Oregon Scientific 18041 User manual

For Ages
5& UP
Learning PC

Dear Parent/Guardian,
Thank you for buying
Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC.
Using the latest technology,
Oregon Scientific aims to develop unparalleled electronic learning products that make
learning a lot more fun.
Designed by experts, our products are packed with unique interactive activities
that make an invaluable contribution to your child’s development.
As well as activities with specific objectives of furthering skills of
language, mathematics, music, memory, logical reasoning and general knowledge,
Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC will provide a safe and realistic introduction to
computers and encourage creativity and independent learning.
When it comes to developing your child’s mind,
Oregon Scientific’s products help them achieve their potential.

Table of ContentTable of Contents
1
3
11
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
20
21
5
7
7
8
9
Chapter 1
About your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC
Chapter 2
Getting Started
Chapter 3
Useful Features and Controls
Chapter 4
Game Selection
Chapter 5
Game Rules
Chapter 6
Two-Player Mode
Chapter 7
Make a Selection and Submit Your Answer
Chapter 9
Games and Game Codes
Spelling
Word
Vocabulary
Mathematics
Games
Memory
Logic
Keyboarding
Tools
Chapter 10
Trouble Shooting 22

1
Chapter 1Chapter 1
About your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC
Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC is
supplied with the following parts.
Contact your retailer if any
parts are missing.
1 - Unit
2 - Mouse
3 - Mouse Pad
4 - Instruction Manual
Unit
Mouse
Mouse Pad
Instruction
Manual
1
2
4
3
Volume
Switch
Speaker
Game
Menu
Safety Catch
LCD
Screen
Left Mouse
Button Right
Mouse
Button
Contrast
Switch
Keyboard
Mouse Jack
Smart Card
Drive
Left
Cursor Button
Right
Cursor
Button
Directional
Cursor
Button
Features
Interactivity
•Animated character
•challenges and
praises
55 Activities
•19 Vocabulary/
Spelling/Word
•13 Mathematics/Logic
•13 Games/Memory
•10 Computer Skills/
Tools
Multimedia
•Digital Sound/
Animation
Expandability
•Expand learning
potential with our
Smart Cards
(each sold separately)

AC Adaptor
Jack
Battery Cover
Battery
Cover Top
Handset Jack
Mouse
Jack
Smart Card
Drive
2
Unit

+
-
3
Your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC operates on 4 AA size batteries (not included) or
a 9V AC adaptor (sold separately).
1. Make sure the unit is turned off.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, open
the battery cover at the back of the unit.
3. Insert 4"AA" batteries.
(Note the correct polarity: +, - ).
4. Replace the cover.
(The unit is automatically turned on
as soon as the batteries are installed
or the adaptor is plugged in.)
Chapter 2Chapter 2
Getting Started
Battery Installation
AC Adaptor Connection
Plug the adaptor into the adaptor jack
on the left side of the unit.
Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.
Auto-off
The learning PC will be automatically turned off after about 5 minutes of no input from the player.
Caution
•Don not mix different types of batteries or new and used
batteries.
•Only use batteries of the same or equivalent type as those
recommended.
•Remove all batteries when replacing.
•Remove batteries from the unit if the unit is not going to be
used for long periods.
•Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
•Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
•Removed rechargeable batteries from the toy
before being charging. (if removable)
•Rechargeable batteries are only to be charged under adult
supervision. (if removable)
•Always remove exhausted batteries from the toy.
•Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.
Caution
• Do not connect the unit to more than a 9V power supply.
• The unit must only be used with the recommended adaptor.
• The adaptor is not a toy.
• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.
• Disconnect the unit from the transformer before cleaning
with a liquid.

