Millennium King Element User manual

User manual
for
‘The King Element’ M823
Version 1.40 (November 2020)

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CONTENTS
1 Important information ................................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Safety instructions ............................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning............................................................................................. 5
1.3 Notes on the power supply .................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Package contents................................................................................................................. 6
1.4.1 M823 The King Element ............................................................................................... 6
1.4.2 M826 The King, Fischer Edition.................................................................................... 6
2 Getting started ............................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Connecting the cables ......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Selecting the language......................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Switching to ‘Expert’ mode – preparing to play .................................................................... 7
2.4 Adjusting the backlight........................................................................................................ 8
2.5 Switching on and off............................................................................................................ 8
2.6 Reset ................................................................................................................................... 8
2.7 The buttons and their functions (summary) ......................................................................... 8
3 Playing against the computer ...................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Your move ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Ordinary moves ........................................................................................................... 9
3.1.2 Special moves .............................................................................................................. 9
3.2 The computer’s move ........................................................................................................ 10
3.3 Errors ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.4 Symbols displayed in the bottom line (centre) .................................................................... 10
3.5 Retracting and replaying moves ......................................................................................... 10
3.5.1 Retracting a move ...................................................................................................... 10
3.5.2 Retracting a sequence of moves................................................................................. 11
3.5.3 Replaying moves ........................................................................................................ 11
3.5.4 Continuing the game ................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Result of the game............................................................................................................. 11
3.7 Starting a new game .......................................................................................................... 11
4 The info screens........................................................................................................................ 12
4.1 Switching between info screens ......................................................................................... 12
4.2 Info screen: Large clock ..................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Info screen: Game score .................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Info screen: Analysis.......................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Info screen: Opening name and code................................................................................. 13

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4.6 Info screen: Permanent brain ............................................................................................. 14
4.7 Info screen: Small clock ..................................................................................................... 14
5 Special functions ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 The main menu ................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Menu: Move ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Menu: Hint......................................................................................................................... 15
5.4 Menu: Level ....................................................................................................................... 15
5.4.1 Normal levels ............................................................................................................. 16
5.4.2 Easy levels ................................................................................................................. 16
5.4.3 Fun levels .................................................................................................................. 16
5.4.4 Blitz levels ................................................................................................................. 16
5.4.5 Tournament levels ..................................................................................................... 17
5.4.6 User level ................................................................................................................... 17
5.4.7 ‘Fixed depth’ levels.................................................................................................... 18
5.4.8 ‘Find mate’ level ........................................................................................................ 18
5.5 Menu: Nextb (Next best) .................................................................................................... 18
5.6 Menu: 9:......................................................................................................................... 18
5.7 Menu: Save ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.8 Menu: Analy (Analysis) ....................................................................................................... 19
5.9 Menu: 2Play (2 Players) ...................................................................................................... 19
5.10 Menu: Auto .................................................................................................................... 19
5.11 Menu: Opts (Advanced options) ..................................................................................... 19
5.11.1 Overview of the advanced options.............................................................................. 19
5.11.2 Altering an option ...................................................................................................... 20
5.11.3 Opts: Menu ................................................................................................................ 20
5.11.4 Opts: Language.......................................................................................................... 20
5.11.5 Opts: Invert board...................................................................................................... 20
5.11.6 Opts: Tutor ................................................................................................................ 20
5.11.7 Opts: Contrast ........................................................................................................... 21
5.11.8 Options: LED brightness............................................................................................. 21
5.11.9 Opts: Sound............................................................................................................... 21
5.11.10 Opts: Cable on right................................................................................................... 21
5.11.11 Opts: Sliding .............................................................................................................. 21
5.11.12 Opts: Book1............................................................................................................... 22
5.11.13 Opts: Book2............................................................................................................... 22
5.11.14 Opts: Permanent Brain ............................................................................................... 22
5.11.15 Opts: Randomness ..................................................................................................... 22

