8
ACTION TO TAKE
• Insert batteries as shown in the
Quick Start.
• Replace the batteries.
• Press into the hole marked ACL, as described
in Section 1.1.
• Replace the batteries.
• The computer only responds automatically if
Non Auto Mode is off (see Section 4.2).
• Check the level (see Section 3). To interrupt
the computer’s search, press PLAY.
• Make sure that you are familiar with the rules.
Use TAKE BACK to reconstruct the last move
that was made.
• To interrupt the computer, press PLAY.
• Check the displayed move. Press the correct
square to complete the computer’s move.
• Review the chess rules. Use TAKE BACK to
reconstruct the last move.
• Verify the board (see Section 4.1).
• Check the level (see Section 3).
• Press SOUND again to turn the sound back
on.
• When you exit Non Auto Mode and return to
normal play, Alec will reappear.
• Start verifying again by pressing one of the
PIECE SYMBOL KEYS.
• Your game will not be affected.
• Hold the key down for 2 to 3 seconds, until the
computer responds.
• Your game has been stored in memory. To
resume play, press GO/STOP.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
SYMPTOMS
The computer doesn’t react,
or “freezes” during your
game.
The display is dim.
The computer won’t play a
move.
The computer won’t accept
your move.
The computer seems to be
making illegal or irrational
moves.
The computer is silent.
Alec is not showing in the
display.
The clock is displayed while
verifying pieces.
The display skips seconds, or
the time between seconds
seems uneven.
There is no response when a
key is pressed.
The computer turns itself off
while you are thinking about
your move.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
• Batteries are not inserted properly.
• Batteries are weak or bad.
• Static discharge or an electrical disturbance
has caused a lock-up.
• Batteries are weak.
• Non Auto Mode may be in effect.
• You may be on a level where the computer
thinks for a long time.
• Is it your turn? Is your King in check? Will your
move put your King in check? Did you move
the Rook first when castling? Are you moving
to an illegal square?
• The computer is thinking.
• You have entered the computer’s last move
incorrectly (pressed the wrong from or to
square).
• The computer has made a special move (en
passant, castle, pawn promotion).
• Your board position is incorrect.
• You may be on a Fun Level, where the com-
puter deliberately weakens play.
• The SOUND key has been pressed to turn the
sound off.
• Non Auto Mode is in effect. Since you are not
playing against the computer in this mode,
Alec is not displayed.
• The computer exits Verify Mode if no keys are
pressed for about 3 seconds.
• This can sometimes occur
while the computer
is thinking.
• This can sometimes occur
while the computer
is thinking.
• If no moves are made or keys pressed for 20
minutes, the unit powers down to conserve
batteries.
