Hasbro Tiger Learning Computer Instructions

For Ages 5 & Up
Model 91-001
TIGERES:"
© 1996 Tiger Electronics, Inc.
TIGER LEARNING COMPUTER, TIGER and TIGER logo
are trademarks of Tiger Electronics, Inc.
980 Woodlands Parkway, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061 USA.
Tiger Electronics (UK) LLC.
Belvedere House, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate,
North Yorkshire HG1 1EL, England.
A
par
aa ET
Apple, AppleWorks, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, InC.,
registered in the United States and other countries and are used under license.
All rights reserved. AppleWorks software Copyright © 1996 Scantron Quality Computers, Inc.
All rights reserved. ® Stickybear is the registered trademark of Optimum Resource, Inc.
Copyright © Optimum Resource, Inc. © Queue, Inc. 1986. Math Shop ar Weights &
Measures is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc. Copyright © 1985 by Cary Hammer.
Math Shop Spotlight: Fractions & Decimals is a registered trademark of Scholastic Inc.
Copyright O 1985 by Cary Hammer. Quations is a trademark of Andrew P. Mandell.
Copyright = e by Andrew P. Mandell. The MECC name is a registered trademark of MECC.
Mandell. 1he cons is a trademark of M СС.
Welcome to the Tiger Learning Computer... 2-3
What's in the box?
Getting around the keyboard
Setting A EB EEE EN a 4-6
Connecting a television or monitor
Connecting the mouse
Plug in the computer
E1301 AT SEEN R SS dsb Shututeind 6-11
Getting around the desktop
Run an application program
Using your RAS N 11-13
Formatting your RAMdisk
Saving a file to your RAMdisk
Removing a file from your RAMdisk
Using BASIC... i Bf ee dh nme diss 13-15
Creating a BASIC program
Loading a BASIC program from a RAMdisk
OPTIONS se Re rr re a Te eo 15-17
Printing
Communicating
Joystick
Troubleshooting... au eiii OAD ae 18
TeonnicarinorÍ madonna AMARA aan a casse sens 19
Setting up your Tiger Learning Computer involves three steps
e Connecting your computer to a television or monitor
e Connecting the mouse
e Plugging inthe computer
STEP 1: Connect your computer to a television or
composite computer monitor
Connecting to a television
If your television has audio/video ports like the ones in below figure, use the
audio/video cable provided to connect directly into the audio/video ports on
your television.
e Plug one set of connectors into the audio/video ports on the back of the
computer putting the yellow jack into the video port and the white jack into
the audio port.
e Plug the connectors on the other end of the cable into the video in/ audio in
ports on your television. The video and audio port should be yellow for
video in and white for audio in (some stereo TV's also have a red port for
audio). Make sure you have the video plugged into the video port and the
audio plugged into the audio port.
e To setTV channel for video input, please refer to the TV manual.
VIDEO PLUG
(YELLOW)
Sed
AUDIO INPUT
AV CABLE
VIDEO INPUT (INCLUDED)
AUDIO PLUG
(WHITE)
e Once you have connected both ends of the audio/video cable, use the
controls on your television or remote control to select the correct input
option. The button on your TV or remote will usually have one of the
following labels; input, line, video, AV, or AUX, check your TV instruction
manual.
If your television does not have audio/video input, you have two options.
e Connect your television to your computer through a VCR. Plug one set of
connectors into the audio/video ports on the back of the computer putting
the yellow jack into the video port and the white jack into the audio port.
e Plug the connectors on the other end of the cable into the video in/ audio in
ports on your VCR. The video and audio ports should be yellow for video in
and white for audio in (some stereo VCRs also have a red port for audio).
Make sure you have the video plugged into the video port and the audio
plugged into the audio port.
e To setTV channel for video input, please refer to the TV and VCR manual.
e Once you have connected both ends of the A/V cable, use the VCR
controls to select the correct input option. The button on your VCR or VCR
remote control will usually have one of the following labels; input, line,
video, AV, orAUX, check your VCR's instruction manual.
VIDEO PLUG
soll VCR igen
В © © ® oul LL Lu 2
ут
AUDIO INPUT a
AV CABLE
VIDEO INPUT AUDIO PLUG (INCLUDED)
(WHITE)
OR
e Usean RF Modulator to convert the video signal to a signal which uses
your television's antenna port. These can be purchased at most electronics
stores and will include complete instructions.
Connecting to a composite monitor e Slide the power switch to the ON position.