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5.11.16 Opts: Contempt ......................................................................................................... 22
5.11.17 Opts: CPU speed ........................................................................................................ 23
5.11.18 Opts: Style ................................................................................................................. 23
5.12 Menu: SetUp .................................................................................................................. 24
5.13 Menu: Verfy (Verify) ....................................................................................................... 25
6 USB mode – Communicating with a PC....................................................................................... 25
6.1 Connecting to the PC ......................................................................................................... 25
6.2 Saving and loading games ................................................................................................. 26
6.2.1 Saving the current game ............................................................................................ 26
6.2.2 Loading a game ......................................................................................................... 26
6.2.3 Loading from a PGN file ............................................................................................. 26
6.2.4 Creating a PGN file..................................................................................................... 27
6.2.5 Saving a game from a ‘set up’ position ...................................................................... 28
6.3 Further downloads............................................................................................................. 28
6.3.1 Installing a new version of the chess program............................................................ 28
6.3.2 Installing a new openings book.................................................................................. 28
7 FAQ and troubleshooting........................................................................................................... 29
7.1 My board does not work as intended ................................................................................. 29
7.2 A chess piece does not work as intended........................................................................... 29
7.3 I need spare chess pieces .................................................................................................. 29
7.4 Can I save games? ............................................................................................................. 29
7.5 Can I load games onto the King?........................................................................................ 29
7.6 Is there a firmware update?................................................................................................ 29
7.7 Can I go back to older firmware?........................................................................................ 29
7.8 The Update or PGN Tool does not recognize the chess computer unit ................................ 29
7.8.1 Driver update............................................................................................................. 29
7.8.2 Cable and connection ................................................................................................ 29
7.8.3 USB mode .................................................................................................................. 30
7.9 The Update Tool cannot acquire the latest firmware .......................................................... 30
7.10 I cannot complete the firmware update.......................................................................... 30
7.11 How long does the update take? When is the update complete? ..................................... 30
7.12 Feedback and questions ................................................................................................ 30
8 Disposal .................................................................................................................................... 30
9 Warranty, servicing and contact with manufacturers .................................................................. 30
10 Technical specifications............................................................................................................. 31

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1 Important information
This manual contains instructions for The King chess computer (software version 1.40 from Nov.
2020). The computer has two ‘modes’ of operation: –
•
‘Comfort’ mode
–for inexperienced chess players. On its lowest ‘level’ of playing strength
in this mode, the computer can give practice to beginners or children.
•
‘Expert’ mode
–for strong players. In this mode the computer has a greater variety of
levels and a wider range of special functions.
This manual describes ‘Expert’ mode only.
An instruction booklet for ‘Comfort’ mode is supplied
with the computer.
The King Element is set to play in ‘Comfort’ mode when you first acquire it. For how to switch to
“Expert” mode, see Section 2.3 of this manual.
Before using this device, please read the following safety notes and operating instructions completely and pay
careful attention to them. Please store this user manual with the device, so that you can refer to it later if
needed. If you later give this device to another user, please also give them this manual.
1.1 Safety instructions
Please note that this device is not a child’s toy within the meaning of Directive 2009/48/EC. If you let your
children use it, instruct them accordingly and ensure that the device is used only as intended.
• Keep the packaging bags and film away from babies and small children, as there is a danger of
suffocation!
• In order to avoid damage, do not expose the device to heat, e.g. from radiators or from direct
sunlight, and do not expose it to any kind of moisture.
• In order to avoid malfunctions, do not operate the device on or near devices that create magnetic
fields or electromagnetic radiation, such as for example televisions, loudspeakers, mobile and
cordless telephones, WiFi devices etc.
• Do not open the device under any circumstances. It does not contain any serviceable parts. In the
event of malfunction, contact the service address or your local shop.
1.2 Notes on storage and cleaning
• Please note that real wood needs extra care. Handle the wood carefully, always store the device where
it is dry and do not expose it to strong sunlight.
• When required, only clean the device’s surface with a slightly damp cloth and ensure that no moisture
can penetrate into the device.
• Do not use solvents or other aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents, as these can damage the
device’s surfaces and lettering.
1.3 Notes on the power supply
Only operate the device with the original AC adaptor supplied with the MILLENNIUM chessboard.
Input: 100–240 V 50/60 Hz, 0.45A max
Output: 9V DC 1A
When using the AC adaptor, please observe the following:
• The power socket should be located close to the device and should be easily accessible.
• The device should not be connected to more power sources than recommended.
• The electrical contacts must not be short-circuited.

