VTech V.Smile Smart Keyboard User Manual

Dear Parent,
At VTech®, we know that every year, children are asking to play video games at younger and younger ages. At the same time, we understand the hesitation of most parents to expose their children to the inappropriate content of many popular video games. How can you feel confident in allowing your childen to play these games, and still educate and entertain them in a healthy, age­appropriate manner?
Our solution to this on-going debate is the V.SMILETM TV Learning System – a unique video game system created especially for children aged 3 to 8. The V.SMILETM TV Learning System combines a kid-friendly design, age appropriate curriculum, entertaining graphics, and fun game play into a unique experience that your child will love and you can support. The V.SMILETM TV Learning System engages your child with two modes of play: the Learning Adventure - an exciting exploratory journey in which learning concepts are seamlessly integrated, and the Learning Zone - a series of games designed to focus on specific school skills in a fun, engaging way. Both of these educational modes offer your child hours of learning fun.
As part of the V.SMILETM TV Learning System, VTech® offers a library of game Smartridges™ based on popular children’s characters that engage and encourage your child to play while learning. The library is organized into three levels of educational play – Early Learners (ages 3-5), Junior Thinkers (ages 4-6) and Master Minds (ages 6-8) – so that the educational content of the system grows with your child.
At VTech®, we are proud to provide you with a much-needed solution to the video game dilemma, as well as another innovative way for your child to learn while having fun. We thank you for trusting VTech® with the important job of helping your child explore a new world of learning!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at VTech
®
To learn more about the V.SMILETM TV Learning System and other VTech® toys, visit www.vtechkids.com
2
INTRODUCTION/ INSTRUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™!
With the help of the V.SMILE™ TV Learning System, VTech® introduces another addition to the V.SMILE™ family – Smart Keyboard! With its cool design and kid-friendly layout, children will have fun learning valuable typing skills in a computer environment. 14 engaging activities including lessons, exciting video games and a quiz competition will keep kids wanting to learn more! As children explore the Smart Keyboard’s cyber world, they will navigate a search engine and even send simulated e-mails!
This Smart Keyboard connects directly to the V.SMILE™ TV Learning System for fun, creative game play on your home TV!
INSTRUCTIONS
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE
One VTech® V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™
One VTech® V.SMILE Smart Keyboard Smartridge™
One User’s Manual
WARNING: All packing materials such as tape, plastic sheets, wire ties and tags are not part of
this toy and should be discarded for your child’s safety.
Smartridge™
User’s Manual
V.SMILE Smart
Keyboard™
3
PRODUCT FEATURES
PRODUCT FEATURES
Cable Connect the V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ cable to the PLAYER
1 slot on your V.SMILE™.
Color Buttons You can use the Color Buttons to play select games.
EXIT Key/Button
When you press the EXIT Key/Button, the game will pause and the
icon will pop up to make sure you want to quit.
Press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick left “ ” or right “ ” to “YES” (leave the game) or “NO”(cancel the exit screen and keep playing). Press the ENTER Key/Button to choose.
Typing Time Key
The Typing Time Key is a shortcut which takes you to the Typing Time mode. When you press the Typing Time Key, the game will pause and the icon will pop up to make sure you want to quit.
Press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick left “ ” or right “ ” to “YES” (leave the game) or “NO”(cancel the exit screen and keep playing). Press the ENTER Key/Button to choose.
Adjustable Leg
Storage Compartment
Connection Cable
Color Buttons
EXIT Key
Typing Time Key
Player 1 Key
HELP Key
ENTER Button
Joystick
HELP Button
EXIT Button
ABC Button
Player 2 Key
Symbol Key
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Player 1 Key You can use the Player 1 Key for head-to-head competition in
the Knowledge Area.
Help Key/Button
When you press the HELP Key/Button, you will hear some helpful hints, or the instructions to the current game you are playing.
