Alphasmart 3000 User Manual
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Alphasmart 3000 User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Alphasmart 3000

  • Page 1 AlphaSmart 3000 User’s Guide...
  • Page 4 AlphaSmart 3000 User’s Guide...
  • Page 5 For technical questions or problems, please e-mail our Technical Service Center at support@alphasmart.com or call us at (888) 274-2720. To request an evaluation of the AlphaSmart 3000, please e-mail evalu- ation@alphasmart.com or call us at (888) 274-0680. For general information or sales questions, please e-mail info@alphasmart.com or call us at (888) 274-0680...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Auto Power-On ........18 CHAPTER 5 - Using Your AlphaSmart 3000 ....19 Entering Text .
  • Page 7 Status Screen ......... 53 AlphaSmart 3000 Password Protection ..... 53 Battery Status Indicator .
  • Page 8 CHAPTER 10 - Software for the AlphaSmart 3000 ... . 57 AlphaHub Compatibility ....... 57 Get Utility Software .
  • Page 9 AlphaSmart 3000 User’s Guide...

  • Page 10: Chapter 1 - Introduction

    Versatile: • The AlphaSmart 3000’s eight files make it easy to organize your work. Up to 100 pages of text, spell checker, cut/copy/paste, and features for special needs make the AlphaSmart 3000 a powerful tool for a wide range of purposes, for any application.
  • Page 11 Introduction...

  • Page 12: Chapter 2 - Quick Start

    CHAPTER 2 For users not interested in reading extended manuals, the following is a quick guide for working with the AlphaSmart 3000. Please be sure to follow these steps completely in the order given. Step One — Using the AlphaSmart 3000 1.
  • Page 13 Step Three — When Done 1. Disconnect the AlphaSmart 3000 from the computer. 2. At the computer, save the new file. 3. From the AlphaSmart 3000, press the clear file key to erase the text. 4. Turn off the AlphaSmart 3000.

  • Page 14: Chapter 3 - System Requirements

    Windows. To connect to the USB port of a PC, the PC must be running Windows 98 or newer. Windows NT does not support USB, but the AlphaSmart 3000 can still be used with a PC running Windows NT or Windows 95 by using a PC Y cable.
  • Page 15 Note for Macintosh Users: For the sake of simplicity, the term “Macintosh” is used generically throughout this manual. The procedures are the same regardless of the particular Macintosh model being used. Note for PC Users: For the sake of simplicity, the term “PC” is used generically throughout this manual when referring to an IBM-compatible DOS, Windows or OS/2 personal computer.

  • Page 16: Chapter 4 - Hardware Installation And Maintenance

    Computer Port The USB cable for connecting to USB computers The first time you connect an AlphaSmart 3000 to a USB port on a PC, Windows will bring up a series of screens to install the driver necessary to support the AlphaSmart 3000. Simply click on the Next button in each screen.

  • Page 17: Connecting The Mac Y Cable

    To transfer data to a Macintosh with an ADB (Apple Desktop Bus) port, use the Mac Y cable. (For Macintoshes with USB ports [iMac and newer], see the section “Connecting Your AlphaSmart 3000 to a Computer,” in this chapter.) We suggest installing the cable between your keyboard and mouse.

  • Page 18: Connecting The Pc Y Cable

    Connecting the PC Y Cable The PC Y cable is used to connect the AlphaSmart 3000 to an IBM- compatible PC with a PS/2-style keyboard. (To connect to a PC with a USB port, see the section “Connecting your AlphaSmart 3000 to a USB Computer,”...
  • Page 19 Grey Adapter Cable PC Keyboard AlphaSmart Installation of the PC Y cable when the keyboard has a Mini-Din 6-pin connector b. If it is a 5-pin connector… connect the orange end of the adapter cable to the orange end of the PC Y cable.
  • Page 20 Note: The PC Y cable may also be used to connect a PC to an AlphaSmart 2000 or AlphaSmart Pro. To do so, connect the blue end of the PC Y cable (instead of the grey end) into the computer port on the right side of your AlphaSmart.