4
Mouse Connection
Cleaning and Maintenance
Starting Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC
1. Ensure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Plug the mouse into the mouse jack on the right side of the unit.
3. Turn the unit ON.
4. To ensure the mouse is kept clean, keep it on a clean mouse pad.
The unit should be regularly examined for damage to the cord, plug, enclosure and other parts. In the event of such
damage, the unit must not be used with the adaptor until the damage has been repaired.
Always disconnect the power supply before cleaning.
Wipe the unit with a dry cloth.
Do not get the unit wet.
Do not dismantle the unit.
Cleaning the Mouse
Turn the round mouse-ball cover in counter-clockwise direction and lift open the cover.
Take the ball out, and wipe the ball and the inside of the mouse with a dry cloth cleaning out all the dust.
Open the unit by pushing the safety catch located on the front of the unit.
Turn on your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC using the [On] button located on the lower left of the keyboard.
At the end of your session, remember to turn off the power using the [Off] button on the lower left of the
keyboard. (Attention: Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC has no data storage capacity.)
Mouse Jack

5
Chapter 3Chapter 3
Useful Features and Controls
Smart Card
The Keyboard
The keyboard operates in the same way as a real computer keyboard.
The Mouse
Move the mouse in the direction that you want to move the cursor arrow.
(see How to Make a Selection and Submit Your Answer)
The Cursor Buttons
Use these to control the cursor arrow. Press the arrowheads on the directional cursor
button to indicate the direction you want the cursor arrow to go . Press either the left
or the right cursor button to enter your selection.
Cursor Arrow
The mouse and the cursor buttons control the cursor arrow.
The Flashing Cursor
This indicates the position where keyboard entries appear.
Do not scratch or damage the metal contact plate of the Smart Card.
Only insert Oregon Scientific Smart Cards into the Smart Card drive.
1. Plug the Smart Card into the Smart Card drive on the right side of the unit.
(sold separately)

6
The current activity is interrupted and the Smart Card animation begins.
Expansion questions for the following activities are included on each Smart Card.
Name of Smart Card
Word Fun
Spelling Fun
Vocabulary Fun
Activities
Art Smart, Punctuation Please, Rhyme Match
Leap Frog, Sound Aware, More Than One
Opposing Sides, Pair Up Animal Farm
Demo
Volume
When the [Demo] button is pressed, you are shown a demonstration of some of the exciting features and activities on
your Zip the Robot Plus Learning PC.
You may adjust the volume to a lower setting.
The volume switch is located at the lower left of the screen.
Volume
Switch
While the Smart Card is plugged in, only those activities included on the Smart Card are available. To play other
games in the learning PC, unplug the Smart Card. Press [Game Code][ to go to Game Code screen, and enter a
game code from the Game Menu.

7
Contrast
Game Selection
Depending on your surrounding lighting conditions, adjust the contrast for better
viewing. The contrast switch is located at the lower right of the screen.
Game Rules
Attempts
Game questions come in groups of 10. You are given 3 attempts to answer each question.
Points are awarded according to the number of attempts taken to answer each question correctly.
Time Limit
Each attempt to answer a question is timed (1 minute for levels 1-5, 30 seconds for level 6). If you are unable to
answer the question in the allotted time period, it is counted as an incorrect attempt. The clock resets after each
incorrect attempt.
Contrast
Switch
Chapter 4Chapter 4
Chapter 5Chapter 5
(These apply to most games.)
From the game menu above the keyboard, choose a game. When the Game Code screen
opens, enter the game code of the game you want to play. If no game is selected, Zip the
Robot Plus Learning PC automatically makes a selection for you. Press [Game Code] to
go back to the Game Code screen anytime you want to play another game. Game Selection

8
Scores
If the question is answered correctly in the first attempt, 10 points are awarded.
If the question is answered correctly in the second attempt, 6 points are awarded.
If the question is answered correctly in the third attempt, 3 points are awarded.
Score 85 points or higher after a group of 10 questions to go to the next HIGHER level of difficulty.
Score 60 points or lower, to go to the next LOWER level of difficulty.
Help
Press [Help] to repeat the audio instruction prompt.
Hints
If a question too difficult, press the [Hint] button to get a clue.
You can only use a maximum of 2 hints per question, and a point is deducted for each hint used.
Summary Screen
After a round of questions, a score screen and a level screen appear.
The summary screen disappears, and the game resumes automatically.
Winning a Game
Beat level 6 with a score of over 85 points and discover a special surprise. Good Luck!
Basics
Go to two-player mode by pressing [Player1/2] . Return to one-player mode by pressing [Player1/2] again .
Most games follow a basic format in the two-player mode. The left cursor button is the Player 1 button,
and the right cursor button is the Player 2 button.
Summary Screen
Chapter 6Chapter 6
Two-Player Mode

