ShortCircuit User's Manual

Introduction

Thank you for trying ShortCircuit by TealPoint, the addictive puzzle action game for PalmOS handhelds.

This PalmOS file archive contains the following files:

Program files:

TEALSHRT.PRC The ShortCircuit program file

TPSETUP.EXE Windows easy-installer program

Document files:

SHRTDOC.PDF This document in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format

SHRTDOC.HTM This document in HTML format (sans images)

SHRTDOC.PRC This document in TealDoc format

Installing

PALMOS

On a Windows PC you can also use quick setup installer by double clicking on the TPSETUP.EXE installer program, and following the on screen prompts.

For other systems:

1) Install Program

Use the Palm Install Tool that comes with your organizer to install the program file TEALSHRT.PRC. The Palm Install Tool can be found as an icon along the left hand side inside the Palm Desktop program on your desktop computer. Instructions on how to use the Palm install tool are in the Palm Handbook or electronic manual that came with your Pilot, PalmPilot, Visor, CLIE, or WorkPad.

2) Install Documents

You can optionally also install SHRTDOC.PRC, a copy of this document in Palm “Doc” format suitable for reading with a Doc reader like TealDoc.

FOLEO

Open the File Manager and double-click on the shortcircuit_x.xx.x_arm.hxp install file. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Terms used in this document

Hardware Buttons:

The four physical buttons (e.g. date, address, todo, and memo) typically located in a row at the bottom of your handheld

Scroll Up/Down Buttons:

The physical rocker switch at the bottom center of the handheld

Five-way control:

On newer handhelds, a 5-way control replaces the scroll up/down buttons, adding left and right movement and a center select button.

Graffiti:

The special letter-like symbols you write to enter text with your stylus.

Graffiti Entry Area:

The rectangular area at the bottom of the display screen where you can write letters in graffiti.

Silkscreen Buttons:

The four printed circular tap areas (Home, Menu, Calculator, and Find) to the left and right of the graffiti drawing area.

Menus:

The drop-down menus you get when tapping on the silkscreen menu button, or tap on the title bar (if present) on a device running PalmOS 3.5 or higher.

Chapter 1 – Game Play

ShortCircuit by TealPoint is a simple but challenging game that combines special orientation and connectivity skills with fast as furious arcade puzzle play.

Overview

ShortCircuit is a race against the clock. The player has to quickly manipulate and connect sections of power conduit “tiles” as they drop down into playing field. As each new piece enters the playfield in sequence, a preview of the next piece appears to the right.

Objective

To goal is to connect falling pieces into squares, rectangles, or any closed regular or irregular shape, creating loops of conduit called “circuits”.

When a circuit is completed, the pieces in the circuit explode, earning points, taking out adjacent conduit tiles, and clearing space for more pieces to follow.

Challenge

The player can rotate each piece or slide it left or right, but it advances downwards by itself at a steady pace. As the game proceeds to higher and higher levels, the speed at which the pieces fall increases, as does the challenge involved in orienting and placing the pieces before they land.

When the pile of dropped pieces reaches the top of the screen, the game is over.

Scoring

Points are awarded as follows:

Connecting a conduit piece to another – 10 points

Completing a closed circuit of pieces – 100 points per piece

An addition, the following bonus points are awarded at the end of the game.

Closing a circuit with more than 14 tiles – 500 point MegaCircuit Bonus per circuit

Clearing the screen of all pieces – 1000 point Screen Clearing Bonus

Levels

The game level and fall rate increases every 10 circuits completed. When starting a new game, you can chose one of three difficulty levels, determining the starting level of play:

Easy – Starts at level 1, no bonus

Medium – Starts at level 4, bonus 40000 points

Hard – Starts at level 7, bonus 70000 points

As the game progresses to upper levels, new pieces get added into the mix, adding a new dimension to gameplay. (New in 1.04)

Chapter 2 – Controls

Selecting controls (PalmOS)

The “Controls” drop down menu allows you to map the in-game functionality to a handheld’s 5-way control rocker (if present) and up to 4 of the device’s application buttons.

The following game actions are available:

· Do nothing

· Move Left

· Move Right

· Drop Piece

· Rotate Clockwise

· Rotate CounterClockwise

· Pause Game

· Toggle Sound

Appendix A – Products

Visit us online for our complete product line, including:

SHORTCIRCUIT ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softshrt.htm )

A new twist on gameplay fused from your all time action puzzle favorite games, connect falling conduit pieces into explosive loops in this frantic race against the clock.

SUDOKUADDICT ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softsudo.htm )

Sudoku Addict brings to your handheld the addictive worldwide puzzle craze that has displaced crossword puzzles in many newspapers in Great Britain and Japan.