ENTER Button You can press the ENTER Button to conrm your selection or
answer questions within a given game.
Joystick You can use the 8-directional Joystick to select options and
play games.
ABC Button The ABC Button is a shortcut which takes you to the Computer
Zone game selection screen.
When you press the ABC Button, the game will pause. The icon will pop up to make sure you want to quit.
Press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick left “ ” or right “ ” to “YES” (leave the game) or “NO”(cancel the exit screen and keep playing). Press the ENTER Key/Button to choose.
Player 2 Key You can use the Player 2 Key for head-to-head competition in
the Knowledge Area.
Symbol Key When you press the Symbol Key, a symbol table will be shown
on screen that allows you to select special characters.
Adjustable Legs You can use the adjustable legs to angle the keyboard at a
comfortable position.
Storage Compartment
When nished playing, you can store the connection cable in the
storage compartment.
PRODUCT FEATURES
5
GETTING STARTED
GETTING STARTED
CONNECTING THE V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ TO V.SMILE™
Note: Before you connect the V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ to V.SMILE™,
please check and make sure that the V.SMILE ™ is working. Once you turn the unit ON, the power indicator light (ON Button) will glow. If the ON Button does not glow, check if the adaptor or connector is correctly connected. If the batteries are not installed correctly, the V.SMILE™ TV Learning System will not function and it causes damage to the unit. Make sure to turn the TV and the unit OFF before you begin making connections. Please refer to V.SMILE™ TV Learning System User’s Manual if necessary.
Insert the bundled Smartridge™ into the Smartridge slot on the front of the V.SMILE™. Connect the V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ cable to the PLAYER 1 slot on your V.SMILE™ as illustrated.
CONNECTING V.SMILE™ TO A TV
Please refer to V.SMILE™ user’s manual.
CONNECTING V.SMILE™ TO A VCR
Please refer to V.SMILE™ user’s manual.
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GETTING STARTED
TO BEGIN PLAY
INTRODUCTION
One day, V.Pal tells Jack and Ashley that viruses have invaded their computer! The viruses are freezing data, locking doors and making life miserable for the computer’s friendly villagers, called Digizens. Jack and Ashley must get rid of the viruses and restore order to CompuCity.
With the help of their Smart Keyboard, Jack and Ashley must use their language, math, and typing skills to solve the Digizens’ problems and catch the viruses. They also need to build a Super Aircraft that will help them defeat the Virus King. If they succeed, CompuCity will be saved!
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PLAY MODE
Press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick up and down to highlight the play mode you want. Press the ENTER Key/Button when you have made your selection.
1. Computer Zone
In this play mode, you can learn how to type, practice spelling with V.Pal, and experience a “pseudo–Internet” that shows you how to reply to simulated e-mails and search for information.
2. Cyber Adventure
This play mode takes you on a learning adventure, where you will use your
school skills and fast ngers to play games and solve problems.
Play through the story line by entering Adventure Play or practice your skills on individual games by selecting them in the Quick Play menu.
7
GETTING STARTED
Note: For the Computer Zone and Cyber Adventure modes, when you
turn the unit OFF, V.SMILE™ remembers your place in the games. If you turn the unit back ON without inserting a new Smartidge™ you will see the screen below.
3. Knowledge Area
In this play mode, you will enter a fun quiz competition with four learning categories to choose from: Language, Computer, Science and mixed knowledge.
4. Options
You can select different game options from this menu. Please refer to the “Options” section.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR GAME SETTINGS
1. Follow the voice instructions to choose your game settings.
2. Press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick left and right to scroll between different settings.
3. If you are happy with your settings, use the Arrow Keys or Joystick to move the cursor to the OK icon and press ENTER when you are done.
Adventure Play – In this mode, you can play through all the games in the adventure, and help the Digizens defeat all the viruses.
Quick Play – In this mode, you can play a quick game of your choice without having to play through the whole story.
Choose this to start a new game from the beginning.