You can also connect your computer to a composite monitor. Not all monitors You will see the Tiger Learning Computer desktop displayed on the monitor or
are composite monitors. A composite monitor has a direct video input port for television screen. The computer will ask you to “Please choose an activity.”
the video plug of the audio/video cable included with your computer.
| Getting around the desktop
e Using the audio/video cable, connect one of the connectors into the video
port on your computer. It does not matter which connector you use as long The Desktop shows you the type of activities you can do with your computer.
as you use the same color connector to connect to the monitor. ~~ These activities can be selected using your mouse or the keyboard.
e Connect video connector on the other end of the cable to the video input on ¢
your monitor.
Using the mouse
NOTE: Your monitor probably does not have a separate audio input. Leave the
audio connectors unplugged - your computer has a built-in speaker which will ; E
provide the audio. The mouse is a pointing device.
STEP 2: Connect the mouse. A
”
Plug the mouse cable into the mouse port on the back of the computer. You X
might want to purchase a mouse pad to use with your mouse. This can
provide a better surface for the mouse to roll on.
STEP 3: Plug in the computer.
e Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position.
e Plug the power converter into a standard 110V outlet. e Move the mouse around on your table. You will see the cursor arrow
e Plug the power cord into the computer. moving on the display screen.
e To select an activity move the arrow to the icon [picture] of the activity you
want and press and release the left mouse button. Pressing and releasing
the mouse button is called “clicking”. The activities are also represented by
buttons at the top of the screen. Clicking on a button will also select an
Getting Started | | activity.
=e —
That's it! You've finished the setup procedure.
It is easy to get started with the Tiger Learning Computer.
e Open the cover of your computer; slide the latches on both sides of the
cover towards you and lift.
Using the keyboard Note:
ROMdisks should be inserted with the grooved side up, label side down.
Note: When you first turn on your computer the DISK activity is highlighted,
the color will be different from the other activities on the desktop.
o Highlight an activity with the arrow keys. Press the up[ 4 Jand down [ y ] arrow
keys to move the highlighting up and down the activities. Press the left [<
or right arrow key to move to the other side of the desktop. +
e Once the desired activity is highlighted press the key to select the
activity.
Running an application program
NT.
pe EE
COMPUTER ===
The Tiger Learning Computer comes with several application programs on
ROMdisks that are safely and conveniently stored in the lid. Open the storage
area by placing your pointer fingers inside the two notches and gently pull
forward on both sides of the top edge.
Grooved side up Label side
e Slide the power switch to the OFF position.
e Insert one of the ROMdisks in either Drive 1 or Drive 2 of your computer.
e Slide the power switch to the ON position.
e Select the DISK activity from the desktop (remember you can use the
= mouse or the keyboard).
e You will see this dialog box.
[FORMAT] [CANCEL |
M
e Select the icon of the drive where you inserted the ROMdisk using the
mouse or the arrow keys. When it is selected the name of the disk will be
highlighted.
e Click on the RUN button or type(R | :
e Follow the instructions provided with the application program.
Running an application program on a dual program Things to remember when running applications.
ROMdisk
Some programs can read ONLY UPPER CASE letters. If you are using
one of these programs use the CAPS LOCK key when you run that program.
The Tiger Learning Computer also comes with several ROMdisks that contain
two different application programs. These ROMdisks have a small switch on Many programs do not use the mouse. If you have a problem check the
the label side of the ROMdisk. Ñ application instructions.
Some programs may not be able to print graphics (pictures) using this
computer. Check the application instructions. You can always print text
files.
If you get stuck in a program you can always get back to the desktop by
using the reset sequence. Hold down the Control and Open Apple Keys
and press Reset.
That's the basics, but there is a lot more you can do with your computer.
The rest of this manual will discuss other activities and some optional features
you may want to use.
Using your RAMdisk ‘
The application ROMdisks that come with your computer are Read Only
Memory (ROM). That means the computer can only read the information
stored on the disk; you cannot use them to store any new information.
e Slide the switch to the left to use the application program listed first on the
label or slide the switch to the right to use the application program listed
second on the label.
TELA
AEG
"COMPUTER
The Tiger Learning Computer uses another type of disk, a RAMdisk, to store
e Slide the power switch to the ON position and proceed as in previous Г information. One RAMdisk is included with your computer. Additional
section to run the application program. | RAMdisks can be purchased separately. A RAMdisk can store up to 128K
| bytes of information for up to two years. After two years you should replace the
Note: | batteries (see page 19 for instructions on replacing the RAMdisk batteries).
You must turn the power switch to the OFF position and change the
switch position on the ROMdisk to run the other application program
resident on the ROMdisk.