TEALAGENT ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softagnt.htm )

Get news, movie times, stock quotes, driving directions, web pages and more without need for a wireless connection. TealAgent fetches and formats web-based content for offline viewing.

TEALALIAS ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softalia.htm )

Free up memory and make the most of external expansion cards. Placeholder 'Alias' shortcut files automatically find, load, and launch apps and data from external SD cards, increasing free main memory.

TEALAUTO ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softauto.htm )

Track and graph automobile mileage, service, and expenses with TealAuto, the complete log book for your car or any vehicle. Extensive customization options and unmatched in features and functionality.

TEALBACKUP ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softback.htm )

Backup your valuable data with TealBackup, supporting manual and automatic backups to SD/MMC/CF cards and Memory Stick, backups through HotSync, and optional compression and encryption.

TEALDESKTOP ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softdesk.htm )

Launch applications with TealDesktop, the themed replacement for the standard system launcher screen with tabs, multiple card folders, drag and drop, and more

TEALDOC ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softdoc.htm )

Read, edit, and browse documents, Doc files, eBooks and text files with TealDoc, the enhanced doc reader. Extensive display and customization options; TealDoc is unmatched in features and usability.

TEALDIET ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softdiet.htm )

Shape up your life with TealDiet, the diet, exercise, and personal tracking application for mobile devices. Lose weight, build more muscle, and live healthier with TealDiet.

TEALECHO ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softecho.htm )

Improve your Graffiti text input speed and accuracy, seeing what you write with TealEcho digital "ink". No more writing blind!

TEALGLANCE ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softglnc.htm )

See the time, date, upcoming appointments and todo items at power-up with TealGlance. The TealGlance pop-up utility and key guard comes up when you power up, letting you see your day "at a glance."

TEALINFO ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softinfo.htm )

Lookup postal rates, area codes, tip tables, schedules, airports, and info from hundreds of free TealInfo databases. Create you own mini-apps; a handheld reference library.

TEALLAUNCH ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softlnch.htm )

Launch applications instantly with the TealLaunch pop-up launcher and button/stroke-mapping utility. Map applications to button presses and pen swipes so you can get to your apps quickly.

TEALLOCK ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softlock.htm )

Secure and protect your handheld with TealLock, the automatic locking program with encryption and card support. TealLock has unmatched features and customization options for personal or corporate use.

TEALMAGNIFY ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softlens.htm )

Save your eyesight with TealMagnify, an ever-ready magnifying glass that works with most any program. TealMagnify lets you enlarge the screen for those times the text is too small to read.

TEALMASTER ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softmstr.htm )

Replace Hackmaster with TealMaster, the supercharged 100%-compatible system extensions manager. TealMaster adds enhanced stability, configuration and diagnostic features and PalmOS 5.0 hack emulation.

TEALMEAL ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softmeal.htm )

Save and recall your favorite restaurants with TealMeal, the personal restaurant database. With TealMeal's handy sorting and selection options, never ask "where to eat" again.

TEALMEMBRAIN ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softmemb.htm )

Stop crashes and monitor your memory use with TealMemBrain, the application stack stabilizer. TealMemBrain boosts your stack space on OS3 and OS4 handhelds, eliminating the major cause of system instability.

TEALMOVER ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softmovr.htm )

Beam, delete, rename, and copy files with TealMover, the file management utility for SD/CF/MS cards. TealMover lets you see, move, modify, hex edit, and delete individual files.

TEALMOVIE ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softmovi.htm )

Play and convert high-quality video and synchronized sound with the TealMovie multimedia system. TealMovie includes a handheld audio/movie player and a Windows AVI/MPEG/Quicktime converter program.

TEALNOTES ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softnote.htm )

Insert freehand graphics anywhere with TealNotes "sticky notes" for Palm OS. TealNotes can be inserted into memos, to-do lists, address book entries--almost anywhere you currently have editable text.

TEALPAINT ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softpnt.htm )

Paint, sketch, or draw with TealPaint, the all-in-one mobile graphics paint program and photo editor. Highlights include 25 tools, 32 patterns, 49 brushes, zoom, hires, layers, multi-undo, and JPEG/GIF/BMP support.

TEALPHONE ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softphon.htm )

Supercharge the address book with TealPhone, the contacts replacement with superior interface and options. Highlights include enhanced display, search, phone-dialing, groups, and linking.

TEALPRINT ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softprnt.htm )

Print text and graphics to IR, serial, and Windows printers with TealPrint. With numerous connection options, TealPrint, is the all-in-one text and graphic printing solution.