  • Page 21: Batteries And Power Requirements

    AlphaSmart 3000 for 700+ hours. (When the AlphaSmart 3000 is turned off, no power from the batteries is used.) One of the ways the AlphaSmart 3000 obtains such good battery life is by entering a low power sleep mode that uses much less power when nothing is being typed.

  • Page 22: Rechargeable Battery Pack

    AlphaSmart 3000, it is automatically recharged whenever the AC adapter is plugged in, or when your AlphaSmart 3000 is attached to a computer via a USB cable. The battery pack is charged regardless of whether the AlphaSmart 3000 is turned on or off.
  • Page 23 AlphaSmart 3000 for 60–150 hours, depending on use. You will get the longest life from your battery pack if you wait for the Low Battery message to appear on the AlphaSmart 3000 screen so the pack is not needlessly recharged.

  • Page 24: Storing A Rechargeable Battery Pack

    Note: If your batteries are dead and you have no AC adapter, you can still send your data to a Macintosh or PC. Simply attach the AlphaSmart 3000 to the Macintosh or PC and turn it on. The cable will supply power to the AlphaSmart 3000 while attached.
  • Page 25 In addition, the graphical representation of the battery charge level is shown in the startup screen when the AlphaSmart 3000 is powered on, and in the screen that you see when you change files in AlphaWord.

  • Page 26: Power

    Power When connecting the AlphaSmart 3000 to a computer, do not connect the AC adapter. Using the AC adapter is not necessary as the AlphaSmart 3000 will use the power available in the keyboard cable, even if no batteries are installed.

  • Page 27: Auto Power-On

    AlphaHub or computer is turned off. When the cable is disconnected or power is removed from the cable, the AlphaSmart 3000 will return to the state it was in before connecting, i.e. if it was off before connecting, it will turn off again when disconnected.

  • Page 28: Chapter 5 - Using Your Alphasmart 3000

    (for example, AlphaWord v1.x.x, English) and the number of the file it is opening. Then the screen will display the contents of your file. The cursor will be in the same position it was when the AlphaSmart 3000 was last used.

  • Page 29: Text Formatting

    (ASCII key codes) are transferred from the AlphaSmart 3000 to the computer. However, the tab key can be used on the AlphaSmart 3000 to create columns or paragraph indentations which will transfer to the Macintosh and PC with the file. When the tab key is used, it will appear as a right arrow on the AlphaSmart 3000 screen when Show Marks is activated.

  • Page 30: Editing Text

    Editing Text The AlphaSmart 3000 has cut, copy, and paste functions for convenience in editing text. To use these features, begin by moving the cursor under the first letter of the first word in the text you want to select. When you hold down the shift key along with any of the arrow keys, you will notice a flashing block cursor...

  • Page 31: Find Feature

    Find Feature To access the AlphaSmart Find feature, press the find key or You will see a screen that says: Find:_________...

  • Page 32: Working With Files

    Working with Files The first time that the AlphaSmart 3000 is turned on, it will display the message Opening file 1. On subsequent startups, it will automatically open the last file used. File Capacity The AlphaSmart 3000 supports eight files, which are each 12.5 pages in length, or about 25 KB.

  • Page 33: Data Recovery

    file. Scroll down to the end of your text where the garbage characters start and press -backspace to erase from the cursor to the end of the file. Note: If the file was deleted using the option- -clear file command, the data is not recoverable. Using Your AlphaSmart 3000...

  • Page 34: Spell Check

    Spell Check The AlphaSmart 3000 offers a spell checker with correction/suggestion capabilities. Using Spell Check 1. Press the spell check key 2. The spell checker will check each word in the file. 3. If a word is spelled incorrectly, or if it is not in the spell check dictionary, you will be offered several options.

  • Page 35: Disabling Spell Check

    2. Enter the master password. To enable the spell check feature, press -option-spell check again and enter the master password. Note: The master password can be obtained by calling our technical support office at (888) 274-2720. Using Your AlphaSmart 3000...

