LeapFrog Leapster Explorer User manual

1
Product Guide & Instructions
This guide contains important information.
Please keep it for future reference.
NOTE: The LEAPSTER EXPLORER™camera accessory is designed to be
used with a LEAPSTER EXPLORER handheld (sold separately).

Please read this LEAPSTER EXPLORER™camera
accessory manual carefully and completely.
Getting Started 3
How to Play 4
Button Controls 5
Camera 6
Video Recorder 7
Managing Photos through LEAPFROG®Connect 8
Fun Learning Activities 10
Troubleshooting 14
Frequently Asked Questions - Camera 15
Frequently Asked Questions - LEAPFROG®Connect 16
Table of Contents

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Complete these easy steps to start your child playing and learning with
the LEAPSTER EXPLORER™ camera and video recorder:
1. Unscrew the accessory port cover marked at the bottom of
your child’s LEAPSTER EXPLORER handheld using a Phillips screwdriver.
(Retain and reuse the cover when this accessory port is not in use.)
2. Plug the camera attachment into the accessory port.
3. Turn on the handheld by pressing the power button.
4. Connect the USB cable to the handheld and your computer.
NOTE: A USB cable was included with the handheld.
USB Cable: Use only the USB cable provided by LeapFrog. Using any
other cable may exceed FCC and other regulatory emissions limits. The
USB cable is not a toy. Disconnect the toy from the USB connection
before cleaning.
Câble USB : Utilisez exclusivement le câble USB fourni par LeapFrog
Enterprises Inc. L’utilisation d’un autre câble peut dépasser les limites de
la FCC (Commission fédérale américaine des communications) et autres
limites règlementaires en matière d’émission. Le câble USB n’est pas un
jouet. Déconnectez le jouet du port USB avant d’entamer toute opération
de nettoyage.
5. Click on the LEAPFROG Connect icon on your computer desktop to
open the application. The camera and video recorder software will
automatically download onto the handheld. When you see the message
confirming files have been saved to your LEAPSTER EXPLORER, it is safe
to disconnect the handheld from the computer so your child can play!
Getting Started
NOTE: To use this camera and video recorder, you must install
software from the LEAPFROG®Connect Application. If you do not
have the LEAPFROG Connect Application for LEAPSTER EXPLORER™
installed on your computer, please go to leapfrog.com/support
Plug in camera attachment
Push power
button
Connect USB
cable to computer
and handheld
2
3
4
Unscrew
accessory
port cover
1

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Once you have installed the camera software using the
LEAPFROG® Connect Application, follow these steps:
1. Tap the Camera and Video Recorder icon on the
LEAPSTER EXPLORER™handheld home menu screen to
begin using the camera/video recorder.
2. Tap the green arrow button to confirm play mode
(the red X will exit the application).
Note: You will see a blank screen while the Camera main menu
loads. This is normal and lasts for approximately 10 seconds.
3. Select an activity from the Camera main menu screen. Tap an
icon once to make a selection and twice to confirm the selection.
4. A tutorial mode will play the first time your child explores
a new activity to guide him/her along. Listen carefully,
as the tutorial will only play once.
How to Play

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• PresseithertheLorRbuttontotakeaphoto.
• PresstheAbuttontotakevideo.
• Tapthephotogalleryicontoviewthephotogallery.
In Camera and Video Recorder mode you will see a Memory bar
that shows how much space is left.
Note: In the Photo and Video Gallery the numbers indicate how
many photos have been taken and how much video has been
recorded in minutes/seconds.
Button Controls
Lens & microphone:
face away from the user
Viewfinder
Press to start/stop
video recording
Press either to take a picture
Press hint to hear instructions again
Camera and Video Recorder mode

