User Manual
we work hardest when we’re at play.™ is a registered trademark of Makoto USA, Inc.
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Introduction Your new Makoto Arena II is a unique piece of fitness equipment because it improves both physical and mental fitness. Players respond to both auditory and visual stimuli as they lunge and stretch to reach the targets before the targets “time out.” Accuracy and reaction time are measured to give players a benchmark to improve upon. The flexibility of the programming allows for all ability levels to play and enjoy the game. Toddlers grasp the concept and play (Tops Off) yet even our military’s special forces and professional athletes are challenged at Makoto’s upper levels! Most other interactive fitness equipment is uni-directional – in other words, players only face one direction (usually to monitor a tv screen). The Makoto Arena is both multi-directional and multi-planar. Makoto players must first respond to an auditory stimulus – a tone that indicates the location of the next target to be hit. The triangular design of the Makoto Arena II ensures players are responding to stimuli from a variety of directions. In the course of play, players are hitting targets both high and low on the towers. The random patterns do not allow a player to anticipate where they need to be next – thus forcing players to stay focused in order to achieve a good score. The result of these random, cross-midline, multi-planar movements is improved communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, like ramping up the operating speed on your computer.
Operation
Your new Makoto Arena II is powered by a Windows 7 Embedded computer. It needs to be treated as you would any high-end computer. This includes:
USE A SURGE SUPPRESSOR! This is important to protect this valuable piece of equipment from power surges. Please note: a power strip is not a surge suppressor.
Power up your Makoto Arena II and Log in. While you are able to play games without any log-in, your arena will not be recording any game scores.
Logging in with the Guest account will allow your Makoto Arena II to track high game scores and provide better average scores. (Your account specific username and password will be set up by your installer) You should record those settings here: Username:___________________ Password: ___________________
Makoto USA, Inc.
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Always Shut Down properly. (Select “Tools” and “System Shutdown.”)
Your Makoto Arena II contains a software license that must be registered with Makoto USA, Inc. Your arena will cease to function if not properly registered. Please contact Makoto USA, Inc to register your arena: Makoto USA, INC 303-766-3971 support @makoto-usa.com
The monitor on your Makoto Arena II is a touch screen monitor. When you touch an input box (for example, to Log-in), a keypad will appear on the screen. As soon and you input your information and select “Enter”, the keypad will disappear. Simply touch another data box to make the keypad appear again.
If you are uncomfortable using this touch screen, you may plug in any standard USB keyboard and mouse in the USB slots located near the power switch.
Makoto USA, Inc.
303-766-3971
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HOW TO PLAY MAKOTO Game Formats Generally speaking, there are two game formats: either “Timed” or “Sudden Death.” Timed Game: A timed game can run anywhere from 30 seconds up to an hour. During this time a player can miss any number of targets. Accuracy is scored as a percentage of hit and reaction time is also measured. Sudden Death: There are varying degrees of difficulty for this game format! Beginner – can miss 4 targets. Game ends on 5th missed target. Intermediate – can miss 2 targets. Game ends on 3 rd missed target. Advanced – game ends with first missed target. Levels of Play Levels refer to the length of time that a target will stay lit. If a target is not hit by the player in the specified length of time, that target will go off and be recorded as a “miss.” A game can either play the entire session on one level or it may increase in level (accelerated play) which means that the targets stay lit for briefer periods of times as the game progresses. Fitness Program This format is designed for Sports Performance and General Fitness. There are 11 different speed levels within this program with the target “on” times ranging from having the targets lit for 3 seconds to as briefly as 3/4ths of a second. Players may select one of 4 different games to play within this software program. There is flexibility to change the number of towers and the length of time a game will play. In addition, banks of lights can be turned off to allow for further customization. For example, the left side lights can be turned off for specific sports drills or games. This chart shows how long the targets will stay lit for each level in the Fitness Software.
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Level 1
3.00
Level 2
2.30
Level 3
1.60
Level 4
1.20
Level 5
1.00
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Level 6
0.94
Level 7
0.89
Level 8
0.84
Level 9
0.80
Level 10
0.77
Level 11
0.74
Therapeutic Program This format is designed for Medical and Rehabilitation use. This software program is well suited for anyone with impaired function or mobility. The program is identical to the Fitness software except the targets stay lit for longer periods of time. The same capabilities exist to modify game time length, tower and target customization. The target light customizations are utilized by therapists. For example, bottom lights may be turned off if a player has a low back condition. This chart shows how long the targets will stay lit for each level in the Therapeutic Software. The Therapeutic Level is indicated by “T� in front of the level.