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• Before cleaning the device, ensure you disconnect the adaptor from the mains.
• Regularly check the product and the AC adaptor for damage, and do not use either of them if they
are damaged. Never open them up.
• Please observe any safety information printed on the AC adaptor.
1.4 Package contents
This user manual covers two different models, ‘The King Element’ and ‘The King, Fischer Edition’.
After unpacking, please check the contents for completeness and any possible signs of damage that could
have occurred during transport. In the event of a complaint, please promptly contact the dealer from whom
you obtained the product.
1.4.1 M823 The King Element
The package only contains the ‘King Element’ module.
The module itself cannot operate on its own. It operates with a MILLENNIUM Exclusive model M820. You need
an M820 sensor board; the ‘King Element’ replaces the original clock module.
1.4.2 M826 The King, Fischer Edition
The package contains the following components:
• 1 chessboard M820
• 17 white chess pieces (including an additional queen)
• 17 black chess pieces (including an additional queen)
• 1 computer unit: ‘The King’ (Fischer Edition) with liquid crystal display (LCD)
• 1 AC adaptor
• 1 cable with two identical connectors (to connect the computer unit to the chessboard)
• 1 instruction manual
• 1 guarantee card
2 Getting started
2.1 Connecting the cables
At the rear of the computer unit there are three sockets.
1. Take the AC adaptor (supplied with the MILLENNIUM M820 chessboard) and insert the small
connector on the end of the cable into the right-hand socket at the rear of The King computer unit.
2. The cable with identical connectors at both ends (also supplied with the MILLENNIUM M820 board) is
for connecting the computer unit to the chessboard. Please handle it carefully –note that each
connector must be the right way up when you insert it into its socket. The connector has four narrow
pins and one wider pin. Turn the connector so that the wider pin is at the bottom, to enable it to fit
precisely into the openings in the socket. The wider opening in the socket is indicated by the arrow in
the illustration below:
3. Plug the cable into the socket on the right-hand side of the MILLENNIUM chessboard, and also into
the left socket on the rear of the computer unit.
4. Connect the AC adaptor to a power supply. A sound signal is emitted.

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2.2 Selecting the language
The chess computer’s LCD display can show its text in any of the following 7 languages:
Language
Shown on display
English
English
German
Deutsch
French
Français
Dutch
Nederlands
Italian
Italiano
Spanish
Español
Russian
Pусский
After you connect the power and hear the sound signal, the LCD display shows the word ‘English’ together
with the version number of the chess program:
To select the English language, confirm by pressing a GREEN button.
Or to choose a different language:
1. Press the down-arrow button òas many times as needed until the language you want is displayed.
2. Then confirm with GREEN. (The language may later be changed, via the ‘Options’. See Section 5.11.)
2.3 Switching to ‘Expert’ mode – preparing to play
Once you have selected the language, the display shows the ‘Large clock’ info screen:
German:
English:
The computer is now ready to operate in ‘Comfort’ mode (designed for inexperienced players). To switch to
‘Expert’ mode, do the following: –
1. Press a GREEN button. A menu of commands appears.
2. Press the òbutton twice, to highlight ‘Options’.
3. Press GREEN again, to display the ‘Options’ list:
German:
English:
4. Press the right or left arrow button (ðor ï). The word ‘Comfort’ switches to ‘Expert’.
5. Press a RED button to return to the ‘Large clock’ screen.

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You can now prepare for a game: –
1. Place the chess pieces on their starting squares. Either White or Black can play from your end. The
chessboard automatically detects where each piece is located.
2. If any pieces are not correctly placed on their squares, the red lights (LEDs) at the corners of those
squares will shine. Once the position is corrected, the lights go out.
3. You can now begin a game against the computer. If you want The King to play White, give the ‘Move’
command as explained in Section 5.2.
The King is initially set to play on its ‘Easy’ level 4. The level of playing strength may be altered as described
in Section 5.4.
2.4 Adjusting the backlight
The LCD display has a backlight that you can adjust by pressing the button as many times as necessary.
2.5 Switching on and off
If the computer is running and you press the On/Off button , the following display (featuring the
program’s version number) appears:
German:
English:
If the computer unit is connected to a PC or laptop via a USB cable, you can now perform operations such as
downloading games as described in Section 6.
If instead you press a GREEN button, the device switches off.
Or if you press a RED button, it reverts to the ‘info’ screen or the menu (see Sections 4 and 5.1).
If switched off in the correct manner (as above), the computer will still retain the current game in its memory,
even if you afterwards disconnect the power. The parameters (level, etc.) that you have specified will remain
unchanged. When the power is reconnected, the computer automatically switches on. To switch on when the
power has not been disconnected, press the button.
After switching on, you can resume play from where you left off.
2.6 Reset
To delete previous data:
1. Disconnect the computer from the power supply.
2. Hold down a RED button and reconnect the power.
3. Keep the RED button held down until the start screen appears (as in Section 2.2).
The computer is now in the same state as when you first acquired it, except that any games saved as in
Section 5.7 will be retained. This operation may occasionally be useful in case of a problem you don’t
understand.
2.7 The buttons and their functions (summary)
Either GREEN button Confirms an instruction.
Either RED button Cancels an instruction.