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Taking Pictures
1. Tap the Camera icon in the camera software
main menu.
2. Press the L or R button to take a picture.
Viewing Photos
You can view your child’s photos through the handheld or through the
LEAPFROG®Connect Application.
•Toviewphotosonthehandheld,tapontheGalleryicononthehome
menu screen or on the camera software main menu screen. Select the
photo to view by tapping the side arrows to scroll through the gallery. To
scroll faster through photos, press on the arrow and hold it for 5 seconds.
•YoucanalsoviewphotosintheLEAPFROGConnectApplicationonyour
computer. See the Managing Photos through LEAPFROG Connect section
for more information.
Deleting Pictures
1. To delete photos from the handheld, tap on the Gallery icon on the home
menu screen or on the camera software main menu screen.
2. Select the photo to delete and tap on the Trash icon.
Tips on taking Pictures:
•Thereisnoautomaticzoom.Toenlargetheobjectintheviewnder,move
the camera and handheld closer to the object.
•Holdthehandheldsteadywhiletakingthephotountiltheimageis
captured on the screen.
•Yourchildshouldholdthehandheldwiththeviewingscreenfacinghim/
her and the camera lens facing away from him/her.
NOTE:
•Upto1,000photoscanbestoredontheLEAPSTEREXPLORER™
handheld; however, the exact number is determined by the amount of
video also stored on the handheld.
•Ifyoudeletephotosfromthehandheldyouwillnotbeabletoretrieve
them.
•AllnewphotosandvideoswillbecopiedtotheLEAPFROGConnect
Application on your computer when you connect the LEAPSTER
EXPLORER handheld. Please see the LEAPFROG Connect section of this
document for more information.
Camera

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Recording Videos
1. Tap the Camera icon in the camera software main menu.
2. Press the A button to start or end recording video. Your child
can take up to 3 minutes of video in one recording.
Viewing Videos
•Toviewvideosonthehandheld,taptheGalleryiconeitherin
the home menu screen or in the camera software main menu
screen. Select the video to view.
•YoucanalsoaccessvideosfromtheLEAPFROG®Connect
Application on your computer. See the Managing Photos
through LEAPFROG Connect section for more information.
Deleting Videos
1.To delete videos from the handheld, tap on the Gallery icon
either in the home menu screen or on the camera software main
menu screen.
2. Tap on the Trash icon to delete the video.
NOTE: If you delete video from the handheld you will not be able
to retrieve it.
Tips on recording video:
•Themicrophoneislocatedonthesamesideasthecameralens.
Point the microphone toward the sound to record and hold it as
close to the sound as possible.
•Thereisnoautomaticzoom.Toenlargetheobjectinthe
viewfinder, move the camera and handheld closer to the object.
NOTE: Up to 5 total minutes of video can be stored on the
LEAPSTER EXPLORER™handheld. (The exact amount of storage
space is determined by the number of pictures, videos and other
downloaded content, such as LEAPLET™ learning apps.)
Microphone
Video Recorder

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Copying photos and videos to your computer
Every time you connect your child’s handheld to LEAPFROG Connect, new
photos and videos will automatically upload to your computer.
Viewing photos and videos on your computer
1. Turn on the LEAPSTER EXPLORER™handheld and connect it to your
computer with the USB cable.
2.In the LEAPFROG Connect Application, click a LEAPSTER EXPLORER
player name to enter the LEAPSTER EXPLORER view.
3.Click the Camera tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
Photos are automatically uploaded to a location on your computer’s hard
drive. You can access this folder by clicking on the Share button at the top of
the Camera tab page.
To view photos on your computer, click on the Folder icon that contains
the picture to view. Select the photo by clicking on the side arrows to scroll
through the gallery.
You can organize photos by creating folders and dragging and dropping
photos into them. Simply click a photo in the middle of the page or from the
folder browser along the bottom, and drag the photo into the folder you want
at the top of the page.
Managing Photos through
LEAPFROG®CONNECT
Camera tab

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Once a photo is selected, you can rotate it to landscape or portrait,
zoom in and zoom out or delete it from your computer. There is also
a full screen browsing mode to browse through photos in a larger
default size.
To view videos on your computer, click on the icon and select
the video to view. The video will play using the standard media
player installed on your computer.
Printing photos
After selecting the photo to print, click on the icon.
Deleting photos
After selecting the photo to delete, click on the icon.
This will delete the file from your computer. Please note photos
are not deleted from your LEAPSTER EXPLORER™handheld when
they are uploaded or when you delete them through LEAPFROG®
Connect. You need to access the photos on the handheld and delete
them from the photo gallery if you need extra space on
the handheld.
Renaming photos and folders
Once a folder or image is selected, you can change its name by
clicking the pencil icon next to its current title.
Sharing photos or videos
Click on the icon. From here, you will be able to access photo
and video files to email to family and friends.
NOTE:
•Youcannottransferphotosfromyourcomputerbacktothe
handheld.
•AftertheCameraandVideoRecorderisinstalledonyour
handheld, an additional application called Photo and Video Gallery
will also be installed. You may remove the Camera and Video
Recorder application from your handheld on the On My LEAPSTER
EXPLORER page in LEAPFROG Connect to save space. The Photo
and Video Gallery will remain on the handheld to allow access to
photos and videos. If your child runs out of space on the handheld,
you may need to open the Photo and Video Gallery and delete
unwanted photos and videos to make room.