US
Г c
\
y =>
Many of the applications do not use the mouse. Most programs will tell you on
the screen which keys to press. If you have any questions read the
application instructions.
==
[88888 —
Formatting a RAMdisk
When you have finished using the program you can return to the DESKTOP
by pressing the reset sequence.
A RAMdisk must be formatted before you can use it to store information. There
Hold down the and äh and press [Reset а! are two formatting options, DOS 3.3 and ProDOS. For most applications you
the same time. will want a ProDOS formatted disk.
10 11
To Format a RAMdisk
Turn off your computer.
Insert the RAMdisk into either drive and turn on the computer.
Select the Disk activity from the desktop.
The label NONAME will appear under the drive icon.
Select the drive which contains the RAMdisk.
Select the Format command (use your mouse or type F).
Type the name you wish to call your RAMdisk (for example MYFILES).
Select OK.
The new name should now appear under the disk icon.
Saving files to your RAMdisk
Saving from within an application program
Some application programs allow you to save while the program is running,
check the application program instructions. Pay special attention to whether
the RAMdisk must be in a specified drive.
Copying files to your RAMdisk
Insert the RAMdisk into either drive and turn on the computer.
Insert the disk you are copying from into the other drive.
Select the Disk activity from the desktop.
Select the drive which contains the disk with the file you want to copy and
click the mouse again (keyboard: select with the right [ > and left [« Jarrow
keys and Fam) ). You will see a list of the files stored on that disk.
Highlight the file or files you wish to copy by clicking with the mouse
(keyboard: use the up [4 ] and ESP arrow keys).
Click on the SELECT button or type | S ) . As you select a file a check mark /
will appear next to it.
LTWIH
SYS BASIC SYSTEM T
SYS PRODOS
STARTUE
BAS KERLT101
+]
1 BLOCK USED
co TOTAL BLOCK (5)
+ FREE ELOCK (5)
[COPY]DELETE][SELECT)CANCEL]
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e Select the COPY command (use your mouse or type [P J).
e Select CANCEL or type [C). Your file is now copied to the RAMdisk you
selected. You can check to see if it's there by selecting and looking at the
list of files on the disk.
Saving BASIC programs
The instructions for saving your BASIC programs are covered in the “Using
BASIC” section of this manual.
Removing a file from the RAMdisk
e Insert the RAMdisk with the file you want to delete into either drive and
turn on the computer.
e Select the Disk activity from the desktop.
e Highlight the file or files you wish to remove by clicking with the mouse
(keyboard: use the up and down [v Jarrow keys).
e Click on the SELECT button or type [S). As you select a file a check mark v/
will appear next to it.
e Select the DELETE command (use your mouse or type (D). Your file will be
deleted.
e Click on CANCEL or type (С). The list of files closes.
Using BASIC
The Applesoft BASIC programming language is built into your Tiger Learning
Computer. You can use BASIC to write and run simple programs. You can also
load BASIC programs that other people have written, and run them.
Creating a BASIC Program
The following is an example of a BASIC program. If you type in this example
and run it, you will get a feel for just how easy and fun BASIC programming
can be. If you want to learn more you can find many books in your local library.
e Select the BASIC option from the Desktop.
The desktop disappears and you now have a blank screen with a BASIC
prompt that looks like a right bracket ]. This prompt is telling you that the
computer is ready for you to type in BASIC commands. Remember to hit the
button at the end of every line, or to send a command to the computer.
13
After the BASIC prompt type:
NEW
The NEW command clears the computer's memory. It Is a good idea to type
NEW whenever you start writing a new program.
BASIC programs are made up of lines of code that give the computer
instructions. Each line of code starts with a number.
Type in the following 5 lines of code. Pay special attention to quotes,
punctuation and spaces when you are typing. Type at the end of each
line. If you make a mistake you only have to retype the line with the error. The
computer will automatically replace the old line with the new line. If you see a
mistake before you press the return key, you can use the arrow key to move the
cursor to where the mistake is and retype the rest of the line. (NOTE: The delete
key does not work in BASIC it will put a box character on the line.)
10 PRINT "Welcome to the Tiger Learning Computer!”
20 PRINT "Please type your name."
30 INPUT N$
40 PRINT "Hi"; NS; "Nice to meet you!"
50 END
After you finish typing line 50 hit and type:
LIST
You will see the program you just typed in listed on the screen with all of the
lines in order. That's it! You just wrote your first BASIC program. Now you can
run it by typing:
RUN
Type your name when the program asks for it.
If you get an error message when the program runs, check to see if you have
made a typing error. Make sure you have included all quotes, punctuation and
spaces.
To stop your program in the middle hold down the and[C)
keys at the same time.