Choose this to keep playing the game you started. Your old game settings will be kept.
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The Computer Zone, Cyber Adventure and Knowledge Area modes each have their own settings. To change the settings:
• For Computer Zone and Cyber Adventure, select “New Game”.
• For Knowledge Area, go back to the Knowledge Area Menu.
STEP 3: START YOUR GAME
• For Computer Zone, please go to the “Activities – Computer Zone” section.
• For Cyber Adventure, please go to the “Activities – Cyber Adventure” section.
• For Knowledge Area, please go to the “Activities – Knowledge Area” section.
ACTIVITIES
Educational Curriculum
Computer Zone
Game 1 – Typing Time Typing Skills
Game 2 – V.Mail E-mail Operation
Game 3 – Knowledge Explorer Vocabulary
Game 4 – E-Learning Spelling, Music
Game 5 – Personal Settings Creativity
Cyber Adventure
Game 1 – Data Freeze Spelling
Game 2 – Password Beginning Letter
Game 3 – Writing Letter Typing Skills
Game 4 – Guess and Catch Beginning Letter, Spelling
Mini-Game 1 – Type Them Out Typing
Mini-Game 2 – Chess Shape, Strategy, Logic Skills
Mini-Game 3 – Sum Them Up Calculation
Mini-Game 4 – Final Adventure Strategy, Typing Skills
Knowledge Area
Language Observation, Comprehension, Antonym, Synonym,
Decode Sounds, Single & Plural, Possessives
GETTING STARTED
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ACTIVITIES
Computer Computer Component, Typing Skills, Internet
Science Astronomy, Animals, Ecology, Electricity, Human
Body
COMPUTER ZONE
Basic Operations
Move the cursor to the left Move the cursor to the right Move the cursor upward Move the cursor downward
ENTER Select the activity
Computer Zone Login Screen
When you rst come to this zone, you can type in your name and create an
image for yourself (including face shape, hair style and facial expression). This name and image will always appear on the screen.
Computer Zone Game Selection Screen
The Computer Zone play mode features ve different learning games.
Press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick up and down to highlight a game, and press the ENTER Key/Button to make your choice.
Type in your name
Choose one you like
Typing Time
V.Mail
Knowledge Explorer
E-Learning
Personal Settings
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GAME 1 – TYPING TIME
Game Play
This game will teach you how to type through step-by-step lessons and a fun game. There are 6 lessons in this section. Each lesson has its own focus:
• Lesson 1: guide keys (a, s, d, f, j, k, l, ;) and Spacebar
• Lesson 2: q, z, p, w, x, o
• Lesson 3: e, c, i, r, v, u, m
• Lesson 4: t, g, b, y, h, n
• Lesson 5: 0 – 9
• Lesson 6: Shift, Caps Lock
For each lesson, you will learn the correct nger position for each key rst. Then you will try a short exercise. Finally, you can play a quiz game
to test your performance.
Educational Curriculum
Typing Skills
Beginner Typist Level: In the Quiz, the keys you need to press will be
near each other.
Master Typist Level: In the Quiz, the letter keys you need to press
may not be near each other.
GAME 2 – V.MAIL
Game Play
In this simulated e-mail game, you will receive V.Mails from your computer friends. You will learn how to send V.Mail, and even attach a picture for your computer friends to enjoy!
ACTIVITIES
11
ACTIVITIES
Educational Curriculum
E-mail Operation
GAME 3 – KNOWLEDGE EXPLORER
Game Play
In this simulated search engine game, you can learn about the unique characteristics of objects and animals. Type in a keyword to search for the object or animal you would like to learn about.
You may download the picture to your own album and send it in a V.Mail to your computer
friends.
Educational Curriculum
Vocabulary
GAME 4 – E-LEARNING
Game Play
Spelling:
In this game, V.Pal will help you with your spelling. After V.Pal gives you a word, use the microphone to spell the words aloud.