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Fun Lab:
A collection of 7 fun learning activities to play with the photos
your child takes! (Note: Your child will need to have at least one
picture in the photo album to play with the photo-related learning
activities in the Fun Lab.)
Controls
D-pad or Stylus: Choose an activity
A button: Confirm selection
B button: Go back
Funimatic:
Use fun tools to edit photos!
• Stretch/distortiontool
• Arttools
• Pictureframes
• Mirroreffects
Note: Funimatic images will be stored for viewing on
the handheld, but will not be available for upload through
LEAPFROG Connect.
Photo Journalist:
Select one of eight missions, then explore the environment
taking pictures of the things on the list!
Zapped!:
Turn a photo into a tool to help zap letters or numbers.
Create New Game:SelectphotostopersonalizetheHero
and Bad Guy spaceships by touching an icon, then select
either “take a new photo” or “use a saved” photo. Additional
customization options include:
•Useaphotoasthebackgroundimageinthegame.
•Changethesoundeffects.
•Makeapersonalcheer.
•SelecteitherMathor Spelling for zapping.
Quick Game: This selection will automatically start a game based
on your child’s level.
Tips:
• TorepeataquestionpresstheBbutton.Press?fortutorialhelp.
• ZapsfromtheBadGuyorfromlettersornumbersthatare
mistakenlyattackedwilldepletetheHero’shealth.
• Lookoutforthebonusship—zapitforaspecialpower-up!
• Bonusround:zapasmanyshipsaspossibleintheallottedtime.
Fun Learning Activities

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Card Creator:
Put photos into fun cards! Choose from over 20 designs!
1. Select a card design.
2. To take a new photo, position the camera so that the subject fits
inside the hole of the image. Then click the L or R button.
3. To use a saved photo, select a photo from the gallery. Move
the photo around by tapping the “Move” button and dragging
the photo around with the stylus. To make the photo larger or
smaller,tapthe“Zoom”buttonanddragthestylusupordown
on the photo. To rotate the photo, tap the “Rotate” button and
use the stylus to move it around. Touch the “Save” icon to save
the card.
4.Upload the photo card to LEAPFROG®Connect to share it or
send it!
Story Creator:
Usephotostotellastory—yourchildcanmakeitassillyorfun
as he/she wants!
Create New Story:
•Select a level from the LV1 or LV2 icons.
- Level 1 guides players by giving options from only one part of
speech.
- Level 2 asks the player to choose the correct part of speech
for the sentence context. If 2 incorrect selections are made, a
hintwillbegiven.Pressthe?buttontorepeatthehint.
• UsetheD-padorstylustoselectastorytheme.
• Readthesentenceandllintheblanksbytappingthedesired
word.
• Whenprompted,takeapicturetorepresentthissentenceor
use an existing photo from the gallery.
• Touchtheplaybuttontohearthispartofthestoryreadaloud.
• Touchtherecordbuttontorecordaudio.
• Touchthearrowbuttontoadvancetothenextpartofthestory.
• Touchtherestartbuttontodeleteacreationandstartover.
• Touchtheslideshowbuttontoreplayacreatedstory.
Note: Created stories will be stored for viewing on the handheld,
but will not be available for upload through LEAPFROG Connect.

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Photo Fracture:
Create puzzles with photos!
Create a New Puzzle:
•Selectaphototobeginplaying.
•Usethestylustodragthepuzzlepiecestotheircorrect
location in the box to complete the picture.
• Taptheeyeiconasareminderofthecompletedphoto.
Challenge Mode:
Select challenge mode to try to beat a previous best time!
•Level1featuresguidedlinestoshowtheshapeofthepieces.
•Level2increasesthedifcultybyeliminatingtheguidelines.
Note: Photo fracture puzzles will be stored for viewing on
the handheld, but will not be available for upload through
LEAPFROG®Connect.
Video Maestro:
Select a song and create a music video!
1. Select one of the six pre-loaded songs to start recording
the video.
2. Touch the Change Music icon to choose new music for the
video.
3. The video will automatically start recording; press A to
stop.Each song is approximately 1 minute in length.
4. Press the play button to watch the video.
Note: Music videos will be stored for viewing on the
handheld, but will not be available for upload through
LEAPFROG Connect.
Photo Album
To create an album, tap the icon of the album with the +
To edit an album, tap on the icon of the album with the pencil.
•Addaphototothealbumbydraggingitfromthetoprowof
small images and placing it on a blank album page or over an
existing photo to replace it.
•Selectbackgroundmusicforthealbumbytappingthemusic
note icon.
•Recordanameforyourphotobytappingthetalkingheadicon.
(Info for recording audio for album name is on next page.)
•Watchaslideshowofthealbumbytappingtheplayphotosicon.
•Savethephotoalbumbytappingthesavebutton.

