131701_Intel 8/23/00 1:12 PM Page 1

Welcome to the
Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope
® ™ ™

Table of contents Congratulations on

Package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 your purchase of
® ™ ™
Setup guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 the Intel Play QX3
Using the Intel® Play™ QX3™ controls . .4 Computer Microscope,
Software notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
one of Intel’s new toys
Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . .6
that let your imagina-
tion run wild! A note to parents Minimum
Support and troubleshooting . . . . . . .7
about this book system
These toys harness the power of your
Your Activity Book . . . . . . . . . .flip side This book is designed in flip format. requirements:
PC to encourage creative play activities You can easily find the information ■ A computer that is
directed by your children. With the needed to properly set up the toy. USB enabled (Most
QX3™ Computer Microscope, your kids Your children can quickly find computers manufac-
can explore their environments and information to help them achieve tured after June 1998
share their discoveries with you and are USB enabled.)
results when using it.
■ Microsoft® Windows® 98
their friends. Some of the benefits of
the QX3™ microscope include: Your section is here, behind the Parent ■ Intel® Pentium® or
Quick Start Guide cover. This guide will Celeron™ processor
■ Turning everyday objects into big 200 MHz or faster
help you:
opportunities for fun and learning. (or equivalent)
■ Using software to alter images in ■ Set up the QX3™ Computer ■ 32 MB of RAM
imaginative and wacky ways. Microscope. ■ Minimum 75 MB hard
■ Creating an audiovisual show with ■ Maintain it. disk space
special effects and music. ■ Change the bulbs. ■ Quad speed (4x)
■ Using a microscope in a CD-ROM
■ Order supplies and parts.
handheld mode. ■ 800x600 display,
■ Troubleshoot problems.
■ Viewing images on a computer 16-bit color
screen with friends. ■ Windows® compatible
■ Building a collection of images sound device
and movies. ■ Video and
■ Creating time-lapse movies. sound compatible
■ Printing out posters and stickers. with DirectX®

24221-0923 P A R E N T Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E
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Package contents

Your
1 package
contains
1 Intel® Play™ QX3™ Computer
Microscope (microscope
with USB cable and stand)

2 2 Sample jars with lids (2)

3 Containment dishes
8 with lids (2)

3 4 Plastic tweezers
7
4 5 Eyedropper
5 6
6 Prepared slides (3)

Check the contents of
your package. You should
have all the items shown
here. If anything is missing
or damaged, contact Intel
Technical Support at:
916-377-7000
(for additional technical
support numbers,
see page 7).
Parent Quick
Start Guide
You should share the information in this
Parent Quick Start Guide with your
whole family. While the QX3™ Computer
Microscope is easy to install and a
snap to use, the initial hardware setup
and software installation must be done
by an adult. Your children should
be encouraged to keep the toy clean,
but only an adult should change the
bulbs. Make sure everyone under-
stands the information in the section
titled “Playing Safely” on page 5
to prevent damage or injury when
using this toy.
7 Software (CD-ROM)
8 This guide and a
registration card
Getting help
■ Click on the Help button to
use the software’s Audio Help.
The cursor changes to a question
mark (?).
■ Pause over items and you will hear
their names and how to use them.
■ More detailed help is available in
Online Help through the F1
function key.
■ You can also get help at the Intel® Play™
web site: www.intelplay.com.

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P A R E N T Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E

Setup guide
STOP!!! Do not
attach the microscope
to your computer! It is
If things
important that you install the go wrong
software first. If you have any
problems with the
Here’s how to setup procedure,
first make sure
get started using you have followed
your microscope
and software. 2 4 these instructions
exactly. If you did,
■ Follow the steps by clicking the ■ Restart your computer. please do the
appropriate buttons. ■ Once the Windows® desktop following:
appears, plug the microscope cable
■ Unplug the
into your computer’s USB port.
USB cable.
■ Now that you have plugged in your
■ Restart your
microscope, double click on the QX3™
icon to launch the software. computer.
■ Repeat the
Or,
setup steps.
■ Go to the Windows Start menu to
®

launch the software. If you are still having

problems, see
IMPORTANT: “Troubleshooting”

1 3 Make sure to check the Read Me file

for any tips or important information
written since this guide was printed.
on page 7.