  • Page 36: Chapter 6 - Transferring Text To A Computer

    1. Press the send key (at the extreme upper right of the AlphaSmart 3000 keyboard) to initiate the transfer of the current file from the AlphaSmart 3000 to the computer. If you want to abort a file transfer, press the esc AlphaSmart 3000...
  • Page 37 Be sure to be within the application and not the Finder or Desktop when you press the send key, or you may rename your files to the text in your AlphaSmart 3000.

  • Page 38: Connecting To Pc-Compatible Laptops

    Keyboard Command Differences When the AlphaSmart 3000 is attached to a computer, all of the keys except the send key behave as standard keyboard keys. Any characters that are typed will appear on the computer screen. When the AlphaSmart 3000 is attached to a PC:...

  • Page 39: Transferring Text Using Infrared

    To print, hit the print key on the AlphaSmart 3000 while pointing it towards the printer’s infrared transceiver or module. The AlphaSmart 3000 can be up to three feet (one meter) away while transferring text to and from a computer or printer.

  • Page 40: Alphabeam For Mac

    AlphaSmart 3000 equipped with the optional infrared module. Your PC must be running Windows 95 or Windows 98 or higher. The program transfers the contents of the open file on the AlphaSmart 3000 into the Windows Clipboard and to the user’s word processor if it is running.

  • Page 41: Sending Text To Applications

    When in another application, simply put the cursor where you want the text to go and press the send key on the AlphaSmart 3000. This can be a multi-media text field, or when using the text tool of a page layout program, or in an e-mail program.

  • Page 42: Databases

    Both transfer methods will paste your text into the spreadsheet correctly. Databases The steps below work for transferring text to an AppleWorks (formerly ClarisWorks) database document on a Macintosh. Database programs differ AlphaSmart 3000...
  • Page 43 4. Open a new empty word processing file. 5. Connect the AlphaSmart to the Mac keyboard cable. 6. Download the data file from the AlphaSmart 3000 to the empty AppleWorks word processing document by pressing the send key on the AlphaSmart 3000.

  • Page 44: Changing The Transfer Speed

    Even on newer, faster computers, some programs like Microsoft Word, KidWorks™, and Student Writing Center are slow to accept text and you must slow down the AlphaSmart to transfer text into these programs. The AlphaSmart file transfer speed menu is accessed by the keyboard command option- -S.
  • Page 45 2. Slow is compatible with all machines and most applications. It is recommended especially if you are using a Mac Classic, an Apple IIGS or a PC AT (286). 3. Faster (the default speed), and is recommended for the Mac LC or for 386- and 486-based PCs.

  • Page 46: Chapter 7 - Smartapplets

    Note: SmartApplets cannot be installed on the AlphaSmart Pro or AlphaSmart 2000. Note: If you are running Get Utility software for the AlphaSmart 3000, it must be closed before installing the SmartApplet. Warning: Please note that downloading a SmartApplet to the AlphaSmart 3000 resets (erases) all the files and settings, and adding SmartApplets to...

  • Page 47: Calculator Smartapplet

    AlphaSmart website: www.alphasmart.com. Calculator SmartApplet The Calculator SmartApplet is a basic five-function calculator that comes pre installed on your AlphaSmart 3000. This applet supports the most essential mathematical functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, exponentiation, and division. To run the Calculator SmartApplet, press the applets key and use the arrow keys to select Calculator, then press the enter key.
  • Page 48 3. Launch the SmartApplet application on your computer (PC or Mac). 4. Select the AlphaSmart 3000 connection type (Serial or USB) from your computer’s application window. 5. Press the Update button. The update or download will take anywhere from two to four minutes. As the AlphaSmart 3000 loads...
  • Page 49 6. Once the application indicates the SmartApplet has successfully loaded, quit the application on your computer. 7. Disconnect the cable (Serial or USB). 8. You have successfully loaded the SmartApplet onto the AlphaSmart 3000. Press the Applets button to switch between SmartApplets. SmartApplets...

