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.

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.......................................................... 1

POWER SOURCE ........................................................ 1

BATTERY INSTALLATION ............................................. 2

AC ADAPTOR CONNECTION ..................................... 2

MOUSE CONNECTION ............................................... 3

MOUSE OVERVIEW ............................................................

MOUSE MAINTENANCE ......................................................

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 ..............................................................

MISCHIEVOUS MATH.......................................................

GHOULISH GAMES..........................................................

TASTY TUNES ..................................................................

SCORING ................................................................. 14

ONE-PLAYER MODE .........................................................

TWO-PLAYER MODE ........................................................

MATCHBOOKS ......................................................... 15

MATCHBOOK SCORING ..................................................

CARE AND MAINTENANCE ...................................... 16

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:002

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

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:003

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.

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:004

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.

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:005

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

OFF

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:006

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

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:007

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.

33649Manual 10/12/98, 10:008

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