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Note: The RED and GREEN buttons have various uses depending on the situation. Their functions at any
particular moment are indicated by the ‘inverted’ wording (i.e. text on a dark background) in the bottom line
of the display: RED in the left corner, GREEN in the right corner. The corner of the display is blank if the
button has no function in the current situation.
Switches the computer on or off.
NEW Starts a new game.
Adjusts the display’s backlighting.
Retracts moves.
Replays moves.
ïReturns to the previous screen. Moves the cursor left. Alters a parameter.
ðProceeds to the next screen. Moves the cursor right. Alters a parameter.
ñMoves the cursor up.
òMoves the cursor down.
If held down, buttons will ‘auto-repeat’.
3 Playing against the computer
3.1 Your move
3.1.1 Ordinary moves
Make your move just as you would on an ordinary chessboard. The move is acknowledged with a short buzz.
Normally the computer waits for about 0.3 seconds before registering your piece on its new square. (If you
wish, this interval may be altered as in Section 5.11.11.) This means that you can carry the move out either by
picking the piece up or by quickly sliding it. If you slide the piece, it must not linger for too long (more than
0.3 seconds) on an intermediate square, or your move will be misinterpreted.
To carry out a capture, either your own or the computer’s piece may be picked up first.
3.1.2 Special moves
• En passant capture: The captured pawn may be removed before, during or after the move of your
own pawn.
• Pawn promotion: Move the pawn to the promotion square, or simply remove it from the board. Place
the queen (or other piece) on the promotion square.
• Castling: First move the king, then the rook.
In normal (i.e. ‘classical’) chess, the above procedure for castling is always recommended.
In ‘Chess960’ (see Section 3.7), an alternative method is sometimes necessary: –
1. Pick up the king.
2. Pick up the rook with which you want to castle.
3. Place the king on its destination square.
4. Place the rook on its destination square.
This is essential when the king castles by moving just one square. For example:

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To castle, pick the king up, then the rook. Then place the king on c1 and the rook on d1.
If the king or rook is already on its destination square, castling is effected by simply moving the other
piece:
To castle queenside, move the rook from a1 to d1.
To castle kingside, move the king from c1 to g1.
3.2 The computer’s move
To announce the computer’s move, the red LEDs on the chessboard ‘blink’, indicating the ‘from’ and ‘to’
squares alternately. The move is also shown in notation on the ‘Game score’ screen (see Section 4.3).
Notice that your own clock time (see 4.2) remains ‘frozen’ until you have carried the computer’s move out.
This means that the playing conditions (especially for ‘blitz’ games –see section 5.4.4) are fair –you don’t
have to move your opponent’s piece in your own thinking time.
After you move the computer’s piece, it may be necessary to complete a ‘special’ move. The LEDs indicate the
square or squares where a piece must be placed or removed. Note also the ‘prompts’ at the bottom left of the
screen:
In this example, the square h8 must be vacated and the black rook must be placed on f8 (to complete a
castling move).
If the computer gives check, its move is followed by a double buzz.
3.3 Errors
If the position on the chessboard is incorrect –for example if you have knocked a piece over or tried to make
an illegal move –the ‘prompts’ in the bottom line will indicate the square, or two of the squares, where
something must be adjusted; and the red LEDs at the corners of the squares will shine.
If you need further guidance on where all the pieces should be placed, you can use the ‘Verify’ function –see
Section 5.13. Until the position is corrected, you cannot start your next move.
3.4 Symbols displayed in the bottom line (centre)
• (rotating hourglass): The computer is thinking about its move.
• : You are to move with White.
• : You are to move with Black.
3.5 Retracting and replaying moves
3.5.1 Retracting a move
If you want to take back the last move played, you may press the clockwise arrow button . The red LEDs
on the chessboard, and the prompts in the bottom line of the screen, direct you to move the piece back.
For example:
The white bishop must be returned from h4 to g5.