9
Chapter 7Chapter 7
Make a Selection and Submit Your Answer
In some games, you must select your answer from a list shown
on the screen.
Mouse Arrow
cursor
Keys
1. Initiate the two-player mode by pressing [Player 1/2] on the keyboard after the first question appears.
The "Two-Player-sign-in screen" appears.
2. Player 1: Type in your name and press [Enter].
3. Player 2: Type in your name and press [Enter].
The two-player mode screen disappears, and the names are saved.
After the player sign-in screen has been filled in, the game proceeds similar to the one-player mode except the
players must compete to answer the questions.
The first player to hit his/her button (Player 1: left cursor button, Player 2: right cursor button) is awarded an
attempt to answer the question.
1. If the first player answers the question correctly, points are awarded to the first player, and the game continues.
If the first player answers the question incorrectly, the second player is invited to answer the question.
2. If the second player is correct, points are awarded to the second player, and the game continues.
3. If the second player is incorrect, the correct answer is revealed, and the game continues.
Two-Player Game Rules
Each attempt to answer a question is timed (1 minute for levels 1-5, 30 seconds for level 6).
Each player is given one attempt to answer a given question. Ten points are given for the first correct answer and
zero points for an incorrect answer. In the second attempt, 6 points are awarded. No hints are available in the
two-player mode. Game questions come in groups of ten. After a group of ten questions, the summary screen will
show both players’scores and announce the winner.
Directional
cursor pad
&
Cursor buttous

10
Press the letter key that corresponds to the choice.
Method 3
In some cases, you do not need to make a selection. Use the keyboard to type in your
answer at the flashing cursor.
Method 4
a > Spatter b > Platter
HOSE DOWN BLAST OFF
c > Cider d > Sputter
ART SMART
1. Use the mouse to move the arrow cursor over the chosen icon.
2. Press the left-button on the mouse once.
Method 2
Type in the answer
Method 1
1. Press the arrows on the directional cursor button to move the arrow cursor over the chosen object.
2. Press the left cursor button once.
Directional
cursor pad
&
Cursor buttous

11
Chapter 9 (Games and Game Codes)
Chapter 9 (Games and Game Codes)
Spelling
(01) Fill Up
Remember the animated vocabulary word presented by Zip the Robot Plus. After the
animation, the vocabulary word appears with a missing letter.
Type in the missing letter.
(01)
(02) Word Mixer
Unscramble the letters to spell the animated vocabulary word
(02)
(03) Spell Bound
Key in the animated vocabulary word.
(03)

12
(04) Hose Down
A word with an extra letter scrolls across the top of the screen.
When the extra letter is directly above the fireman,
press [Enter] or either cursor button to remove it.
(04)
(08) Art Smart
A sentence scrolls across the bottom of the screen.
1. Identify the letter that should be capitalized.
2. When the desired letter is underneath the paintbrush, press [Enter] or either cursor
button to capitalize the letter.
(08)
(09) Word of Mouth
Press letter keys to learn the alphabet.
(09)
(05) Sound Aware
From the four words shown on the screen, select the word that begins with the
same sound as the animated vocabulary word.
(05)
(06) More Than one
Key in the plural form of the displayed word.
(06)
(07) Word Order
The object of this activity is to rearrange the question words to form a complete sentence.
Use the ¨and Æbuttons of the directional cursor button to highlight a word. Press [Enter]
or either cursor button to move it to the Answer screen. Press the ≠button of the directional
cursor button to move back to the Question screen. Press the Øbutton of the directional
cursor button to move from the Question screen to the Answer screen. Use [Delete] or
[Backspace] to remove a word from the Answer screen.
Word
(10) Punctuation Please
A sentence without the correct punctuation mark scrolls across the screen.
Replace the blank with the correct punctuation mark.
Use the keys or the left cursor button to select the proper punctuation mark from
the choices given below the sentence.
(You can make the sentence scroll faster by pressing any key.)
(10)