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To name an album, tap the green “untitled” box at the bottom of the
screen and scroll through the list by pressing up or down on the D-pad.
Tap the title or the A button to confirm.
To record a photo album name, tap on the icon of the talking head, then
press the A button to start recording. (Note: The microphone is on the
side of the camera facing away from you, so it is recommended to turn
the handheld around while speaking.)
To delete an entire album, tap on the icon of the trash can. (Note:
Deleting an album removes the contents of that album, but does not
delete those photos from the gallery.)
Photo and Video Gallery:
View all stored photos and videos.
Scroll through photos and videos by dragging with a finger, using the
D-pad or tapping the yellow arrows with the stylus.
(NOTE: Once you delete photos from the handheld, you will not be able
to retrieve them.)
Viewing Photos & Videos
•TapontheGalleryiconeitherinthehomemenuscreenoronthe
camera software main menu screen.
•Selectthephototoviewbytappingthesidearrowstoscrollthrough
the gallery.
NOTE: Up to 1,000 photos can be stored on the LEAPSTER EXPLORER™
handheld. (The exact number is determined by the amount of video
recorded and also stored on the handheld.)
Deleting Photos & Videos
•TapontheGalleryiconeitherinthehomemenuscreenoronthe
camera software main menu screen.
•SelectthephotoorvideotodeleteandtapontheTrashicon.
To batch delete, tap the icon of the trash with the wrench to select
multiple photos at the same time. Then tap the icon of the trash to
delete all selected photos. To scroll faster through photos, press on the
arrow with a finger or the stylus and hold it for 5 seconds.
NOTE: If you delete photos or video from the handheld you will not be
able to retrieve them.
Badges: See what your child can earn as he/she plays!
Howmanyofthebadgegoalscanyourchildachieve?Themore
he/she plays and learns with the camera, the more badges he/she
will earn. A dark star with blue text means that this activity has not
yet been completed.

14
Problem Solution
The number of photos that can be stored on the
handheld depends on the length of video stored
on the handheld. If there’s no video stored on
the handheld, your child should be able to store
a total of 1,000 photos, which includes photos
edited and saved on the handheld.
Note that the amount of downloaded content
(e.g., LEAPLET™ learning apps) will also affect
the amount of space available on the handheld.
The length of video that can be stored on the
handheld depends on the number of photos
stored on the handheld. If there are no photos
stored on the handheld, your child should be
able to store a total of 5 minutes of video.
Note that the amount of downloaded content (e.g.,
LEAPLET™ learning apps) will also affect the amount
of space available on the handheld.
Try increasing the volume by pushing the
volume buttons located on the right side of the
handheld. Also, ensure that the microphone is
facing toward the sound being recorded.
Try increasing the light where the photos are
taken. Also, make sure your child’s fingers are
not covering the camera lens when taking the
picture.
Make sure the camera accessory is oriented
correctly. The camera lens should face in the
opposite direction from the handheld viewing
screen.
Holddownthepowerbuttonfor7secondsto
turn the handheld off, then press it again to turn
it back on.
Note: the initial loading screen is black/blank for :10
seconds when you launch the Camera from the main
menu.
My child can’t take any
more photos even though
he/she hasn’t taken 1,000
photos yet
My child can’t record
more video even though
he/she hasn’t recorded 5
minutes yet
My child can’t hear sound
in his/her recorded video
The pictures are coming
in dark
The camera accessory won’t
plug into the handheld
The handheld screen
is frozen
Troubleshooting

