V-tech Monster Academy User manual

Dear Parent:
At VTECH®we know that a child has the ability to do
great things. That’s why all of our electronic learning
products are uniquely designed to develop a child’s mind
and allow them to learn to the best of their ability.
Whether it’s learning about letters, numbers, geography
or algebra, all VTECH®learning products incorporate
advanced technologies and extensive curriculum to
encourage children of all ages to reach their potential.
When it comes to providing interactive products that
enlighten, entertain and develop minds, at VTECH®we
see the potential in every child.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.......................................................... 1
POWER SOURCE ........................................................ 1
BATTERY INSTALLATION ............................................. 2
AC ADAPTOR CONNECTION ..................................... 2
MOUSE CONNECTION ............................................... 3
MOUSE OVERVIEW ............................................................ 3
MOUSE MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 3
VOLUME SWITCH ...................................................... 4
CONTRAST SWITCH ................................................... 4
AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF............................................... 4
KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS ............. 4
THE KEYBOARD ......................................................... 6
TO BEGIN PLAY ........................................................ 8
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES ..................................... 9
LURKING LETTERS .............................................................. 9
MISCHIEVOUS MATH....................................................... 11
GHOULISH GAMES.......................................................... 12
TASTY TUNES .................................................................. 13
SCORING ................................................................. 14
ONE-PLAYER MODE ......................................................... 14
TWO-PLAYER MODE ........................................................ 15
MATCHBOOKS ......................................................... 15
MATCHBOOK SCORING .................................................. 15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ...................................... 16
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1
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VTECH®Monster AcademyTM learning toy! We at
VTECH®are committed to providing the highest quality products to entertain and
educate your child. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call our
Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in
Canada.
Monster AcademyTM features a large, clear LCD screen that displays hundreds
of animated pictures and a friendly monster voice that actively encourages
children. With 32 different activities to choose from, children can spend countless
enjoyable hours learning.
POWER SOURCE
Monster AcademyTM operates on 4 “AA” size batteries (UM-3/LR6) or a 9V 300mA
AC center-positive adaptor (not included).
Keyboard release button
LCD screen
Membrane selector
Keyboard
Mouse
Mouse pad
Volume
switch
Contrast
switch
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BATTERY INSTALLATION
1. Make sure the unit is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery cover on the back of the unit
and open it.
3. Insert 4 “AA” batteries (UM-3/LR6) as illustrated.
(The use of new, alkaline batteries is recommended
for maximum performance.)
4. Replace the battery cover.
BATTERY NOTICE
• Install batteries correctly observing the polarity (+,–) signs to avoid leakage.
• Do not mix old and new batteries.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries.
• Do not use batteries of different types.
• Remove the batteries from the learning toy when it will not be used for an
extended period of time.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
• Do not short-circuit the supply terminals.
• Do not attempt to recharge ordinary batteries.
NOTE: If for some reason the program/activity stops working, please follow these steps:
1. Please turn the unit OFF
2. Interrupt the power supply by removing the batteries.
3. Let the unit stand for a few minutes; then replace the batteries.
4. Turn the unit ON. The unit is now ready for play again.
If the problem persists, please call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-
2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-267-7377 in Canada.
AC ADAPTOR CONNECTION
Use a standard 9V 300mA AC center-positive adaptor.
1. Make sure the unit is OFF.
2. Locate the adaptor jack on the side of the unit.
3. Insert the adaptor plug into the unit’s adaptor jack.
4. Plug the adaptor into a wall outlet.
5. Turn the unit ON.
In the U.S.A.: Many retailers carry this type of adaptor. However, if you are unable
to find one locally, the VTECH®AC Adaptor is perfectly suited to operate your Monster
AcademyTM learning laptop. For information on how to purchase a VTECH®AC
Adaptor, call our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or
1-800-267-7377 in Canada.
In Canada: Please see the enclosed VTECH®adaptor offer coupon.
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NOTE: If for some reason the program/activity stops working, it may be the result
of the adaptor connection. Please follow these steps:
1. Please turn the unit off and unplug the adaptor for 15 seconds.
2. Reinsert the adaptor plug into the adaptor jack.
3. Turn the unit ON.
If the problem persists, it may be the result of the adaptor’s wiring or the unit. Please
contact our Consumer Services Department at 1-800-521-2010 in the U.S. or 1-800-
267-7377 in Canada.
MOUSE CONNECTION
DETACHING THE MOUSE FROM THE MAIN UNIT.
Please note that the mouse should not be detached completely from the unit. It
has a retractable cord and is intended to be used attached to the unit.
