Novag 2robot User manual

2Robot
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BETRIEBSANLEITUNG
MODE D’EMPLOI
INSTRUCCIONES
www.novag.com ww.novag.net

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Technical information
Power Consumption 130 mW max
Power supply adaptor (d.c. 9V , centre positive)
Move entry via Sensor chessboard / robotic arm response
Move indication via LCD display / robotic arm response
Technical data subject to change without notice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Read and follow all instructions carefully and pay attention to all warnings.
Do NOT pick up the unit by the robotic arm or move the arm by force. This may damage
the unit and will invalidate the warranty. Should the arm get stuck just unplug and then re-
plug the unit – the arm will release the chess piece, if any, and retract to its original
position.
Do NOT drop the unit as the arm may break off, which is not covered by the warranty.
Place the unit at least 16 cm away from a wall or obstruction because the robotic arm needs
space to move backwards.
Place and move the chess pieces as described in the instruction manual.
The chess computer is not intended for children under 14 years old.
Do not short-circuit supply terminals.
Packing has to be kept since it contains important information.
Do not expose this product to rain or any type of moisture or fluids. Dirt or dust can be removed
with a soft cloth. Do not use chemical solvents or other fluids on the set. Any damage caused
by their use invalidates the warranty. Always keep the computer in a dry and cool place
(normal room temperature). Avoid exposing the computer to heat, e.g. spot lights, radiators,
sunshine, amplifiers etc. as this may lead to permanent damage caused by overheating, which is
not covered by the warranty.
Remove adaptor from chess computer before cleaning and when unused for long periods of
time.
In the event that the chess computer gets wet do not connect it to the mains until completely
dry.
Use only the adaptor included in the packaging. The use of an improper adaptor will
invalidate the warranty and may break the unit or cause personal injury.
Before using the adaptor, check that the voltage of your electric mains is within the range
specified on the adaptor label and that the adaptor is not damaged. In the event of damage
contact your local dealer for replacement. Never attempt to repair an adaptor yourself.

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Do not touch the adaptor, the chess computer, or the adaptor cord during a lightning storm.
Protect the adaptor cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from this product.
Please note that the plug of the power supply is intended to serve as the disconnect device.
As such the socket outlet has to be close to the equipment and please ensure that the said
socket is easily accessible.
The chess computer and the adaptor are not waterproofed, and are intended for indoor use
only.
Unplug this product from power outlet if it emits smoke, an abnormal smell or makes
unusual noise. These conditions can cause fire or electric shock.
This product contains magnets or magnetic components. Magnets sticking together or
becoming attached to a metallic object inside the human body can cause serious or fatal
injury. Seek immediate medical help if magnets are swallowed or inhaled.
2Robot chess computer, adaptor, instruction manual, 1 set of white (silver) chess pieces, 1
set of black chess pieces and warranty card are included with this packaging.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL HINTS
1. Short Instructions
LCD DISPLAY
PLAYING A GAME
CAPTURED PIECES / SETTING UP BOARD
MEMORY
2. Impossible and Illegal Moves
3. Capturing a Piece
4. Game Features:
a) Castling
b) En Passant Captures
c) Pawn Promotion / Underpromotion
d) Stalemate / Draw
e) Check and Checkmate
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
5. NEW GAME (New Game Key)
6. SETTING THE SKILL LEVEL (Level Key)
7. MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE GO KEY
8. CHOICE OF COLOR FOR NEW GAME (Colour Key)
9. CHANGE OF COLOR (Colour Key)
10. TAKE BACK A MOVE (Take Back Key)
11. VERIFYING A POSITION (Ver/Set Key)
12. SETTING UP A POSITION (Ver / Set Key)
A. Removing a piece
B. Entering a piece
C. Moving a piece to another square
13. CLEARING THE ENTIRE BOARD (Clear Key)
14. MOVE SUGGESTION (Hint Key)
15. TRAINING FUNCTION (Training Key)
16. ACOUSTIC SIGNALS (Sound Key)
TROUBLE SHOOTING
WARRANTY
RULES OF CHESS

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1. SHORT INSTRUCTIONS
THE LCD DISPLAY
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
1 = Indication for the colour 5 = Symbol for En Passant
2 = 6 character alphanumeric display 6 = Symbol for Stalemate/Draw
3 = Separation for time indication 7 = Symbol for Check/Checkmate
4 = Symbols for chess pieces 8 = Symbol for captured figures
PLAYING A GAME
a) Please make sure the unit is at least 16 cm (6.3 inch) away from a wall or obstruction, because
the robotic arm needs space to retract backwards. Then, setup the chess pieces: White pieces on
rank 1 and 2, Black pieces on rank 7 and 8.
Pawn
Knight
Bisho
p
Rook
Quee
n
King
b) Connect the unit to the mains and push the power switch located on the backside of the unit to
ON.
c) Press NEW GAME. You will hear 3 beeps and the LCD will show " – – – – ".
d) You can now make your opening move for White. Gently push down the chess piece you wish to
move. Once you hear a beep you can proceed to place that piece on to the square you wish to
move to. Please apply some pressure again until you hear a beeping sound. The beeping sound
means that the computer has registered your move. At the same time your move will be shown
on the display.
e) The unit will immediately start computing its counter move and execute it automatically with its
robotic arm. Please be patient and wait for the computer to complete its move before you continue
the game.