■ When installation is complete, you

■ Insert the Intel® Play™ QX3™ Computer
Microscope CD.
■ Wait for the autoplay to start.
■ Click the Install button.
(If Autoplay does not automatically
launch the installer, go to the desktop
and double-click on the icon named
can register your QX3™ microscope To access the Read Me from your
online if you have a modem. Windows® Start menu, click Start,
■ Adults, follow the instructions on the point to Programs, point to Intel
e-registration screens. Play QX3 Microscope and then
(If you can’t or don’t want to register click QX3 Read Me. CAUTION:
online, click the Cancel button and Upper and lower
continue with step 4.) illumination sur-
faces can get

all t!
My Computer. Double-click the icon for
very warm.
the CD-ROM/DVD drive that contains
s
at’ to i
the QX3™ software. Sometimes this will
cause Autoplay to start. If it doesn’t,
Th is
open the setup folder, double-click on
re
the
setup.exe, and follow the setup steps
on this page.)

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Using the Intel Play QX3 controls

® ™ ™

Capture button 4

Checking Focus
Magnification ring
5 out the QX3 ™ Look at the computer screen and
adjust the focus knob until the image is
controls
1 USB cable
Once the software is running,
clear. Focusing may take a little
practice. On some computers, there
you can use the controls on
can be a delay between knob
Base stand the microscope to focus,
6 movement and screen image
change magnification level,
2 Focus knob and capture pictures or
adjustment. Try making small changes
and waiting for the screen to catch up.
movies (in handheld mode).

Capturing
3 Sample platform
pictures and
Setup movies in
suggestion handheld mode
In handheld mode, click the Capture
Remember the
QX3 ™ microscope ™
button to take a picture. Click and NOTE: In
can be used in The QX3 Computer hold the button to capture a movie. handheld mode,
handheld mode, focus by slowly
but you need to
Microscope consists of For more information on how to use
the microscope in handheld mode, moving the
have a clear view a base stand and a press F1 for Online Help. microscope closer
of the monitor to
to or farther away
see what is being detachable microscope.
examined. Changing from the object
Arrange your There are two light sources: magnification being examined.
play area with You can get a good idea of the focal
this in mind. one in the sample platform Choose the level by rotating the
range with the microscope on the base
magnification ring on the microscope
and another in the until the desired magnification level
stand and watching the upper and
lower limits of the focus adjustment.
microscope. The base also label faces you. You will hear a click
when the lens is properly aligned.
has focus knobs, while The levels correspond roughly to 10x,
the microscope has a 60x and 200X*. In this guide, we refer
to magnification as low, medium,
magnification ring and or high. *These magnification levels are approximate and
have been measured using a 15 in. (38 cm.)
capture button. monitor. Actual magnification will vary according to
the size of your monitor.
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P A R E N T Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E

Software notes
Now that setup is complete Lighting You can put a bug or a slug in the
Remember
containment dish to look at, take
and you are familiar with The QX3 lights are controlled by the
™

magnified snapshots, or make

™ short movies.
the QX3 microscope,
use Your Activity Book
for an overview of the
™
QX3 software.
More information about software
operation is in the Online Help files.
Audio Help is also available to help
your children learn to:
■ Capture magnified pictures and
movies of interesting things they
find and collect.
■ Use paint tools and special effects
to modify pictures and movies.
■ Print stickers and posters.
■ Make slide shows to share with
family and friends.
Uninstalling the
QX3 software
™
To uninstall your QX3™ software from the
Windows® Start menu, click Start, point
to Programs, point to Intel Play QX3
Microscope and then click Uninstall
QX3 Microscope.
To reinstall the software, see the
section “Setup Guide” on page 3,
or press F1 for Online Help.
this—
software. The microscope lights turn ■ If disk space is
on automatically when you enter Live limited, urge your
View. They turn off when you go to children to delete
Main, where they are not needed.
Adding extra lighting unwanted cap-
Ordinary household light works fine tures when they
with the QX3™ microscope. You may
finish playing.
Lighting controls ■ Alt-F4 is a func-
You control the lights in Live View with want to place a high-intensity desk
tion of Microsoft®
the Lighting Controls on the screen. lamp near the microscope to add to Windows® that
top lighting when using medium or will quit an
Click the top bulb to use top lighting.
high magnification. application. Also
Click the bottom bulb to shine light up Alt-Tab will cycle
through the sample platform. through open
Playing safely applications.
Moving the slider up makes your We encourage you to participate Remind your
in play activity with this and other children to avoid
sample look brighter. Moving it down
these keystrokes
makes your sample less bright. toys unless your children play when using the
Experiment to find what works best responsibly when unsupervised. QX3™ software.
with your samples. The QX3™ Computer Microscope,
if misused, could result in injury or
When you remove the microscope
damage. Here are some suggestions
from the base, the top light comes
for safe operation of the QX3™
on automatically.
Computer Microscope.
WARNING:
Using the right light ■ When setting up the play area, make
sure your child can easily view the If you use an
Use the bottom light to shine light up additional light
monitor while placing specimens on
through transparent and very thin the sample platform. with your
samples (e.g., feathers, slices of ■ Demonstrate the safe reach of the microscope,
vegetables, onion skin). USB cable. do not use a
■ Encourage responsible use and care
lamp with a
The light in the detachable microscope of the equipment. halogen or
illuminates objects that are too large other high heat
■ Be especially careful when using
or heavy to be placed on the bulb that could
liquids around electrical equipment.
microscope’s sample platform.
cause burns if
accidently
You can also use the microscope touched.
on the stand to view small solid
objects and living specimens with
top lighting.

