The original was a tri-fold, multi-color pamphlet. It explained the logic of the "Salvo" mode (firing multiple shots per turn), the "Radar" scan feature, and how to reset the computer's memory.
Each player must secretly program and physically place their fleet on their home grid before combat begins. 1. Physical Placement Place your 5 ships on your lower horizontal grid. Ships can be placed horizontally or vertically. Ships be placed diagonally. No two ships can occupy the same grid hole.
If you have one sitting in a closet, dust it off, put in some fresh batteries, and prepare for battle!
If you need help with a specific or want to know the button combination for a specific model year, please tell me the exact model number printed on the bottom of your game console. Share public link Vtech Electronic Talking Battleship Command Manual
The manual also contained a crucial error: on page 22, the diagram for the “Fleet Assembly” showed the red carrier peg inserted into the blue player’s grid. This mistake caused a legendary afternoon argument with his cousin Maria until they realized the manual was wrong. Leo annotated the page with a red pen, initiating his first ever “errata” correction.
After all ships are entered, the computer will confirm the fleet is ready. Repeat this process for Task Force Two. 3. How to Play: The Battle Phase
Press to reset.
| Issue | Possible Solutions | | :--- | :--- | | | - Ensure batteries are fresh. - Check that batteries are inserted with correct polarity (+/-). - Ensure the ON/OFF switch is fully in the ON position. | | Buttons Unresponsive | - Try pressing the button more firmly. - Check for debris or corrosion around the buttons. - Install fresh batteries. | | Distorted or No Speech | - Fresh batteries often resolve this issue. - Gently clean the speaker grille. - The speech chip may be malfunctioning. | | Inconsistent Gameplay | - This often indicates low battery power. - For a physical reset, remove the batteries, wait a moment, then reinstall them. | | Physical Damage | - Clean battery corrosion with a cotton swab and vinegar. - Re-solder loose wire connections carefully. |
Requires four AA batteries (alkaline recommended).
Without the manual, a malfunctioning Vtech unit often ends up in the trash. Try these fixes first. The original was a tri-fold, multi-color pamphlet
If you enter an illegal coordinate (such as placing a ship diagonally or overlapping vessels), the computer will sound an error buzzer. Press the Clear or Reset key and input the coordinates again carefully.
Most instruction booklets are quickly discarded, treated as packing material. But this one was different. It measured a chunky 5x7 inches, its cover printed with a dramatic CGI rendering of two warships exchanging pixelated fire over a digital sea. The words “Electronic Talking Battleship Command” shimmered in a metallic blue font that promised advanced technology.
Position your physical plastic ships onto your lower ocean grid. Ships be placed diagonally