Atari Lynx User manual

Please read
WE'VE MADE YOUR
ATARI LYNX™ EVEN BETTER
There is anote on page 4of the owners
manual which refers to an automatic shut-
off of the lynx after 5minutes of non-use.
we have removed this because automatic
shut-off terminates the game. You would
have lost everything, including levels
reached and scores gained, and you would
have had to start all over again, we didn't
want this to happen. But remember, that
when you do decide to quit, PLEASE TURN
YOUR LYNX OFF by pressing Power.
We also increased battery life Page 8says
that alkaline battteries will last almost 4
hours. The system now extends battery life
to approximately 5hours.
AATARI
Atari, the Atari logo, ano lynx are TMs or ®s of Atari Corporation

Important Information
The Atari Lynx uses and produces radio frequency energy. If not installed and
used according to the instructions in this manual, the equipment may cause
interference with your radio and television reception.
If you experience interference while using the equipment, switch it off. If
interference stops, the equipment is probably at fault. With the equipment
switched on, try to correct the problem using the following measures:
•Adjust the position of the radio or television antenna.
•Reposition the equipment in relation to the radio or television.
•Move the equipment away from the radio or television
•Plug the equipment into adifferent electrical outlet so the equipment and
radio or television are connected to separate branch circuits.
If necessary, consult your Atari dealer or an experienced radio -television
technician for additional suggestions.
Ahelpful resource is the Interference Handbook, prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission and available from the U.S. Government Print-
ing Office, Washington. DC 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00450-7.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the product documen-
tation in this manual. However, because Atari Corporation is constantly improv-
ing and updating its computer hardware and software, it is unable to
guarantee the accuracy of printed material after the date of publication and
disclaims liability for changes, errors, or omissions.
Reproduction of all or any portion of this manual is not allowed without the
written consent of Atari Corporation.
Atan. the Atari logo, Comlynx, and Lynx are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Atari Corporation.
AATARI'
Copyright ©1991, Atari Corporation
Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1302
All rights reserved.

^PORTABLE COLOR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
OWNER SMANUAL
MANUEL DE L'UTILISATEUR
MANUALE DUSO
BEDIENHANDBUCH
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
GEBRUIKERSHANDLEIDING

INTRODUCTION
congratulations! You are now the proud
owner of the new Atari Lynx portable color
entertainment system. Now you can play
video games anywhere and anytime.
The Lynx is not like other portable entertain-
ment systems, unlike any other portable
system, the Lynx is not limited to afinite
number of objects that can appear on the
screen at one time, and the size of screen
objects is limited only by the borders of the
spacious Lynx screen. Computer artists and
game designers can choose from over 4,096
colors when creating the outstanding
graphics for the Lynx entertainment system.
The Lynx has asystem clock speed of 16 MHz,
making it the fastest video entertainment
system ever.
1

Using the Lynx
Take amoment to study the drawing below
and learn the different parts of your Lynx
system. You will find more details about each
system part below the picture.
2

Joypad The 8-way joypad controls the game
character's movement, its exact function may
vary from game to game See individual game
manuals for details on how to use the joypad
for specific games.
ON Turns the system on.
Note: To protect your valuable games, always
Insert agame card before turning the system
3

on. When changing game cards, turn the Lynx
off. Remove the first game card, insert the
desired game card, and turn the system on
again.
OFF Turns the system off.
Note: Your Lynx has been designed both for
safety and to conserve battery power. When
using batteries, the Lynx system will auto-
matically shut itself off after five minutes of
non-use. On AC adaptor power, the unit's built-
in shut-off mechanism will turn the Lynx off if
not used for approximately one hour.
POWER indicator Light is lit when Lynx is
turned on.
Back Light Control Allows you to switch
screen off and on without switching off the
Lynx.
OPTION 1An optional button used in some
games. Press for autofire missiles, turbo, and
so on.
RESTART Press OPTION 1and PAUSE at the
same time to restart agame. Restarting the
4

game usually returns you to the title screen or
options screen.
PAUSE Pauses agame. Press PAUSE again to
resume action.
OPTION 2Another optional button used in
some games to give you even more capabili-
ties and control, option 2may, for example,
allow you to use certain objects or turn the
music on or off.
FLIP Press OPTION 2and PAUSE at the same
time to flip the screen upside down and play
with the joypad on the opposite side. This is
great for lefties.
Abuttons Both Abuttons perform the
same function, use the button which is most
comfortable for you. see individual game
manuals for the specific function of the
buttons.
Bbuttons Both Bbuttons perform the
same function. Use the button which is most
comfortable for you. See the manual that
came with your game card for details on how
to use these buttons.
5

BRIGHTNESS Adjusts the screen from dark to
light Adjust the brightness for your viewing
angle
Note: Looking at the screen from adifferent
angle than the one to which it was adjusted
may cause the screen to appear dim.
volume Adjusts the sound level of agame
headphones use with most standard port-
able headphones. Plugging in headphones
automatically disables the Lynx speaker.
COMLYNX™ use with one or more comlynx
cables to connect other Lynx systems for
multiplayer games. (Sold separately)
power connect the Lynx and an Atari power
adaptor to awall socket to save batteries.
(Sold separately)
inserting aCame Card
The following drawing shows the bottom of
the Lynx. Look at it carefully to see how to
insert agame card.
6