TEALSAFE ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softsafe.htm )

Store your passwords, credit cards, PIN numbers, and bank accounts in the TealSafe data wallet. With maximum security and encryption, TealSafe is a must for features and security.

TEALSCRIPT ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softscrp.htm )

Replace or restore Graffiti with TealScript, the text recognition system you can customize. Unlike other systems, you can make or change your own strokes for better speed and accuracy.

TEALTRACKER ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softtrac.htm )

Track time and expenses with a fast, easy to use interface that requires minimal effort. Generate reports and export data to a spreadsheet. TealTracker is your personal time clock.

TEALTOOLS ( http://www.tealpoint.com/softtool.htm )

Improve productivity with TealTools pop-up Palm Desk Accessories. TealTools includes a popup calculator, clock/stopwatch, preferences panel, editing panel, memopad, and a file/backup manager.

Appendix B – Revision History

Version 1.04 – July 24, 2007

· Updated game pieces and recalibrated scoring to improve overall game play

· Added new pieces that get added as game progresses to upper levels

· Improved look with new game piece colors and rendering

Version 1.03 - November 9, 2005

· Added compatibility with new Palm Z22 handheld

Version 1.01 - November 18, 2004

· Added workaround for system bug on Tapwave Zodiac that prevented screen refresh after screen rotation

Version 1.00 - November 1, 2004

· Initial Release

Appendix C – Contact Info

ShortCircuit by TealPoint Software

TealPoint Software

454 Las Gallinas Ave #318

San Rafael, CA 94903-3618

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please visit us at www.tealpoint.com, or email us at contact@tealpoint.com.

Appendix D – Registering

Registering allows you to use the program past the 30 day expiration period and turns off registration reminders.

Currently, you may register by snail mail or online with a credit card and a secured server from the store where you downloaded the software. For the first option, send the following information on a sheet of paper separate from your payment.

· Product Name

· E-Mail Address

· HotSync User ID (Pilot Name Required for Passkey generation. It can be found on the main screen of the HotSync application on the Pilot as "Welcome ________" or in the corner on a PalmIII or higher)

· Check (drawn off a US Bank) or Money Order for ($14.95 US). No international checks or money orders please.

Legal Notice

We at TealPoint Software are committed to providing quality, easy-to-use software. However, this product is provided without warranty and the user accepts full responsibility for any damages, consequential or otherwise, resulting from its use.

This archive is freely redistributable, provided it is made available only in its complete, unmodified form with no additional files and for noncommercial purposes only. Any other use must have prior written authorization from TealPoint Software.

Unauthorized commercial use includes, but is not limited to:

§ A product for sale.

§ Accompanying a product for sale.

§ Accompanying a magazine, book or other publication for sale.

§ Distribution with "Media", "Copying" or other incidental costs.

§ Available for download with access or download fees.

This program may be used on a trial basis for 30 days. The program will continue to function afterwards. However, if after this time you wish to continue using it, please register with us for the nominal fee listed in the program.

CUSTOMER LICENSE AGREEMENT

YOU ARE ABOUT TO DOWNLOAD, INSTALL, OPEN OR USE PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE OWNED BY TEALPOINT SOFTWARE, INC. CAREFULLY READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS END USER LICENSE BEFORE DOING SO, AND CLICK BELOW THAT YOU ACCEPT THESE TERMS.

1. License. You are authorized to use the Software Product owned and developed by TealPoint Software, Inc. on a single hand-held computing device on a trial basis for thirty (30) days. If after 30 days you wish to continue using it, you are required to register with TealPoint and pay the specified fee. This license is not exclusive and may not be transferred. You may make one copy of the Software for back-up and archival purposes only.

2. Ownership. You acknowledge that the Software Product is the exclusive property of TealPoint Software, Inc, which owns all copyright, trade secret, patent and other proprietary rights in the Software Product.

3. Restrictions. You may NOT: (a) decompile or reverse engineer the Software Product; (b) copy (except as provided in 1 above) sell, distribute or commercially exploit the Software product; or (c) transfer, assign or sublicense this license.

4. Disclaimer of Warranty and Liability. TEALPOINT MAKES NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS OR FUNCTIONING OF THE LICENSED SOFTWARE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ALL OF WHICH TEALPOINT DISCLAIMS. ALL LIABILITY IS DISCLAIMED AND TEALPOINT ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, INCIDENTIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL, ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OF THE LICENSED SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.

5. Termination. You may terminate this Agreement at any time by destroying your copy(ies) of the Software Product. The Agreement will also terminate if you do not comply with any of its terms and conditions, at which time you are required to destroy your copy(ies) of the Software Product and cease all use.

6. Applicable Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.