1. Locate the mouse on the back of the unit.
2. Lift the back end of the mouse away from the main unit.
3. Gently pull the mouse cord out until fully extended.
RETURNING THE MOUSE TO THE MAIN UNIT
1. Place mouse cord carefully back inside the main unit.
2. Click the mouse securely back into the storage area.
MOUSE OVERVIEW
Once the mouse is free from the unit you may move the mouse cursor around the
screen freely. The mouse has a roller ball in it and therefore should be used on a
flat surface. A mouse pad is ideal, but you may also try a piece of paper, a notebook
or a magazine. A clean flat surface is important to be able to use your mouse effectively.
Your mouse is very easy to use. To use the mouse, push it in the direction that you
would like the pointer on the screen to move. To move the pointer to the right side
of the screen, push the mouse to the right. To move the pointer to the left side of
the screen, push the mouse to the left. To move the pointer to the top of the screen,
push the mouse away from you. To move the pointer to the bottom of the screen,
pull the mouse towards you.
MOUSE MAINTENANCE
To clean the mouse, you need to open the cover on the
bottom of the mouse by using a screwdriver. Twisting in
the direction of the arrows will release the cover. Once
the cover is removed, the mouse ball should be taken out
and the contents inside the mouse should be cleaned with
a dry cloth. The mouse ball should also be cleaned with
a dry cloth. Once you have finished cleaning the mouse,
place the mouse ball back into the mouse and screw the
cover back onto the mouse.
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VOLUME SWITCH
Adjust the volume by sliding the Volume Switch to the right to raise
the volume and to the left to lower the volume.
CONTRAST SWITCH
Adjust the image on the screen by sliding the Contrast Switch to
the right for higher contrast and to the left for lower contrast.
AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF
If there is no input into the VTECH®Monster AcademyTM learning toy for about 8
minutes, the learning toy will automatically shut itself off to save power. To turn the
unit back on after an automatic shut off, you will need to press the ON button again
to restart the learning toy. If the VTECH®Monster AcademyTM learning toy is not
going to be used for a long period of time, we recommend that you remove the
batteries and unplug the adaptor.
KEYBOARD DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTIONS
THE ACTIVITY SELECTOR
ON BUTTON
Press the ON button to turn the unit on and enter the wacky yet prestigious
halls of Monster Academy™. A whole brigade of mischievous monster
scholars can’t wait for you to join them!
OFF BUTTON
When you’ve had enough learning for one sitting, press the OFF button
to bid farewell to your monster friends. They’ll be waiting anxiously for
you to return!
OFF
LURKING
LETTERS
DEMO
GHOULISH
GAMES
MISCHIEVOUS
MATH
TASTY
TUNES
ON
ON
OFF
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LURKING LETTERS BUTTON
There are plenty of letter and word activities lurking in Monster Academy™.
To get them started, press the Lurking Letters button at any time when the
learning toy is on.
MISCHIEVOUS MATH BUTTON
Do you think that math can be tricky? It’s not tricky! It’s just being
a little mischievous. Join the games to make yourself a master of
mathematics. Press the Mischievous Math button at any time to start.
GHOULISH GAMES BUTTON
Ready for some logic games? Press the Ghoulish Games button and let the
games begin!
TASTY TUNES BUTTON
Mmmm…I’m feeling hungry for some tasty tunes! Start up the music
by pressing the Tasty Tunes button and enter Monster Academy™’s
jamming music studio.
DEMO BUTTON
Would you like to know how the activities are played? The DEMO button
is available at any time to show you. Pressing the DEMO button in the
main menu will demonstrate all of the activities in every category before returning
to the category selection screen. Pressing the DEMO button during activity selection
will cause Monster AcademyTM to demonstrate all of the activities within the selected
category before returning to the activity selection screen. If the DEMO button is
pressed when a player is in an activity, it will only demonstrate that particular activity.
Once the demonstration is done, it will return to that activity.
MATCHBOOK BUTTON
Press the MATCHBOOK button when you want to play with the
SMART START®Matchbooks (sold separately). Please read more
about the Matchbooks in the section of this manual entitled
MATCHBOOKS.
LURKING
LETTERS
MISCHIEVOUS
MATH
GHOULISH
GAMES
TASTY
TUNES
DEMO
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THE KEYBOARD
The Monster AcademyTM learning toy has a full alphanumeric QWERTY hard-key
keyboard.
LETTER KEYS
Use the Letter keys when inputting answers for word-related activities. The QWERTY
layout will familiarize your child with the standard computer keyboard and typewriter.
NUMBER KEYS
Use the Number keys when inputting the answers in number-related activities. The Num-
ber keys may also be used to select a level when the Level key is pressed or to select a
song when the Ghoul Jams activity is activated.
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