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Notes:
When your computer is calculating (the Black/White colour indicator is blinking) only the GO
key will function. When pressed, it will interrupt the computer’s calculation and the current
move that is being analyzed will be played at once.
When you capture a piece, simply remove that piece without depressing it and make your move
as described above. Please place the removed piece on the side as described below under
“CAPTURED PIECES / SETTING UP BOARD”.
If the arm should ever get stuck, please unplug and then re-plug the unit. The arm will drop the
chess piece, if any, and the arm will move to its original position. Never move the arm by force.
CAPTURED PIECES / SETTING UP BOARD: USING SIDE PANELS FOR CHESS
PIECES
Chess pieces that have been captured or that are placed on the side panel when setting up board (see
chapter 12) are always set in the same manner: the chess pieces that play from the bottom rank
(normally white) are placed on the right hand side of the chess player and the chess pieces that are
playing from the top rank (normally black) on the left hand side of the chess player. Please place the
pieces according to the symbols on the panels and place them in top to bottom order.
Example 1:you are playing either white (or black) from the bottom ranks:Your white (or black)
chess pieces will be placed on your right hand side when captured. When you capture a black chess
piece from your opponent, please place it on the left side of the board (= the opponent’s right side).
Example 2: you are playing black from the TOP ranks (Press GO to force the unit to make the
move for white): Your black chess piece will be placed on your LEFT hand side when captured.
When you capture a white chess piece, please place it on the RIGHT side of the board (= the
opponent’s left side).

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NOTE:
It is important to set the captured pieces in TOP TO BOTTOM order on the correct side as described
above, otherwise you may run the risk that the chess computer will place one chess piece on top of
another. This may damage the unit and is excluded from the warranty. Should this ever happen and
the arm get stuck please unplug and re-plug the unit. The arm will then drop the chess piece, if any,
and move to its original position.
MEMORY
The unit will retain the last board position, providing it is connected to the mains. If you are using
SET UP or VERIFY mode the computer will remain in that mode when you switch it off. To
continue the game or start a new game press the GO key first to exit these modes.
2. IMPOSSIBLE AND ILLEGAL MOVES
The chess computer was programmed in accordance with the International Chess Rules and will
display “ERROR” if you try to make an illegal move. Retract your move without pressing on any
square. You can now make another legal move.
3. CAPTURING A PIECE
Remove the opponent’s chess piece and place it on the side of the board as described above. Now
make your move as usual. If the computer captures a piece it will execute its move automatically. The
LCD will display the symbol "x" and in cases of "en passant" pawn captures this will be indicated by
the symbol "EP".
4. GAME FEATURES
a) Castlings
When Castling first press the 2 squares for the King and then move the Rook by applying pressure
on the appropriate squares (the computer executes Castlings itself). Please note that you may not
castle while your King is in check, nor may you castle through check. The chess computer accepts
and executes Castlings in set up board positions.
b) En Passante Captures
To make this move you only have to enter the "from" and "to" squares as in a normal move and
remove the captured piece by gently pressing that square. The computer executes En Passant
automatically. The LDC will display the en passant capture as "EP".
c) Pawn Promotions / Underpromotions
When (under-) promoting the LCD will display “Pro?”. Choose the piece you wish to (under-)
promote by pressing the respective Piece Symbol Key on the board. Please note that if a computer
pawn reaches the opposite side, the computer will only indicate on the LCD display into which piece
the pawn will be promoted/underpromoted.

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d) Stalemate /Draw
AStalemate condition is indicated on the LCD display. Draw to insufficient material will be
announced by the word "dr Ins" on the LCD display.
e) Check and Checkmate
If the computer puts you in check "+" will be displayed on the LCD. If you put the computer in check
this will not be specifically displayed. In a checkmate situation "MATE “ together with a double
cross sign will be shown on the LCD display indicating the end of the game.
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
5. GAME (New Game Key)
Press the NEW GAME key whenever you want to commence a new game. The previous game is
cancelled and the computer memory is empty.
6. SETTING THE SKILL LEVEL (Level Key)
Your NOVAG Chess Computer has a total of 128 level settings divided into two groups (64 WHITE
and 64 BLACK). Each level corresponds to one of the 64 board squares. To enter press LEVEL and
the current level setting is displayed in the LCD. To change the level group WHITE/BLACK, press
LEVEL again. To choose a level within the group gently press the corresponding square with a chess
piece.
Example:If you wish to set level 12 (= Fixed Time Level = WB4), press LEVEL key once or twice
until you see a white bar on the LCD, then press square B4. You will see "LE b4" with the white bar
on display. Once you have set the desired level, press GO to exit this mode.
Numbering system to select the playing levels on the chessboard:
8A8 B8 C8 D8 E8 F8 G8 H8
7A7 B7 C7 D7 E7 F7 G7 H7
6A6 B6 C6 D6 E6 F6 G6 H6
5A5 B5 C5 D5 E5 F5 G5 H5
4A4 B4 C4 D4 E4 F4 G4 H4
3A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3
2A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2
1A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 H1
A B C D E F G H