Once your program is running exactly the way you want it to, you can save it to
your RAMdisk.
e Put your RAMdisk in Drive 2.
e Type: SAVE Myprogram, D2, S6
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Myprogram - is the name you are giving your program
D2, S6 - tells the computer which drive the RAMdisk is in
D2 means Drive 2, S6 means Slot 6. Both Drive 1 and Drive 2 use Slot 6, so if
the RAMdisk were in Drive 1 you would type “D1, S6”. It's a little complicated,
but don't worry the computer will only let you save to a RAMdisk you cannot
write over or erase any information on the ROMdisks... so if you make a
mistake just try again.
Now you have your very own BASIC program saved to your RAMdisk. You
can use it over and over now without retyping the code. It will stay on the
RAMdisk as you saved it until you delete it from the RAMdisk's memory.
Loading a BASIC program from the RAMdisk
To load your BASIC program into the computer s memory from the RAMdisk:
e Selectthe BASIC activity from the desktop.
e Atthe BASIC prompt type LOAD followed by the name of your program,
the drive and slot number, and press the[ Return | key.
To load the program you just saved type:
LOAD Myprogram, D2, S6
To learn more about programming in BASIC, you should go to your public
library or local bookstore. Any BASIC programming book will give you more
information. There are also publications written specifically for Applesoft
BASIC and the Apple lle.
Printing
Your Tiger Learning Computer comes with a standard 25 pin parallel port
(female D-Type) for connecting a printer. Most standard printers will be able to
print text files from your computer. Some applications have special software to
allow you to print graphic files as well, check the application instructions to see
if it allows you to print graphics with your particular printer.
Connecting a printer
e Connect one end of the printer cable to your printer.
e Connect the other end of the printer cable to your computer's parallel port.
15
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS CONNECT THE PRINTER CABLEAFTERYOU HAVE
TURNED ONYOUR COMPUTER. YOUR COMPUTER WILL NOT WORK IF
THE PRINTER CABLE ISALREADY CONNECTED WHEN YOU TURN IT ON.
Print a text file stored on a ROMdisk or RAMdisk
e Insert the disk with your text file into one of the drives.
e Select the printer from the desktop.
e Select the disk which holds the file you want to print. A list of the files
stored on that disk will appear.
LTWIH
SYS BASIC SYSTEM
39 PERODOS
EAS STARTUE
EAS KERLTLOL
[+
+]
1 ELUCK USED
FEIMT CARCEL
e Highlight the file you want by clicking with your mouse or use the up [4 Jand
down Y) arrow keys.
e Click on PRINT or type (P] to send it to the printer.
When you have finished printing click on the CANCEL button or type [C).
e Click on CANCEL or type to return to the desktop.
Communicating
Your computer comes equipped with a standard serial port which can be used
to connect a modem. A modem is a device used to send signals from your
computer over a telephone line to another computer also equipped with a
modem. You can connect directly to another computer to exchange files or you
can connect to an internet service provider and use their text based services.
Note: You will have to purchase additional software for e-mail, internet
browsing, and modem to modem communication. For more
information about the Tiger Learning Computer Internet software call
1-800-TIGR-SOS.
To connect your modem
e Make sure you have the correct cable. The Tiger Learning Computer has a
9 pin serial connector (male D type). If your modem cable does not have
this type of connector you can buy a new cable or adapter in most computer
or electronics stores.
e Connect both ends of the cable.
16
Communication Settings
e Select the COM activity from the desktop. The following dialog box will
appear. The instructions which came with your modem will tell you what
settings to use.
COMMUNICATION SET UP
TRANSMISSION SPEED (BALID):
| Sáno | +
EITS PER CHARACTER:
C9 SEVEH © EIGHT
STOP BITS:
OME 2 TLIO
PARITY:
[_ HOME [4]
OK | [CANCEL]
e Set the modem transmission speed by clicking with your mouse on the box
showing the speed. (From the keyboard use the(Tab) key until the speed is
highlighted and press the down arrow). The window expands showing you
the speed options. Click twice on your modem speed (from the keyboard
use the up[ 4 ] and down( y Jarrow keys and press the[ Return ] key to close
the menu).
e Set the bits per character by clicking with the mouse on the 7 or 8 (key
board - use the key to highlight the bits per character option and use the
left («] and right _> Jarrows to select 7 or 8 bits).
e Setthe stop bits by clicking with the mouse on the 1 or 2 (keyboard - use
the key to highlight the stop bits option and use the left [< Jand right >)
arrows to select 1 or 2 bits).
e Parity is selected the same way you selected the modem speed.
e Once the settings are correct for your modem click OK with the mouse
(keyboard - use the key to select OK and press[ Return ]).