13
(15) Opposing Sides
Match the question word with its opposite.
(14) Word Wise
Select the animated vocabulary word from the list displayed on screen.
Vocabulary
(11) Word Challenge
Challenge your opponent to solve a mystery word.
1. Player 1: Type in a word (maximum 7 letters) without Player 2 seeing it, and
press [Enter].
2. Player 2: Guess the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type in your
guesses (maximum 8 wrong attempts).
3. Player 2: Type in a word (maximum 7 letters) without Player 1 seeing it, and
press [Enter].
4. Player 1: Guess the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type in your
guesses (maximum 8 wrong attempts).
Whoever scores the most points wins the game.
(11)
(12) Under Cover
1. Remember the position of the letters that made up the word.
2. After the letters are hidden, click once on the tiles to uncover them, and press [Enter].
(To re-cover the revealed tile again, click on it once.)
(12)
(13) Mix Up
Unscramble your opponent's word (maximum 7 letters).
1. Player 1: Type in a word without Player 2 seeing it, and press [Enter].
2. Player 2: Unscramble the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type
it in (maximum 3 wrong attempts).
3. Player 2: Type in a word without Player 1 seeing it, and press [Enter].
4. Player 1: Unscramble the word one letter at a time, and use the keyboard to type
it in (maximum 3 wrong attempts).
Whoever scores the most points wins the game.
(13)
(15)
(14)

14
(16) Pair Up
Find the synonym of the word at the top of the screen.
Press either cursor button or [Enter] when it is directly under the arrow.
(17)
(17) Rhyme Match
Select the word that rhymes with the animated vocabulary word.
(18)
(18) Leap Frog
Use the arrow cursor to delete a letter to create a new word.
(19)
(19) Animal Farm
Use the scroll arrows to the left and right of the screen to see more animals.
1. Select the animal that matches the vocabulary word.
2. Press [Enter] or either cursor button.
(20)
(21) Add
Type the correct answer in the space provided.
(20) Number Place
Use the arrow cursor to select the numbers in numerical order.
(21)
Mathematics
1. Scroll to choose the opposite word by using the down arrow on the directional cursor
button.
2. Press [Enter] or either cursor button when a word is chosen.
(16)

15
(23) Multiply
Type the correct answer in the space provided.
(23)
(24) Divide
Type the correct answer in the space provided.
(24)
(25) Sand Pit
Solve the math problem by supplying the missing number.
Press [Enter] or either cursor button to select the number
positioned in front of the bulldozer.
(25)
(26) Blast Off
Press [Enter] or either cursor button to select the missing operation sign.
(26)
(27) More or Less
Compare the 2 equations on the screen.
1. Select the correct operation sign using the cursor buttons.
If you think the first equation is greater than the second one, then choose [>].
If you think the first equation is less than the second one, then choose [<].
If you think the first equation equals the second one, then choose [=].
2. Press [Enter] or either cursor button to submit your answer.
(27)
(22) Subtract
Type the correct answer in the space provided.
(22)

16
Games
(29) Star Gazer
Use ←, →,
↑
and
↓
on the directional cursor button to move through space and pick
up all the stars without repeating your path or bumping into the monsters.
The path will be reset after 3 invalid responses.
(28)
(30) Clock Work
Select the clock that matches the announced time.
(28) Letter Line
Use the arrow cursor to select the letters in alphabetical order.
(29)
(31) Safari Sounds
Select the answer that matches the sound.
(30)
(32) National Anthem
Select a country to hear its national anthem.
Press any key to interrupt the music and return to the country menu screen.
(31)
(32)

17
Memory
(33)
(33) Singled Out
Four icons are shown on the screen.
Select the icon that is different from the rest.
(34) Self Design
Build your own robot.
Select a menu from the list on the left side of the screen.
Choose an option from the menu.
To delete a feature from the robot, select the feature then press [Delete].
(35) Quiz Time
Challenge a friend to a spelling contest!
Each player is given a chance to spell an animated vocabulary word.
The first player to correctly spell two words after their opponent has made a mistake wins.
(34)
(36) Speed Dial
A sequence of numbers is dialed on the keypad.
Use the number keys to repeat the number sequence.
(36)
(35)
(37) Match Maker
A grid of icons is briefly shown and then hidden. Uncover the icons a pair at a time.
(37)
(38) Same As
Remember the icon flashed on the screen.
Select the icon you just saw from the selection of four.
(38)