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Care and maintenance

Caring Lens cover IMPORTANT: The bulbs Lower bulb replacement

1. Unplug the USB cable from
for the lens replacement become hot when operating. Make your computer.
sure the bulb has fully cooled to room
cover If the lens cover becomes severely 2. Remove the microscope from the
smudged, scratched, or stained, it temperature before replacing. Do not base and set it aside.
The protective lens
should be replaced. To order a touch the surface of the replacement 3. Remove the bulb cover on the
cover on the QX3™
replacement lens cover, see bulb with your fingers. bottom of the sample platform by
microscope may loosening two screws.
“Support” on page 7. Use a cloth or cotton
become dirty with
glove to prevent
use. Use only
Step 1 damage to the bulb.
canned air to clean
The cover is
it. Never use a lens
replaced by
brush or other
removing the two
rubbing method to
Phillips head screws To change bulbs, follow
clean the lens cover.
and discarding the these steps:
Avoid the use of
damaged cover. Upper bulb replacement
liquid cleaners!
1. Unplug the USB cable from your
Step 2 computer.
Cleaning 4. Remove and discard
Secure the replacement cover with 2. Remove the microscope from the old bulb.
the sample the base.
the retained Phillips head screws. Do 5. Insert the new bulb,
platform not over-tighten. 3. Remove the single screw holding replace the bulb
The sample platform the bulb retainer in the microscope cover and re-attach
housing. the USB cable.
should be wiped Changing bulbs 4. Remove and discard the old bulb.
clean with a damp Bulbs used in the QX3™ microscope are
cloth after use. The 5. Insert the new
a special type not found in stores.
bulb, replace
stand and Replacement bulbs other than the bulb retainer
microscope should authorized Intel® Play™ bulbs may cause and re-attach
also be wiped clean damage to your microscope and void the USB cable.
whenever required. your warranty! To order replacement
bulbs, see “Support” on page 7. IMPORTANT:
All procedures on this
NOTE: A bulb should be page must be performed
replaced whenever there is a noticeable by an adult.
decrease in light output. Adequate light
is needed to get the best capture with
the microscope.