Sing Along:
You can also use the microphone to sing along to popular songs! The song lyrics will appear on the screen.
Educational Curriculum
Spelling, Music
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GAME 5 – PERSONAL SETTINGS
Game Play
After helping your computer friends search for pictures, they will give you accessories that you can add to your character image.
Educational Curriculum
Creativity
CYBER ADVENTURE
Basic Operations
Walk to the left Walk to the right Walk upward Walk downward
ENTER Catch the virus
Spacebar Chat with the Digizen
The Cyber Adventure play mode has four different levels. You will play four task games and four mini games.
ACTIVITIES
Virus
Digizen
Life Status
Energy Status
Dialogue Box
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Life Status This shows Jack/Ashley’s life level in the current
game.
Energy Status This shows Jack/Ashley’s energy level in the current game.
Viruses Press the
ENTER Key/Button to catch them.
Digizens Press the Spacebar to chat and help them solve problems.
Life Collect to gain extra life.
Energy Collect twenty to upgrade a level.
Dialogue Box Displays dialogue between Jack/Ashley and the
Digizens.
GAME 1 – DATA FREEZE
Game Play
Due to the viruses, some Digizens’ tools and items are frozen. You have to type the correct letters in order to unfreeze the objects.
Educational Curriculum
Spelling
Easy Level: Learn elementary words. Learn how to spell and
pronounce these words.
Difcult Level: Learn more advanced words. Learn how to spell and pronounce these words.
ACTIVITIES
14
GAME 2 – PASSWORD
Game Play
The viruses have gone through CompuCity and locked the Digizens’ doors. You have to solve the passwords by typing in the correct letters to unlock the doors.
Educational Curriculum
Beginning Letters
Easy Level: Understand basic words and recognize their rst letter.
Each round has 2 missing letters.
Difcult Level: Understand more advanced words and recognize their
rst letter. Each round has 5 missing letters.
GAME 3 – WRITING LETTER
Game Play
The viruses have gone through the Digizens’ V.Mails and erased some of their letters! Help Jack/Ashley re-type the letters.
Educational Curriculum
Typing Skills
Easy Level: Type the missing word in
the letter.
Difcult Level: Type the missing content in the letter.
GAME 4 – GUESS AND CATCH
Game Play
Those pesky viruses have taken some of the Digizens’ items and locked them in the machine. Type in the missing letters to unlock the object. Then play the catcher game to get the object back!
Educational Curriculum
Beginning Letter, Spelling
Easy Level: You have 9 chances to guess the rst letter.
Difcult Level: You have 6 chances to guess the missing letters.
ACTIVITIES
15
ACTIVITIES
MINI GAME 1 – TYPE THEM OUT
Game Play
Viruses are moving around in the corridor. Try your best to clear the path by typing the letters on their heads. You had better hurry! The viruses are multiplying!
Educational Curriculum
Typing
Easy Level: Less viruses moving around.
Difcult Level: More viruses moving around.
MINI GAME 2 – CHESS
Game Play
You are now in control of four Digizens. Try to beat the viruses at a game of Cyber Chess.
The rst team to get twenty points wins.
Educational Curriculum
Shape, Strategy
Easy Level: Opponent is a novice
player.
Difcult Level: Opponent is a more advanced player.
MINI GAME 3 – SUM THEM UP
Game Play
Viruses are grouping together and blocking the way. Try your best to clear the path by summing them up. You had better hurry! The viruses keep multiplying!
Educational Curriculum
Math
Easy Level: Viruses have single-digit numbers.
Difcult Level: Viruses have double-digit numbers.
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ACTIVITIES
MINI GAME 4 –FINAL ADVENTURE
Game Play
In the nal adventure, you will have to use your
quick typing skills to defeat the Virus King. Use your Super Aircraft to clear the number blocks and gather energy.
Educational Curriculum
Strategy, Typing Skills
Easy Level: Most of the squares are color blocks.
