® USER’S MANUAL © VTECH Printed in China 91-01348-000
Dear Parent: At VTECH® we know that a child has the ability to do great things. That’s why all of our electronic learning products are uniquely designed to develop a child’s mind and allow them to learn to the best of their ability. Whether it’s learning about letters, numbers, geography or algebra, all VTECH® learning products incorporate advanced technologies and extensive curriculum to encourage children of all ages to reach their potential.
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 1 POWER SOURCE .................................................... 1-3 BATTERY INSTALLATION .................................................. 2 AC ADAPTOR CONNECTION ......................................... 2-3 AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF ............................................. 3 MOUSE OVERVIEW ................................................ 3-4 SPECIAL FUNCTION KEYS ......................................
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the VTECH® Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy! We at VTECH® are committed to providing the highest quality products to entertain and educate your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.
BATTERY INSTALLATION 1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF. 2. Locate the battery cover on the back of the unit and open it. 3. Insert 4 “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated. (The use of new, alkaline batteries is recommended for maximum performance.) 4. Replace the battery cover. BATTERY NOTICE • Install batteries correctly observing the polarity (+,–) signs to avoid leakage. • Do not use rechargeable batteries. • Do not mix old and new batteries. • Do not use batteries of different types.
If the problem persists, it may be the result of the adaptor’s wiring or the unit. Please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-2677377 in Canada. In the U.S.A.: Many retailers carry this type of adaptor. However, if you are unable to find one locally, the VTECH® AC Adaptor is perfectly suited to operate your Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy. For information on how to purchase a VTECH® AC Adaptor, call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010.
MOUSE MAINTENANCE To clean the mouse, you need to open the cover on the bottom of the mouse by using a screwdriver. Twisting in the direction of the arrows will release the cover. Once the cover is removed, the mouse ball should be taken out and the contents inside the mouse should be cleaned with a dry cloth. The mouse ball should also be cleaned with a dry cloth.
KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS The Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy has a full alphanumeric typing keyboard and a modified piano keyboard. MENU BUTTON Press the MENU button to access the category menu and select a category. After you have selected a category, you may select an activity within that category. Press this button at any time during game play to select a new category. ACTIVITY BUTTON To select a new activity press the ACTIVITY button, and enter the respective activity number.
CURSOR BUTTONS Use the four cursor buttons, to move the cursor to the right, to the left, up or down on the screen. The cursor buttons are also used as color-coded answer keys in Matchbook activity. NUMBER KEYS Use the number keys when inputting the answers in the Math Maestro activities or when you select a melody from the Jammin’ Jukebox activities. The number keys may also be used to enter an activity number when the ACTIVITY button is pressed.
FUNCTION KEYS Press the REPORT key to see how well you scored within each category. The report feature is only available for the categories Vocabulary Vibrations, Math Maestro and Live Logic & Games. Press the DELETE key to delete letters or numbers before you press the ENTER key. Press the ESC key to exit from the current activity and go to the previous screen. Repeatedly pressing the ESC key will bring you back to the category selection screen.
Press the ANSWER key to find the correct answer to any question. The ANSWER key is disabled during the first player’s turn in 2-Player Mode for all activities. Press the LEVEL key to change the difficulty level within an activity. There are three levels of play within most of the activities. The first level is the easiest and the third level is the most challenging. Levels can be changed at any time during an activity. Press the PLAYER key at any time to change from one player mode to two player mode.
SPECIAL KEYS FOR MUSIC ACTIVITIES In addition to their regular letter functions, these keys are used in the Jammin’ Jukebox activities and allow you to create or play a melody with various musical instruments. SPECIAL FEATURES SCREEN SAVER When there is no input for about 2 minutes, a screen saver will appear on the screen. The screen saver will remain on until there is input or the unit turns OFF automatically.
HEADPHONE CONNECTION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Use headphones with an appropriate headphone plug. Make sure the unit is OFF. Locate the headphone jack on the side of the learning toy. Insert the headphone plug into the learning toy’s headphone jack. Turn the unit ON. After finishing the above procedure, check if the headphones are working. repeat the above procedure. If not, NOTE: • • If the headphones still don’t work, please repeat the above procedure with another set of headphones.
3. Letter Lookout You are in a race against the computer. On the screen you will see two characters each one has a potted plant. You are the player on the right. The computer is the player on the left. When the game begins, letters will appear on the screen. Your task is to type the same letter on your keyboard that you see on the screen. If the letter is typed correctly, your plant will grow slightly. Be on the lookout because the computer’s plant will grow automatically.
MATH MAESTRO 10. Cool Counting The Vocal Vibrations think that counting is pretty cool. You can join them as they count. Count the number of stars that you see and type in the answer. Press ENTER to confirm your selection. 11. Get in Shape Getting in shape can be a challenge, but I know you’re up for it. You will see many different shapes on the screen. Count the total number of the requested shapes and type in the answer. Press ENTER to confirm. 12.