To insert agame card, slide the card into the
game card slot, label side down, as shown in
the drawing.
Power for the Lynx
The Lynx can operate from 6AA batteries, a
power adaptor (plugged into a120 volt wall
outlet), or from acar cigarette lighter.
(Adaptors are not included.)
7

The life of alkaline batteries is approximately
four hours. Rechargeable batteries may be
used, it is time to change or recharge the
batteries when the unit stops working, the
screen becomes dim or erratic, or the sound
becomes distorted or weak.
The following drawing shows the back of the
Lynx, look at it carefully to see how to insert
batteries.
8

Follow the steps listed below to insert
batteries into your lynx.
1.place your thumbs over the battery
compartment door and slide the door down.
The battery compartment is exposed.
2.insert 6AA batteries, 3in each channel,
correctly aligning the positive (+) terminals.
(See the battery diagram on the back of the
Lynx.) Replace the door.
9

Please pay careful attention to battery installa-
tion instructions, and to the following tips:
•Always replace all six batteries at the same
time Never mix old batteries with new ones.
Old batteries can explode if used with fresh
batteries.
•Never put batteries in backwards, improper
battery charging will occur and damage may
result.
•Always make sure the battery compartment
is snapped shut after battery installation. Do
not turn on your entertainment system if the
battery door is open.
comlynx Cable
The Comlynx cable allows connection of Lynx
systems so more than one player can play the
same game at the same time. Each player
must have aLynx and agame card. The maxi-
mum number of players depends on the
game. Please refer to the game manual for
details about the maximum number of players
for each game.
10

To create atwo player game system, turn off
your Lynx, insert one male end of the comlynx
cable into the Comlynx jack on your Lynx,
insert the other male end of the cable into
the comlynx jack on afriend's Lynx system.
Repeat this procedure until the maximum
number of systems (determined by the game)
have been connected. Most games will display
the current number of players on the title
screen.
if you wish to obtain aComlynx cable and link
up with friends, look for the comlynx logo on
Lynx game boxes. All multiplayer Lynx games
display this label.
The comlynx cable can be purchased from
your Atari Lynx dealer. Look for the comlynx
logo on Lynx game boxes. All multiplayer Lynx
games display this label.
11

HOLDING THE LYNX
Atypical way to hold the Lynx is with your left
thumb on the joypad and your right thumb
on buttons Aand B. Or flip the screen if you
prefer to put your left thumb on the buttons
and your right thumb on the joypad. Flip the
screen by pressing pause and OPTION 2at the
same time. Both of these methods may be
used for playing horizontally designed games.
Some games are designed for vertical play to
take advantage of the long screen. To play a
vertical game, hold the Lynx so the joypad is
on the bottom and the buttons are at the top.
Or flip the screen and play the other way
around. Use whichever position is most com-
fortable for you.
PRECAUTIONS
The Atari Lynx portable color entertainment
system is asophisticated electronic system
that should be treated with care The follow-
ing suggestions will help you keep your Lynx in
excellent condition.
12

•Never take apart the Lynx or game cards.
•Never leave weak batteries in the Lynx, weak
batteries may leak damaging chemicals.
•Handle the Lynx with care. Dropping the
Lynx can damage circuit boards or break the
display glass.
•Exposure to temperatures below 40°F or
above 120°F will permanently damage the
Lynx. High temperatures can shorten the life
of electronic devices and melt plastic parts.
•Keep the Lynx dry. if it accidentally gets wet,
wipe it dry immediately. Liquids can contain
minerals that may corrode the electronic cir-
cuits. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning
solvents, or strong detergents to clean the Lynx.
•Do not twist the Lynx.
•Modifying or tampering with the system's
internal components can cause amalfunction
and may invalidate the product's warranty.
•if you experience problems with your Lynx,
see Troubleshooting In this manual.
13

TROUBLESHOOTING
If you experience any problems with your
Lynx, read the following table Find the
problem in the left column and the possible
remedy in the right column, if you continue
to have difficulties, call your dealer or the
Atari Customer Service Department.
Problem Possible Remedy
No picture on the •Turn up the brightness,
screen—single •Make sure power is on.
player. •Check the power
adaptor connection.
•Insert or replace
batteries.
No picture— If Power Indicator Light is
multiplayer. lit, check to see that the
Back Light is switched on.
if it is off, switch it on.
Turn all units off, then
turn them on within 7
seconds of each other.
14

Problem Possible Remedy
Picture is too
dark or too
light.
Adjust the brightness
for your viewing angle
You must be directly
in front of the screen.
if Power indicator Light
is lit and the screen is
totally dark, check to see
that the Back Light is
switched on. if it is off,
switch it on.
Erratic game
operation or
screen flickers.
Correctly install
batteries or change
batteries.
No sound. Adjust the volume
sound is dis-
torted or weak. Replace batteries.
Software does
not respond to
controls.
Restart or turn your
Lynx off, then on again.
15