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Note: You may check or change the playing levels at any time during a game, but not whilst the
computer is calculating. To interrupt calculation press GO and the computer will execute the best
possible move it has calculated up to this point. If you switch the computer off to continue your game
at a later time, or press the NEW GAME key, the previous playing level will be retained provided
your computer is connected to the mains.
Please also note that when you use the FLIP BOARD function the alpha-numerical annotations are
invalid, i.e. Level A1 is now on square H8!
THE 128 LEVEL SETTINGS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS:
White Level Group (WA1 - WD8) for FIXED TIME LEVEL SETTING:
There is a fixed computing time per move. The computer will always respond in exactly the specified
amount of time, unless there is only one legal move, in which case it will play instantly.
Level Time Level Time
(1) WA1 2 sec. (9) WB1 60 sec.
(2) WA2 5 sec. (10) WB2 75 sec.
(3) WA3 10 sec. (11) WB3 90 sec.
(4) WA4 15 sec. (12) WB4 120 sec.
(5) WA5 20 sec. (13) WB5 150 sec.
(6) WA6 25 sec. (14) WB6 180 sec.
(7) WA7 30 sec. (15) WB7 210 sec.
(8) WA8 45 sec. (16) WB8 240 sec.
(17) WC1 5 min. (25) WD1 30 min.
(18) WC2 6 min. (26) WD2 40 min.
(19) WC3 7 min. (27) WD3 50 min.
(20) WC4 8 min. (28) WD4 1 hour
(21) WC5 9 min. (29) WD5 2 hours
(22) WC6 10 min. (30) WD6 4 hours
(23) WC7 15 min. (31) WD7 6 hours
(24) WC8 20 min. (32) WD8 8 hours
White Level Group (WE1 – WH8) for AVERAGE TIME LEVEL SETTING:
The computer will take an average of the specified amount of time per move. If it has only one legal
move it will respond instantly. These times are average times over a large number of moves. In the
opening and endgame the computer tends to play faster, but in complicated middle game positions it
may take longer to move.
Level Time Level Time
(33) WE1 2 sec. (41) WF1 60 sec.
(34) WE2 5 sec. (42) WF2 75 sec.
(35) WE3 10 sec. (43) WF3 90 sec.

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(36) WE4 15 sec. (44) WF4 120 sec.
(37) WE5 20 sec. (45) WF5 150 sec.
(38)) WE6 25 sec. (46) WF6 180 sec.
(39) WE7 30 sec. (47) WF7 210 sec.
(40) WE8 45 sec. (48) WF8 240 sec.
(49) WG1 5 min. (57) WH1 30 min.
(50) WG2 6 min. (58) WH2 40 min.
(51) WG3 7 min. (59) WH3 50 min.
(52) WG4 8 min. (60) WH4 1 hour
(53) WG5 9 min. (61) WH5 2 hours
(54) WG6 10 min. (62) WH6 4 hours
(55) WG7 15 min. (63) WH7 6 hours
(56) WG8 20 min. (64) WH8 8 hours
Black Level Group (BA1 - BD8) for EASY LEVEL SETTING:
The Easy levels are especially for novice players and the computer plays deliberately weaker.
Level Search per move
(65) BA1 1 ply search + 1 ply capture
(66) BA2 1 ply search + 2 ply capture
(67) BA3 1 ply search + 3 ply capture
(68) BA4 1 ply search + 4 ply capture
(69) BA5 1 ply search + 5 ply capture
(70) BA6 1 ply search + 6 ply capture
(71) BA7 1 ply search + 7 ply capture
(72) BA8 1 ply search + 8 ply capture
(73) BB1 2 ply search + 1 ply capture
(74) BB2 2 ply search + 2 ply capture
(75) BB3 2 ply search + 3 ply capture
(76) BB4 2 ply search + 4 ply capture
(77) BB5 2 ply search + 5 ply capture
(78) BB6 2 ply search + 6 ply capture
(79) BB7 2 ply search + 7 ply capture
(80) BB8 2 ply search + 8 ply capture
(81) BC1 3 ply search + 1 ply capture
(82) BC2 3 ply search + 2 ply capture
(83) BC3 3 ply search + 3 ply capture
(84) BC4 3 ply search + 4 ply capture
(85) BC5 3 ply search + 5 ply capture
(86) BC6 3 ply search + 6 ply capture
(87) BC7 3 ply search + 7 ply capture
(88) BC8 3 ply search + 8 ply capture