  • Page 50: Chapter 8 - Printing From The Alphasmart 3000

    Printers with DIP Switch Settings • The AlphaSmart 3000 can print directly to a large number of printers by using a specially designed parallel printer cable or Apple printer cable (serial). Printers currently supported by the AlphaSmart 3000 are listed in the Support Section of our website at www.alphasmart.com...
  • Page 51 Printers with DIP switch settings If the AlphaSmart 3000 fails to print and your printer has DIP switches for different option settings, consult your printer user manual and set the DIP switches to the following settings:...
  • Page 52 LF on CR (line feed on carriage return) • If you are printing to a StyleWriter, you will be notified if the StyleWriter print cartridge is not installed correctly. A message Print Cartridge Not Installed will appear on your AlphaSmart 3000 screen. AlphaSmart 3000...
  • Page 53 Printing from the AlphaSmart 3000...

  • Page 54: Chapter 9 - Advanced Alphasmart 3000 Features

    The AutoRepeat function can be disabled or enabled by pressing option- K to get to the AutoRepeat/Key Repeat Control screen, and then pressing 1. This command works in stand-alone mode only, not when the AlphaSmart 3000 is attached to a computer.

  • Page 55: Sticky Keys

    AlphaSmart 3000 is attached to a computer. The current state of the shift, option, command, control, and caps lock keys are shown in the lower right of the AlphaSmart 3000 screen. The last five characters in the lower right corner of the display show which keys are down and which keys are up.

  • Page 56: Slow Keys

    ) on your screen. When Show Marks is disabled, both commands show å up as spaces on the AlphaSmart 3000 screen. Regardless of the Show Marks setting, both tabs and returns are transferred to the computer as tabs and returns.

  • Page 57: Alternate Keyboard Layouts

    To change the keyboard layout, press option- -L. This command works in stand-alone mode only, not when the AlphaSmart 3000 is attached to a computer. You will see four choices: Pressing 1 chooses QWERTY—the standard default layout of •...
  • Page 58 3 file 4 file 5 file 6 file 7 file 8 print find home applet send check file back space > caps lock enter & shift shift < " control option option The right one-handed keyboard layout AlphaSmart 3000...
  • Page 59 The left one-handed keyboard layout The right one-handed keyboard layout When the AlphaSmart 3000 is turned on, a message will display the current layout option selected, if other than the default QWERTY layout. Note: When you switch keyboard layouts, all dialog boxes and key commands are driven from the new layout.

  • Page 60: International Character Support

    3. Open a file in the other application. 4. Paste the text into a document in that application. Note: The reason that the international characters don’t directly transfer into some applications is that these applications don’t support the Microsoft AlphaSmart 3000...

  • Page 61: Keyboarding Timer

    file so that it can be reviewed, if desired. If you don’t wish to keep the text, simply press clear file after you exit the Keyboarding Timer. You may also wish to change to an unused file, or press clear file before starting the Keyboarding Timer. Advanced AlphaSmart 3000 Features...

  • Page 62: Status Screen

    (888) 274-2720. You may also fax your request (please include your fax number) to (530) 528-3906. Enabling the Password Option 1. Turn the AlphaSmart 3000 on and make sure it is not connected to a computer. 2. Press ctrl-option- -p to show the Password Enable/Disable screen.
  • Page 63 file. Tell them to use “write” as the old password. Changing a Password 1. Turn the AlphaSmart 3000 on and make sure it is not connected to a computer. Open file x (you might need to enter the password if password protection is on).
  • Page 64 file’s password before being allowed to edit that file. All individual file passwords can be overridden by typing the master password. If, when turning on the AlphaSmart 3000, you are prompted for the password for a file that isn’t yours, simply press the appropriate file number to get your own file and enter your password.

  • Page 65: Battery Status Indicator

    In addition, the graphical representation of the battery charge level is shown in the startup screen when the AlphaSmart 3000 is powered on, and in the screen that you see when you change files in AlphaWord.

  • Page 66: Chapter 10 - Software For The Alphasmart 3000

    Get Utility is a software utility application for PC or Mac that allows the user to send text from a computer to an AlphaSmart 3000, an AlphaSmart 2000, or an AlphaSmart Pro version 2.09, or version 2.1.3 or newer (not to version 2.1 or 2.1.2).

  • Page 67: Turbo Transfer Software For Macintosh

    Turbo Transfer Software For Macintosh TurboTransfer Software provides a simple way to speed up the data transfer rate between your AlphaSmart 3000 and your Macintosh. Typically, you should notice your transfer speed increase by six times when using TurboTransfer Software.