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Support and troubleshooting
Support
Replacement parts
and supplies
Order the following replacement parts
directly from Intel:
Light bulb (top or bottom)
Lens Cover
Containment Dish and Lid
Contact Intel Technical Support:
North America: 916-377-7000
Alternative sources
Check your phone directory to locate
specialty items to use with your QX3™
Computer Microscope. Look under:
■ Bait shops—meal worms, red
wrigglers, maggots
■ Craft stores—ribbons, fibers, dried
plants, beads, sequins
■ Pet shops—brine shrimp, tubifex,
bloodworms, daphnia
■
Hobby shops—prepared slides,
collection jars, eyedroppers
■
Museum shops—prepared slides,
bugs in amber
■ Nurseries—special soils, sands, live
bugs, mosses, rocks and gravel,
plants not found at home
■ Public aquariums—prepared slides,
crystals, fossils
■ Office supply stores—specialty
papers, stickers
Stickers and
specialty papers
We recommend you use Avery®
Round Stickers, 3113. These are
available as part of Avery® Personal
Creations™ White Removable Stickers
Variety Pack, 3274™. If you need
P A R E N T Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E
Technical
Support
more information, contact Avery® processing load. You should also
North America:
at 1-800-462-8379 or check their Alt-Tab to other open applications 916-377-7000
web site at http://www.avery.com: and close them.
Australia:
not an Intel web site.
1-800-881-001
Hard disk space
Troubleshooting The software indicates when hard drive
(after the tone,
Check Online Help and the “Read Me” dial 877-858-6544)
space is low and prevents new
file for important changes and New Zealand:
samples from being created until more
information developed since this guide 000-911
space is available. The minimum
was printed. You can also check our (after the tone,
amount of free disk space needed is
web site for the latest information. dial 877-858-6544)
20 Megabytes.
Malaysia:
Diagnostic program Visual orientation 1-800-80-0011
The QX3™ Computer Microscope (after the tone,
confusion
includes a diagnostic program that dial 877-858-6544)
In handheld mode, moving the QX3™
ran during initial installation to assure microscope toward you has the same Singapore:
your system met the minimum effect as pushing a slide on the sample 800-0111-111
requirements. If you need to contact (after the tone,
platform away from you. Likewise,
Technical Support, you may be asked dial 877-858-6544)
moving to the right in handheld mode
to run this program from the Windows® is the same as moving a slide on the India:
Start Menu to produce a report. sample platform to the left. Press F1 for 000-117
(after the tone,
Online Help for additional information. dial 877-858-6544)
Universal Serial Bus
(USB) problems Special effects Japan:
If your microscope shows up in the 03-5350-8866
The time it takes to apply a special
device manager as disabled or non- effect depends upon the complexity United Kingdom:
functioning, you can check our web site of the sample being altered, the effect +44 (0) 870 607 2439
for up-to-date information on USB chosen, and your computer model. France:
problems and solutions. If you don’t find The faster the computer the more +33 (0) 141 91 85 29
a solution there, call Technical Support. quickly an effect will render. Movies Germany:
You may be asked to run the diagnostic are processed one frame at a time. +49 (0) 69 9509 6099
utility to isolate and solve the problem. Applying a complex effect to a long
Italy:
movie can take considerable time.
Sluggish performance +39 (0) 2 696 33276
For this reason, you are given the
If you have trouble focusing or other Spain:
opportunity to cancel effects applied
operations seem excessively slow, set +34 (0) 91 377 1866
to movies. Cancelling an effect leaves
your screen color depth to 24- or 16-bit Web Address:
your original sample untouched.
color (if available). This decreases the http://support.intel.com/
support/intelplay/
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P A R E N T Q U I C K S T A R T G U I D E

Troubleshooting, General errors

continued These errors will appear in the

standard Windows® dialog box
Sound and contain a number in them
We recommend using speakers that
to identify the specific cause to
connect directly to the ports on your
Technical Support. These messages
sound card. Although USB speakers
also include a suggested resolution.
work with the Intel® Play™ QX3™
The following table lists the most
software, under heavy CPU load we
common of these messages and
have found quality problems, resulting
additional suggested solutions.
in choppy playback.

Import/export problems
Import supports the following formats:
■ BMP (1-bit, 2-bit, 4-bit, 8-bit, 24-bit,
and 32-bit color depths).
■ JPEG (color and grey scale).
■ Photo CD.
Export supports the following formats:
■
BMP (24-bit), JPEG (color).
■ AVI.
Error messages
You may encounter two kinds of error
messages using the QX3™ software. If
errors are recurring, contact Technical
Support (see page 7).
Message
Your microscope is not plugged in. Please
connect the microscope.
Your computer can’t find all the necessary
software components. Please reinstall
QX3 software.
There is not enough room on your computer
to get started. Please make more room on
your hard drive.
Your computer can’t run this program.
See the Parent-Quick-Start-Guide for
minimum system requirements.
Your computer stopped paying attention.
Please exit and restart the QX3™ Software.
You are out of memory. Please exit other
applications to free up more memory.
Solution
Connect the microscope, see page 3.
Reinstall the QX3™ software, see page 3.
Delete items from the sample collection,
run the Windows® maintenance utilities,
and/or delete other unused files
and applications.
If your computer matches the minimum
system requirements, contact Customer
Service.
Click OK to exit the software. Restart the
QX3™ software. If error repeats, reboot
your computer.
Alt-tab to other open applications and
exit them.

Live View error

You may see the following error in Live
View, displayed on a white
background:
■ I am having trouble communicating
with your computer. Please restart
your computer.