going over any part of the path more than once AND without crossing
any part of the path. Use the stylus to tap the path squares and move your
character through the path. Or you can use the arrow keys on the keyboard.

Nutri-Nuts

A witch uses her magic to turn a boy into a bear. Use your stylus or the arrow
keys on the keyboard to help turn the bear back into a boy by selecting the right
magic potions!

Juke Box

Juke Box plays six songs! Use the stylus or press the
arrow keys to select a song. Or you can type the number
of the song using the keyboard. Then press Enter to

start the melody. Tap the icon to watch a character
dance along. Tap the
To change the layout, click the

icon to hear the song again.

icon.

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Fenced In

Good fences make good neighbors! In this game you can play against the
machine or against a pal via the IR communicator. Your objective is to build a
fence from one side of the board to the other. The player who builds the fence
first wins. To make a move, use your stylus to tap where you want to build. Or
you can use the arrow keys to move, and then tap Enter. You’ve got to act
quickly: if you exceed the time limit, you miss your turn!

Note: Select "2 players" to play the game with a friend via IR.

Balloon Blast

Don’t be the last to burst the balloon. You can play against the machine or
against a friend using the IR communicator. You’re racing against the clock but
be careful—whoever breaks the last balloon loses. Tap the balloon you want to
break to pop it. During your timed turn, you can break anywhere from 1 to 4

balloons. When you’re done with your turn, press the Pass
the turn to your opponent. The player who breaks the last balloon loses.
Note: Select "2 players" to play the game with a friend via IR.

button to pass

Soccer

Just shoot the ball into the net. Sounds simple, right? No way! In this game you
can play against the machine or against a friend via the IR communicator. While
you shoot, your opponent guards the goal. The clock’s ticking away—if you fail
to kick within the time allotted, your opponent gets his/her turn. Use the stylus or
arrow keys to control the ball into the goal or block the net. The player who
scores the most amount of goals wins.

Note: Select "2 players" to play the game with a friend via IR.

CREATION STATION

Creation Station

New
IR Chat
Guest Book

Profile
Release

Create your own creature with Creation Station. Then use IR and send it to your
friend while you chat. To create a new character, tap the New

select the components. You can choose different styles of head, eyes, nose,

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button, then

mouth and body. Tap or press Enter to save your character. Tap the Profile

button to input the character profile, including name and created date

. To chat and send the image to a friend, tap the IR Chat button. Start
talking! Enter your words into the blank field and tap Send
friend’s character, tap the Add
Guest Book
you want to meet your e-friend out of this activity? Just simply tap the icon

to release it. When you exit this activity, you can find your e-friend walking on
the screen. To call it back, tap this icon again.

button. Y ou can store up to 5 e-friends in your guest book. Do

button. To view a friend’s character, tap the

. To store a

CREATIVE STUDIO

Music Composer

Music Composer lets you use your SkillStarter™ Handheld keyboard or your
stylus pen to create your own song. Using the function icon at the bottom, you

can create a new
song.

Note: Your SkillStarter™ Handheld can only save 1 song at a time. You can
send the song to a friend who has a VTech® XL Series™ Unit.

Artwork studio

song, edit an existing one or save changes to a

Stamp

Border

Eraser

File

A picture says a thousand words. Make your own pictures with Artwork Studio.
To create a new picture, tap the Stamp

appear. Tap the Stamp you want to use. Now you can place it wherever you
want! To select a border pattern, click on the Border

pop up. Y ou can tap the Eraser

File
Note: Y our SkillStarter™ Handheld can only save 1 picture at a time, you can

upload the image into your PC with the VTech® vPort™.

, you can open, save or print a picture.

at any time to erase your picture. Using the

icon and the stamps toolbar will

icon and the menu will

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IR ZONE

There are 3 IR games Fenced In, Balloon Blast and Soccer. You can select
one of them to play with a friend who also has a VTech® XL Series™ product.
The IR game will start when both players open the same activity.

DATA DOWNLOAD

If you have bought a VTech® vPort™, new activities can be downloaded from
the website via PC sync. You will get another level of data for Word Fun and
Math Mania Games categories, also new songs for Juke Box and new sets of
combinations for Creation Station. Press the IR button or tap the IR icon in this
category and you can send your new activities to a friend who also has a

SkillStarter™ Handheld. Remember, your friend needs to open his/her Data
Download category and press the IR button or tap the IR icon.

ACTIVITY SCORING AND LEVELS

This table shows all the activities you'll find in your SkillStarter™ Handheld,
details their scoring method (if any) and the number of levels you can play.

SKILLSTARTER™ HANDHELD ACTIVITIES:

Category Activity Nam Scoring Code Number of Levels

Word Fun Alphabet Alley A 1

Synonyms A 3
Word Search B 3

Math Mania Games Sort and Count A 3

Addition A 3
Subtraction A 3
Time’s Up A 3

School Tools Unit Converter NONE 1

Calculator NONE 1
Dictionary NONE 1

My File Personal Profile NONE 1

Phone Book NONE 1

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Game Lab Fish Frenzy C 3

A-Mazing D 3
Nutri-nuts NONE 1
Juke Box NONE 1
Fenced In NONE 1
Balloon Blast NONE 1

Soccer NONE 1
Creation Station Creation Station NONE 1
Creative Studio Music Composer NONE 1

Artwork Studio NONE 1

Code Reference

A Five questions per round

Get 20 points for the correct answers on the 1st try
Get 10 points for the correct answer on the 2nd try
Get 5 points for the correct answer on the 3rd try

B Ten words per round

Each correct word is worth 10 points
Incorrect answers are worth NO points

C Score is calculated as: (Fish Caught) Divided by (Number of Fish) Times

100 = SCORE

D Get 100 points if the task is completed on the first try

Get 90 points if the task is completed on the second try
Get 80 points if the task is completed on the third try

NOTE: Once you get 2 rounds in a row with a perfect score of 100,

SkillStarter™ Handheld will automatically increase the level of difficulty.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

1. Keep your SkillStarter™ Handheld clean by wiping it with a SLIGHTLY

damp cloth. Never use solvents or abrasives.

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

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

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

5. Always keep your SkillStarter™ Handheld away from water.

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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. Be sure to make backup copies
of important data on other media to protect against data loss.

STILL HAVING PROBLEMS? / 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 actual error message or problem you are receiving.

• The actions you took right before the error message or problem.
Internet :

Phone: [phone] in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada

www.vport.com
www.vtechkids.com

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.

NOTICE TO PARENT

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

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FCC NOTICE:

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. It must be installed
and used properly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise,
it may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type
tested and found to comply within the limits for a Class B computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 FCC Rules, which are
designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a
residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 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 the receiving antenna

• Relocate this product with respect to the receiver

• Move this product away from the receiver.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded I/O cables is required when connecting this equipment to

any and all optional peripherals or host devices. Failure to do so may violate
FCC rules.

COMPANY : VTech® Electronics North America L.L.C.
ADDRESS : 2350 Ravine Way, Glenview, IL 60025 USA
TEL NO.: [phone]

COPYRIGHT NOTICES:

Copyright © 2002 VTech® Electronics North America L.L.C.. All Rights Reserved.
VTech® and the VTech® logo are registered trademarks of VTech®. SkillStarter™

Handheld is trademark of VTech® Electronics North America L.L.C.. All other
trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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© 2002 VTECH

Printed in China

91-01519-000