Difcult Level: Most of the squares are number blocks.
Knowledge Area
Basic Operations
Player Keys Press to be the rst to answer
Color Buttons Press to answer the question
Knowledge Area Selection Screen
The Knowledge Area play mode has 4 categories for you to choose from. Press the Arrow Keys or use the Joystick to highlight a category. Press the ENTER Key/Button to make your choice.
Educational Curriculum
Language, Science, Computers
Easy Level: Basic knowledge questions.
Difcult Level: More advanced questions.
Choose either one topic or choose a mixed one.
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ACTIVITIES / CARE AND MAINTENANCE / WARNING
Options Menu
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
1. Keep your V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ clean by wiping it with slightly
damp cloth. Never use solvents or abrasives.
2. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from direct sources of heat.
3. Always keep the
V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ away from water
4. Avoid dropping it. Never try to dismantle it.
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 ashing colors or patterns, especially on television.
While the V.SMILE™ TV Learning System 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 joystick or 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.
To turn the background music on or off, press the Arrow Keys or move the Joystick left or right to highlight your choice, and then press the ENTER Key/Button to make your choice.
Choose “Unlimited Life” to have an unlimited number of chances to play the games in the Cyber Adventure.
Choose OK to save the current settings.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Possible Reason Solution
The V.SMILE™ power light does not come on when the ON Button is pressed.
1. Incorrect or missing power connection
1. Check if the new batteries are correctly installed, or an AC/DC adaptor (9V 300mA, center­position) is properly connected to the V.SMILE™.
2. Program needs to be reset
2.1 Disconnect all power supplies (batteries and adaptor), then reconnect power supplies.
2.2 Press the Reset Button located on the bottom of the main unit, using a ballpoint pen.
The V.SMILE™ power light is ON, but there is no picture on the screen.
1. Incorrect TV connection
1. Make sure that the yellow plug of the main unit is connected to the video IN terminal (usually yellow) of the TV.
2. Incorrect TV mode selected
2. Make sure that the TV is set to “video” mode. Some TVs have several video inputs and please make sure you have selected the video input that matches the video port connected to the V.SMILE™ unit.
The V.SMILE™ power light is ON, but there is no picture (or incorrect picture) on the TV, and pressing the OFF Button has no response.
1. Program needs to be reset
1.1 Remove the SMARTRIDGE™ and
then re-insert it.
1.2 Disconnect all power supplies (batteries and adaptor), and then reconnect power supplies.
TROUBLESHOOTING
19
TROUBLESHOOTING / TECHNICAL SUPPORT
The TV picture is black and white.
1. Non-matching color system
1. Make sure the TV is set to the correct TV system. (E.g. NTSC or auto)
2. Cable connection problem
2. Make sure that the video cable is
rmly connected to the video input
of the TV.
There is a picture on the TV, but no sound.
1. TV setting 1. Raise the volume of the TV, and
make sure it is not set to “Mute”.
2. Cable connection problem
2. Make sure that the white and/or red
plug is rmly connected to the audio
input of the TV.
The V.SMILE
Smart Keyboard™
does not work.
1. Improper V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ connection
1. Make sure that the V.SMILE Smart
Keyboard™ is rmly connected to
the PLAYER 1 Port.
2. V.SMILE Smart Keyboard™ was reconnected after program start
2. Turn the V.SMILE™ unit OFF and then ON again.
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 problem you are experiencing.
• The actions you took right before the problem occurred.
Internet : www.vtechkids.com
Phone : 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada
20
OTHER INFORMATION
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.
COMPANY: VTech® Electronics North America, L.L.C.
ADDRESS: 1155 West Dundee Rd, Suite 130, Arlington Heights, LL
60004 USA
TEL NO.: 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-877-352-8697 in Canada
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
OTHER INFORMATION
2007 © VTech
Printed in China
91-02088-417
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