15
1. What happens if I delete the camera and video recorder software app on my child’s
LEAPSTER EXPLORER™ handheld?
The icon for the application will disappear. The gallery viewer on the home menu
screen will still remain with all the photos and videos that were stored on the handheld.
2. What resolution are the photos?
640 x 480 pixels.
3. Does the camera have a flash?
No.
4. Is there a zoom function?
No. To zoom in on an object, move the handheld and camera closer to the object.
5. Is there a microphone? Will audio be captured with my videos?
Yes. There is a microphone on the same side as the camera lens.
6. Does the camera come in a color other than green and white?
No, the camera accessory only comes in the green/white color at this time.
7. Does the camera accessory fit in the LEAPSTER EXPLORER Carrying Case?
Yes, the handheld, camera accessory and cartridge games fit in the carrying case.
8. How will the camera impact battery life of the handheld?
If the camera accessory is left in the handheld, this will reduce battery life from about 10
hours to 9 hrs (approximately 10%). You should remove the camera from the handheld
when not in use.
9. What’s the total length of video my child can take?
Each video can be up to 3 minutes. A total of 5 minutes of video can be stored on the
handheld if there are no photos also stored on the handheld. The more photos your child
stores on the handheld, the fewer minutes of video he/she can store.
10. What’s the size of each photo?
The size of the photo depends on the information in the image. The approximate range is
25-35 kb.
11. Where is the accessory port on the handheld?
The accessory port is located on the bottom of the handheld. You must unscrew the
cover using a Phillips screwdriver to access the port. (Retain the cover for reuse when
this accessory port is not in use.)
12. What size are the video files?
About 15 MB/minute.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Camera

16
1. I already have LEAPFROG Connect installed on my computer. Why doesn’t the
camera software download?
Please make sure you have installed the LEAPSTER EXPLORER™ software for the
LEAPFROG Connect Application. (The LEAPFROG Connect Application for LEAPSTER
EXPLORER is different from the Connect Application for other LEAPFROG products.)
You will need to download and install the Connect software for LEAPSTER EXPLORER
from leapfrog.com/connect or from the CD-ROM included with your handheld.
Turn on your LEAPSTER EXPLORER handheld and connect it to the computer with the
included USB cable (make sure your computer is connected to the Internet). Click
on the LEAPFROG Connect icon on your computer desktop to open the application.
Wait for LEAPSTER EXPLORER updates to finish downloading (the message center
will indicate when finished). Then wait while files are saved to your handheld. You can
check the On My LEAPSTER EXPLORER tab to ensure the Camera and Video Recorder
software is in your library.
You can also download the camera software by opening the LEAPFROG Connect
Application and clicking the Camera tab. Then, click the Setup button to download the
camera and video recorder software.
2. I’m in LEAPFROG Connect but I can’t find the Camera tab to manage my
child’s photos.
The Camera tab is located on the left-hand side of the screen after you log in to a
LEAPSTER EXPLORER player name. Please make sure you have updated to the latest
version of the LEAPFROG Connect Application. To do this, make sure you are connected
to the Internet. Open the LEAPFROG Connect Application. If there is an update
available you will be notified. Follow the instructions on screen to download and install
the update.
Frequently Asked Questions
LEAPFROG®Connect

17
Instructions for Care
This toy is not intended for children under 3 years old.
Ce jouet ne convient pas aux enfants de moins de 3 ans.
Keepfoodandbeveragesawayfromthisproduct.Donotspillliquidofanykindonthisproduct
as it may render it inoperative. Clean with a slightly damp cloth in cold water. Do not use soap,
detergent or other chemicals. Never submerge the unit in water. Allow to dry before re-use.
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Avoid dropping the
unit. Never try to dismantle the unit.
SOIN ET ENTRETIEN
Utiliseruniquementenintérieur,dansdeslieuxsecs
Tenirleproduitàl’écartdelanourritureetdesboissons.Nejamaisrenverserunliquidesur
ce produit car cela peut l’endommager ou en faire cesser son fonctionnement. Nettoyer avec
un chiffon légèrement humide (utiliser de l’eau froide). N’utilisez pas de savon, de lessive, ou
d’autresproduitschimiques.Nejamaisimmergerleproduitdansl’eau.Éviteruneexposition
prolongéeauxtempératuresextrêmesetauxrayonsdusoleil.Éviterdelaissertomberle
produit. Ne jamais essayer de le démonter.
CAUTION: Routinely check this toy for proper and safe condition. If there is any damage
or broken parts, remove toy from use.
ATTENTION : Vériezrégulièrementquecejouetestenbonétatetqu’ilneprésentepas
de danger. Dans le cas contraire (par exemple, s’il est cassé à certains
endroits), tenez ce jouet hors de portée des enfants.
LEAPFROG, the LeapFrog logo, LEAPSTER EXPLORER and the Leapster Explorer logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. © 2010 LeapFrog Enterprises,
Inc. All rights reserved.
For children ages 4-9 years. Convient aux enfants de 4 à 9 ans.
Item number: 39400