17. Shop Talk The Vocal Vibrations just got their allowance and are ready to go shopping. Can you help them add their coins and decide what to buy? Three items and their prices will appear on the screen. The Vocal Vibrations have to buy the item that is the exact price as the amount of their allowance. Use your mouse, arrow keys or cursor keys to click on the correct item. Press ENTER to confirm your answer. Have fun shopping. 18. Tick Tock Clock Our Tick Tock Clock can’t wait to teach you to tell time.
22. Hide ‘n Seek Are you ready for a game of Hide ‘n Seek? Come on, let’s play. Several pairs of animals will appear on the screen and then hide. Your task is to pair up all of the matching animals. To select your first choice, use your mouse, arrow keys or cursor keys and press ENTER to confirm. Once you think you have found the match use your mouse, arrow keys or cursor keys and press ENTER to confirm your second choice.
JAMMIN’ JUKEBOX 27. Rockin’ Rock Get ready to rock ’n roll! A jukebox will appear on the screen. Select a melody by using your mouse, arrow keys, or cursor keys to type in the song number from the keyboard. Press the ENTER key to play the selected song and to see the animation. To adjust the speed of the song, click the on-screen “+” and “–” icons or press the Speed Up and Slow Down keys on your keyboard. To stop a song, click the STOP icon on the screen or press the Reset key on your keyboard.
Characters from left to right: 1st Middle and high Do Middle and high Re 2nd Middle and high Mi 3rd 4th Middle and low Fa Middle and low So 5th 6th Middle and low La 7th Middle and low Ti Create your own songs or songs from the song cards with the piano keyboard. Press the DELETE key to erase the previously inputted note. Press the Pause key during recording to add a musical rest in the song. Press the Play key to hear the song created.
36. Rhythm Race The rhythm race is on! Notes are falling from the top of the screen, all you have to do is play the matching notes on your piano keyboard before the notes reach the bottom of the screen. Please note you must play the notes on your piano keyboard. The on screen keyboard is for reference only. 37. Silly Sing Along Get ready to sing along with your favorite band, the Vocal Vibrations. Listen or sing along as the song is played and an animation is shown on the screen.
SCORING SYSTEM IN THE ACTIVITY PAIR UP Level 1: correct answer with 3-5 chances left : 20 points 2 chances left : 10 points 1 chance left : 5 points Level 2: correct answer with 3-6 chances left : 20 points 2 chances left : 10 points 1 chance left : 5 points Level 3: correct answer with 3-7 chances left : 20 points 2 chances left : 10 points 1 chance left : 5 points Press the ANSWER key for all levels : 0 points Maximum score per round : 100 points (There are 5 questions per round.
TWO-PLAYER MODE There will be two-player mode in each activity except the following activities: Letter Buzz Scribble Pad Letter Blaster Face It! Letter Lookout Dot to Dot All Jammin’Jukebox except Instrument Library Mousin’ Around Keyboard Basics (Cartridge) Steps to Staff (Cartridge) HELP FUNCTION The HELP key is not available for the Matchbook and the following activities: Letter Buzz Scribble Pad Letter Blaster Letter Lookout Cool Counting Mousin’ Around All Jammin’Jukebox except Instrument Library Ke
JAZZ WITH PIZZAZZ 0. The Entertainer 1. Blue Bubble Gum 2. Lavender Blue 3. Bill Bailey 4. Shoo Fly 5. Sailing 6. When the Saints Go Marching In 7. Take Me Out to the Ball Game 8. Yankee Doodle 9. Where has My Little Dog Gone ROCKIN’ ROCK 0. This Old Man 1. Oh, Susanna 2. I’ve Been Working on the Railroad 3. It’s Raining, It’s Pouring 4. Clementine 5. Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody 6. Billy Boy 7. Bingo 8. Blow the Man Down 9. Jimmy Crack Corn HIP POP MUSIC 0. Bicycle Built for Two 1.
HOW TO USE AN EXPANSION CARTRIDGE The VTECH® Computer Pal® in concert learning toy includes 4 bonus, music expansion cartridges. To use a cartridge follow these steps: 1. Turn the unit OFF. 2. Insert a cartridge into the slot located in the front of the unit with the label facing up. You should feel the cartridge click into place. 3. Turn the unit ON. 4. Press the CARTRIDGE button on the keyboard and the cartridge activities will be accessed.
HOW TO PLAY WITH THE MATCHBOOKS In addition to the 37 built-in activities and 4 Bonus cartridges, the Computer Pal® in Concert learning toy, offers you the opportunity to expand your learning fun with the Smart Start® MatchBooks. Each Matchbook contains a set of multiple choice questions that cover material appropriate for children ages 5 to 8. There are 150 questions that are divided into five sections of 30 questions each. Each section becomes progressively more difficult.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Creating and developing electronic learning toys 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 Consumer Services Department at 1800-521-2010 in the U.S.
