background image

8

The clock is not used during this mode and NonAuto, when
selected, is only in effect after the opening moves are
finished.

Note that the method chosen for playing the Openings
Coach is retained in memory until batteries are
replaced of ACL is pressed.

When you want to get back to playing a normal game, just

press NEW GAME, and you will be returned to the standard
board.

3.13 Verify Mode.  Check Piece Positions!

If the pieces get knocked over, or you think any of them

have been put in the wrong places, you can get the computer
to run a check for you.  Just press the Piece Symbol key for
the piece you are questioning.  The computer will show you
the symbol for the color and piece type, along with the
square on which it should be placed.  Pressing the key again
shows the position of the next piece of that type, and so on
until all such pieces that should be on the board have been
shown.  The display shows white pieces first, and then the
black pieces.  When there are no more pieces of that type to
report, the display reverts to showing the side to move, and
sounds two ‘beeps’ to get your attention.  An example of the
sequence of displays is shown in Figure 3-1.

This example indicates that one of the white knights has
been captured, and it is now white to play.

To verify other pieces, repeat the same steps using the

other Piece Symbol keys.  When you are finished, simply
make your next move.  Meanwhile the clock has been
temporarily stopped.  The computer automatically exits Verify
Mode if no piece symbol key is pressed within about 5
seconds.

3.14 Non Auto Mode

Normally, the computer automatically answers with a

countermove whenever you enter a move.  If you press NON
AUTO
 the computer responds with a ‘beep’ and you can then
enter all the moves for both sides, one by one, without
allowing the computer to answer!  This special feature can be
used in a number of different ways:

• Play through master chess games.  It is interesting to

press PLAY to see what the computer would do in any
position!

• Study opening book lines by entering them manually.
• Play chess against a friend, with the computer acting

as referee to check the legality of all moves and keep
track of the time for both sides!  If you need help with a
move, simply press PLAY and the computer will make
the next move.  After the move, Non Auto mode
remains  in effect, and you can continue your game!

• Replay to any board position for further study.

To exit Non Auto mode and return to normal play, press

NON AUTO once again, and a double ‘beep’ verifies that the
mode has been canceled.

Note that Non Auto mode is also automatically can-
celed whenever you press NEW GAME or select a
Teach mode on exiting Level mode.

4 TECHNICAL  DETAILS

4.1  The ACL Function

Computers can sometimes “lock up” due to static

discharge or other electrical disturbances.  If this should
happen, take out the batteries and use a pin or a similar
sharp object to press into the hole marked ACL in the base
of the unit for at least one second.  This resets the computer.

4.2  Care and Maintenance

Your chess computer is a precision electronic device, and

should not be subjected to rough handling or exposed to
extreme temperatures or moisture. Be sure to remove the
batteries before cleaning the unit.  Do not use chemicals
agents or liquids to clean your unit, as they may damage the
plastic.

Weak batteries should be replaced promptly, since they

can leak and damage the computer. Please also note the
following regarding the use of batteries. 

Warning: Use only

alkaline or zinc carbon batteries. Do not mix different
types of batteries or new and used batteries. Do not
recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Use only the
recommended batteries or equivalent. Be sure to
observe the correct polarity when inserting batteries.
Worn out batteries should be removed from the unit
promptly. Do not short circuit the supply terminals.

4.3  Technical Specifications

Clock Frequency:

4.2MHz

Keys:

14

LCD Display:

Viewing area 30 x 13 mm

Sound:

Piezo-electric buzzer

Batteries:

3 AA/AM3/R6 (1.5V) cells  

Battery Life:

600 hrs for new alkaline batteries

Dimensions:

314 X 252 X 34 mm

Saitek reserves the right to make technical changes without notice in the

interest of progress.

Square

Name

Moves

Italian Opening

Two Knights Defense

Spanish Opening

Sicilian Defense

French Defense

Caro-Kann Defense

Scandinavian Defense

Alekhine’s Defense
Queen’s Gambit

Queen’s Gambit Accepted
Nimzo-Indian Defense

Queen’s Indian Defense

King’s Indian Defense

Gruenfeld Defense

Dutch Defense

English Opening

e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
f1c4, f8c5
e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
f1c4, g8f6
e2e4, e7e5, g1f3, b8c6,
f1b5, a7a6, b5a4, g8f6,
e1g1, b7b5
e2e4, c7c5, g1f3, d7d6,
d2d4, c5d4, f3d4, g8f6,
b1c3
e2e4, e7e6, d2d4, d7d5

e2e4, c7c6, d2d4, d7d5,
b1c3, d5e4
e2e4, d7d5, e4d5, d8d5,
b1c3, d5a5
e2e4, g8f6, e4e5, f6d5
d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, e7e6,
b1c3, g8f6, c1g5, f8e7
d2d4, d7d5, c2c4, d5c4
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6,
b1c3, f8b4
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, e7e6,
g1f3, b7b6
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6,
b1c3, f8g7, e2e4, d7d6
d2d4, g8f6, c2c4, g7g6,
b1c3, d7d5
d2d4, f7f5, c2c4, g8f6,
b1c3, e7e6
c2c4, e7e5, b1c3, g8f6,
g1f3

A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

A6

A7

A8
B1

B2
B3

B4

B5

B6

B7

B8

Figure 3-1 Moves in Openings Coach

Key Press

 Display Shows

Meanings

Press 

 first time

Press 

 second time

Press 

 third time

Press 

 fourth time

zn:B1

Zn:B8

n:F6

zn:zz

 (beep, beep)

White Knight on B1

Black Knight on B8

black Knight on F6

no more Knight,
white-to-move

Summary of Contents for Alchemist

Page 1: ...es into the computer making sure that you observe the correct polarity Reinstall the battery door Details at Section 1 1 Press GO STOP to turn the game on If the computer does not respond press a pape...

Page 2: ...HEN IT IS SELECTED Sound and Coach 3 high tones Sound only 2 high tones Silent 1 high tone With Coach selected the computer will evaluate your move immediately it is completed and emit two low tones i...

Page 3: ...are on the right side of the display E2 E4 As soon as your move is finished if you have Sound and Coach selected the display will show Cocch while it evaluates your move Two low tones are emitted if t...

Page 4: ...ay instead display Conch after your move while it analyzes whether you made a good or a bad move If it thinks your move is not good it sounds two low tones For the first hour of the game or the remain...

Page 5: ...mputer will remember your position for up to 600 hours with fresh alkaline batteries When you switch on again continue where you left off If you do not press a key or make a move within about 20 minut...

Page 6: ...ese levels the display cycles through three different pieces of information each of which is shown for 1 second For example if you chose E2 you would see The selected square L E2 and then The base tim...

Page 7: ...lowing key sequences and effects LEVEL LEVEL No change Previous level remains selected LEVEL Square LEVEL New level selected clock resets LEVEL Piece Symbol Starting position of selected LEVEL Teach m...

Page 8: ...to mode is also automatically can celed whenever you press NEW GAME or select a Teach mode on exiting Level mode 4 TECHNICAL DETAILS 4 1 The ACL Function Computers can sometimes lock up due to static...

Page 9: ...llegal square The computer is thinking You have entered the computer s last move incorrectly pressed the wrong squares The computer has made one of the special moves such as en passant castle or pawn...

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