  • Page 68: Chapter 11 - Troubleshooting And Frequently Asked Questions

    When a file is transferred to the Macintosh, some of the characters do not show up or appear not to have transferred. If a USB cable is being used, verify that the AlphaSmart 3000 is run- • ning AlphaWord v1.4 or higher. In the word processing program on the computer, turn off Auto Correct, Spelling, URL, etc.
  • Page 69 file. Start typing and characters should appear on your screen. When I attach my AlphaSmart 3000 to my computer, I can’t send any data and my AlphaSmart 3000 screen shows my file instead of the “Attached to…”...
  • Page 70 AlphaSmart 3000 keyboard to see if it transfers correctly to the PC screen. If not, press the AlphaSmart 3000 caps lock key once to fix it, and then type a few keys to verify that it is correct.

  • Page 71: Faqs-Frequently Asked Questions

    • when you first start a Macintosh—all you will get is a “Beep” when you try to transfer from the AlphaSmart 3000. This hap- pens when the Paste command is disabled—a bug in how MSWord handles the Clipboard when it is empty. To solve this, copy something into the Clipboard before you launch MSWord.
  • Page 72 SmartApplets can be installed only on the AlphaSmart 3000, and NOT on the AlphaSmart Pro or AlphaSmart 2000. How do I replace the Lithium battery? 1. Turn the AlphaSmart 3000 off. 2. Remove the 8 screws from the back using a Phillips screwdriver.
  • Page 73 If my AlphaSmart 3000 does not work properly, what should I do? If your AlphaSmart 3000 is not working properly, please e-mail us, call us directly, or see the “Return Procedures” section for details. If I accidentally erased or cleared my file, can I recover it? Yes.
  • Page 74 Macintosh: Yes—we have specifically tested this. For details, please see the section “Concerns About ADB Live Connect/ Disconnect”. PC: Only if attaching the AlphaSmart 3000 to the PC Y cable. The PC Y cable allows connections to the AlphaSmart 3000 while power is on. The PC Y cable, however, should be attached to the computer while the power is off.
  • Page 75 Phone (888) 274-0680 (Inside U.S.) (408) 355-1000 (International) Fax: (408) 355-1055 E-mail: info@alphasmart.com http://www.alphasmart.com Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions...

  • Page 76: Chapter 12 - Warranty, Return Procedures And Guarantee

    During this period, if a defect should occur, AlphaSmart, Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace the AlphaSmart 3000 at no charge to you, provided that it is returned during the warranty period to AlphaSmart, Inc. or one of its authorized resellers.

  • Page 77: Guarantee

    Only AlphaSmart, Inc. can assign RMA numbers. If an AlphaSmart 3000 is returned without an RMA number, it will delay the repair and increase the chance that it can become “lost.” Please ship the AlphaSmart 3000 with a reliable shipper. AlphaS- mart, Inc.

  • Page 78: And Safety Guidelines

    Take care not to break the LCD screen. Don’t drop the AlphaSmart • 3000 or subject it to strong impact. Do not place an AC adapter or other heavy object over the LCD screen. Keep your AlphaSmart 3000 away from extreme heat. Don’t leave it •...
  • Page 79 Caution: Please note that there may be a risk of physical injury due to improper use of your AlphaSmart 3000. In order to help reduce this risk of physical injury, read and follow the instructions in this section.
  • Page 80 Positioning of the AlphaSmart 3000 The AlphaSmart 3000 should be located in front of you and at a comfortable distance so that your arms and hands are resting in a relaxed and ready position at your sides. Choose a work area that can accommodate your AlphaSmart 3000 and any additional materials.
  • Page 81 You should use several lighting sources to accommodate different tasks, such as overhead lighting for viewing your AlphaSmart 3000 and the overall workstation area, and more focused lighting for closer desktop tasks.
  • Page 82 Conclusion Though most of the safety guides listed here are intended for computers users, we would also like AlphaSmart 3000 users to be aware of these. By following the above recommendations and taking care of your overall physical condition through regular exercise, the use of your AlphaSmart 3000 should be more enjoyable and productive.
  • Page 83 Note: The above recommendations are to help you use your AlphaSmart 3000 in a more enjoyable and productive manner. However, you need to determine the best work conditions and environment for your work, as each situation is specific to that individual.