Joystick
Some application programs recommend the use of a joystick. A joystick is
available separately from Radio Shack, part # 270-1707. Instructions for using
the joystick are in the application program instructions.
17
Troubleshooting
Problem: No video on the television screen.
Check these items.
1) Is the correct video source selected on your TV?
e Most commonly there will be a control on your TV or remote control labeled
one of the following: line, input, video, AV, orAUX.
2) Is the cable connected to the TV or VCR correctly?
e Make sure the yellow and white plugs are secure in their matching sockets.
3) ls the power on the TV and the computer turned on?
e Check both switches.
4) |s the AC power cord connected to the unit and to a working wall outlet?
Problem: Strange or garbled video on the TV or monitor.
Check these items:
1) Is the ROMdisk inserted properly?
e Grooved side up/labeled side down.
e Take out the ROMdisk and reinsert.
2) Is a printer connected to the parallel port?
e Turn off the computer, disconnect the printer and turn on the computer.
SR
3) Use the reset sequence, [Control Ц y | + [Reset].
Problem: Application program does not respond to keyboard commands
when first started.
1) Isita DOS 3.3 program?
e Press the CAPS LOCK key so you will only type upper case characters.
Player 1
2) Use the reset sequence, * [Perera |,
and re-select the program from the desktop.
Problem: Application program “freezes” when running and does not
respond to keyboard commands.
Player 1
e Use the reset sequence, [Control [élever 1 +
and re-select the program from the desktop.
18
Changing the battery in the RAMdisk
Battery life: 870 days
Battery type: CR2032 x 1pc
® Unscrew and open the battery door on the back of the RAMdisk.
® Remove the battery and replace with a new battery.
® Close the door and replace the screw.
Note: Any files stored on the RAMdisk will be lost when you remove
the battery. If you want to save your files copy them to another
RAMdisk before replacing the battery.
Technical Specs
Ports
MOLISE: a2 mxo domina esla dc 6 pin DIN connector
JOVEN: nn nimi hsb sa aban qananais 9 pin female D-type
Serlali nuca ed» silicón bene 9 pin male D-type
Parallel................. 25 pin female D-type
AUIO. coe enn ener white RCA
VIDA A EA yellow RCA connector
Headphone...................eeceeeeeeieeeees mono mini RCA connector
ACIP OMNI AL алан e AS male 6.3 x 2.1mm
Graphics Display Modes
Low resolution... 48 rows x 40 columns, 16 colors
High resolution... 192 rows x 140 columns, 6 colors
Double High resolution.................... 192 rows x 140 columns, 16 colors
Text Display Modes
40 or 80 columns
Non-Apple Modes
190 rows x 270 columns, 16 colors
19
90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY
Tiger Electronics, Inc. (Tiger) warrants to the original consumer purchaser of
this product that the product will be free from defects in materials or workman
ship for 90 days from the date of original purchase. This warranty does not
cover damage from accident, negligence, improper service or use or other
causes not arising out of defects in materials or workmanship.
During this 90-day warranty period, the product will either be repaired or
replaced (at Tiger's option) without charge to the purchaser, when returned
with proof of the date of purchase to either the dealer or to Tiger.
Product returned to Tiger without proof of the date of purchase or after the
90-day warranty period has expired, but prior to one year from the original date
of purchase, will be repaired or replaced (at Tiger's option) for a service fee of
U.S.$ 30.00. Payments must be by check or money order payable to
Tiger Electronics, Inc.
The foregoing states the purchaser's sole and exclusive remedy or any breach
of warranty with respect to the product.
All product returned must be shipped prepaid and insured for loss or damage to:
Tiger Electronics, Inc. Repair Dept.
980 Woodlands Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061 U.S.A.
The product should be carefully packed in the original box or other packing
materials sufficient to avoid damage during shipment. Include a complete
written description of the defect, a check if product is beyond the 90-day
warranty period, and your printed name, address and telephone number.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OFALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND NO OTHER
REPRESENTATIONS OR CLAIMS OFANY NATURE SHALL BE BINDING ON
OR OBLIGATE TIGER IN ANY WAY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE
LIMITED TO THE NINETY (90) DAY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE. IN NO
EVENT WILL TIGER BE LIABLE FORANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM POSSESSION, USE, OR
MALFUNCTION OF THIS TIGER PRODUCT.
Some states do not allow limitations as to how long an implied warranty lasts
and/or exclusions or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations and/or exclusions of liability may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
20