Make sure the USB-to-serial cable and the Beamer are connected to the computer.

Make sure only one copy of PicoBlocks is running.

	Look at the bottom of your Windows screen. Make sure there is no number next to the PicoCricket icon.
	If there is, close (X) each extra PicoBlocks window until it looks like this.

Check for port conflicts. (Turn off PalmPilot Hotsync. Disable Bluetooth software.) To check for port conflicts, go to Control Panel > System. Find Device Manager and look at "Ports (COM & LPT)."

Unplug and plug back in the USB-to-serial cable (and make sure the Beamer is also plugged in).

Make sure that the Beamer and the USB-to-serial cable are properly connected to the computer before starting PicoBlocks.

Restart PicoBlocks.

Restart your computer, then restart PicoBlocks.

If you see the PicoCricket’s antennas flash unexpectedly, try moving further away from possible infrared sources (such as computer monitors, sunlight, or PC laptops). You can also use your hands or a piece of cardboard to shield the PicoCricket's antennae (infrared receivers) so that they only see and pick up signals from the Beamer.

Make sure the PicoCricket is turned on.
(The orange light near the switch will glow.)

Make sure the PicoCricket's eyes are facing the Beamer.

Make sure the PicoCricket has fresh batteries.

If you see the PicoCricket’s antennas flash unexpectedly, try moving further away from possible infrared sources (such as computer monitors, sunlight, or PC laptops). You can also use your hands or a piece of cardboard to shield the PicoCricket's antennae (infrared receivers) so that they only see and pick up signals from the Beamer.

If you have an Intel Mac, make sure you have the latest PicoBlocks software.

Make sure the PicoCricket is facing the Beamer.

Make sure the PicoCricket is close to the Beamer (within 1 foot or about 30 centimeters).

Make sure there is nothing between the Beamer and the PicoCricket that could be blocking the transmission.

Do not move your PicoCricket while it’s still downloading.

Computer screens, very bright lights, and flashing fluoresent bulbs sometimes interfere with the PicoCricket’s infrared communication. If you see the PicoCricket’s antennas flash unexpectedly, try moving further away from possible infrared sources. You can also use your hands or a piece of cardboard to shield the PicoCricket's antennae (infrared receivers) so that they only see and pick up signals from the Beamer.

Turn off Infrared communication in your computer's Control Panels. (This problem often occurs on PC laptops.)

Turn off any other nearby Crickets when downloading.

Make sure PicoCricket batteries are fresh.

Turn PicoCricket off and back on.

Check for error messages at the bottom of the PicoBlocks screen.

Make sure your PicoCricket is on.

Make sure the PicoCricket antennas are facing the Beamer.

Make sure the Beamer is plugged in.

Turn PicoCricket off, then back on.

Make sure you have the correct parts connected to PicoCricket.

Click on blocks again with wand. (Or double-click with the cursor arrow.)

To check to see if PicoBlocks is communicating with your PicoCricket, go to Sound and drag out a "chirp" block. Click with the wand on chirp.

If you are using a sensor, your program may be waiting for the sensor to be triggered.

Reconnect the blocks in your PicoBlocks program. (Sometimes they look connected but aren't. They will make a "pop" sound when they connect.) To make sure they're connected drag around the top block in the stack--all the blocks below should move with it. Then download the program to your PicoCricket again.

Sound doesn’t play

Make sure the Sound box is plugged into the PicoCricket.

Check for error messages at the bottom of the Picoblocks screen.

Squealing sound from sound box

Place fresh batteries in the PicoCricket.

Wait a little longer, since it takes PicoBlocks a
few minutes to launch.

Try reinstalling the software.

If it still won't open, you may have more than one version of Java running. Go to "Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs." If there is more than one version of Java, remove them all, and reinstall the PicoBlocks software.

If none of the above solutions work, please email us with details at: support@playfulinvention.com

Symbols:
Applies to Mac users only
Applies to Windows users only