  • Page 84: Chapter 14 -Appendix A - Keyboard Commands, International And Special Characters

    CHAPTER 14 Commands, International and Special Characters The following tables show special keyboard commands supported by the AlphaSmart 3000. Table 1: AlphaSmart 3000 Keyboard Commands Text Editing Commands Action Keyboard Command Delete from cursor to the end of file x-backspace...
  • Page 85 Table 1: AlphaSmart 3000 Keyboard Commands Clear all files ctrl-shift-option-x-clear file Recover 40 characters ctrl-option-x-R Recover file from last deletion option-x-R Recover entire file ctrl-shift-option-x-R Print files Print, or x-P Printer selection menu option-print Keyboarding Timer x-find File Character Status...
  • Page 86 The following tables show the international and special characters supported by the AlphaSmart 3000, and the keystroke sequence required to generate each character. Key combinations separated by hyphens (ctrl-option-2) should be pressed in the sequence given and held down until the last key is pressed. Key combinations separated by a comma (option-E, A) should be pressed sequen- tially;...
  • Page 87 Table 2: Diacritical Characters ã option-N, A tilde accent å option-A dot accent Æ option-shift-‘ ç option-C cedilla accent Ç option-shift-C cedilla accent É option-E, shift-E acute accent È option-`, shift-E grave accent Ê option-I, shift-E circumflex accent Ë option-U, shift-E umlaut accent è...
  • Page 88 ÿ option-U, Y umlaut accent Table 3: Special Characters Character Keystroke(s) ™ option-2 ® option-R © option-G ø option-O Ø option-shift-O ° option-shift-8 (infinity) option-5 § option-6 ¶ option-7 Table 4: Punctuation Character Keystroke(s) ¿ option-shift-/ ¡ option-1 AlphaSmart 3000...
  • Page 89 Table 4: Punctuation » option-shift-\ « option-\ Table 5: Accents Character Keystroke(s) ´ (acute accent) option-E, space ` (grave accent) option-`, space ^ (circumflex) option-I, space ¨ (umlaut) option-U, space ~ (tilde) option-N, space ˙ (superscript dot) option-H Table 6: Math Characters Character Keystroke(s) ctrl-option-2...
  • Page 90 Table 7: Currency Symbols euro option-shift-5 ¥ option-Y Table 8: Greek Characters Character Keystroke(s) ß (beta or German Sharp S) option-S (sigma) option-W (pi) option-P µ (mu) option-M (omega) option-Z AlphaSmart 3000...
  • Page 91 Appendix A - Keyboard Commands, International and Special Characters...
  • Page 92 AlphaBeam delete 21 for Mac 31 paste 21 for PC 31 recover 40 characters 24 transferring text 30 connecting your AlphaSmart to a AlphaHub compatibility 57 computer 7 AlphaSmart connecting, laptops 29 keyboard commands table 80 copy command 21 password protection 53...
  • Page 93 17 printer DIP switch settings 42 Key Repeat Control 45 printers supported by AlphaSmart 41 Keyboarding Timer 52 printing from the AlphaSmart 41, 43 keyboards alternate layouts 48 command differences 29 quick start 3 Dvorak layout 49 QWERTY keyboard layout 48...
  • Page 94 television and radio interference 73 text safety 69, 72 editing 21 send speed 36 entering 19 sending text to a computer 27 formatting 20 sending text to applications 32 text formatting 20 serial printer cable 42 Timer, Keyboarding 52 setting passwords 54 toxic elements statement 15 Show Marks function 47 transfer speed, changing 35...
  • Page 95 AlphaSmart, Inc. 973 University Avenue Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 355-1000 or (888) 274-0680 (toll-free) Fax: (408) 355-1055 www.alphasmart.com MAN-US30 V020530 ©2002 AlphaSmart, Inc. AlphaSmart is a registered trademark.

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