Makoto USA, Inc.
Level 1
10.00
Level 2
6.00
Level 3
4.00
Level 4
3.50
Level 5
3.00
Level 6
2.50
Level 7
2.00
Level 8
1.67
Level 9
1.34
Level 10
1.00
Level 11
0.96
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Quick Start Games Your new Makoto Arena II comes with eight quick-start games with more that can be added. The games that ship with your arena have been pre-set with the most commonly played settings. The “Option” button will allow you to adjust those settings for your players’ unique needs. Standard Timed A timed game during which player(s) can miss targets. Clock will count down until game is over. Random pattern plays on all 3 towers.
Great for a single player or groups.
Ultrathink
For the competitive spirits!
A Timed game in which the same pattern appears at the same time on all towers. Game is scored by player/tower.
Compare the three scores to see who’s fastest!
Accelerator A timed game that increases in difficulty level. Random pattern plays on all 3 towers.
Improve reaction time!
Tops Off A timed game that plays a random pattern on all 3 towers. The top 3 lights will not go off which makes this a great game for vertically challenged players.
Try kicking the bottom targets for a twist!
Sudden Death This single level game will end after the player misses a target(s). Three levels of difficulty allow for varying numbers of misses. Beginner – stops after 5th miss Intermediate – stops after 3rd miss
Accuracy counts! Great game for fundraising (nickel-apoint pledges add up in a hurry!)
Advanced – stops after 1 miss
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Two Tower Turtle A Sudden Death format game set on our slower, Therapeutic game levels. Stays at single level for entire game and ends after 3 misses.
Great for the really young kids. Can also use with sports performance drills.
Sudden Death Accelerated Increases in difficulty level every 45 seconds. Game ends after 3 misses.
Put one player per tower for a team score. Builds focus & concentration! Great for ADD/ADHD.
Samurai
Players work together to beat the arena!
A timed, team game played by two people. Mimics two players against 3 opponents. Each player has a color and hits every other tower.
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Key to best score: players change position every time targets change towers.
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Options
Your Makoto Arena II allows you to modify the “game play” for any of the games. Simply select the game first and then the “options” button.
When you select “options”, game appropriate selections will be presented. Below you see the choices for the game “Ultrathink”
Number of Towers (or players) Allows you to select 1, 2 or 3 towers. Level Allows you to adjust the “speed” of the game Target Options Allows you to select which targets you would like to be active. Turning “Tops Off” is popular for shorter players or those in wheelchairs. Game Time Allows you to adjust any timed game from 30 seconds to 90 minutes. Remember that “sudden death” style games will not have this timed option.
Once you have completed your adjustments, simply select “DONE”, or “CANCEL” to retain to the previous selections.
Makoto USA, Inc.
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Shut Down Procedure Your Makoto Arena II is a computer. It should be shut down properly. You must be “logged in” to be able shutdown.
First, select “TOOLS”””
Then, select “System Shutdown”
The software will shutdown in about 30 seconds. When the monitor says “no input received” then you may turn the main power off using the switch beneath the screen. (note: your screen may not display the same options shown in this picture)
Makoto USA, Inc.
303-766-3971
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Trouble Shooting First, let us apologize. If you are reading this section right now, you’re probably experiencing some problem … and some frustrations. We are very proud of the reliability and reputation for quality and reliability that the Makoto Arenas have earned. But, occasionally malfunctions occur. If so, we, and our network of distributors will do everything in our power to help you. OK. Having troubles? Here’s the plan: Step One: Read the tips below and try the suggestions. Step Two: Contact the distributor from whom you purchased the arena. All Makoto distributors are well trained professionals who are able to quickly help you with on-site personnel, qualified advice, or both. Step Three: Contact us. Our phone number is 303-766-3971. We’re located in Denver, Colorado USA. Our email address is support@makoto-usa.com. The maintenance of our reputation for quality and happy customers is critical to us.
Hi. My name is Bob and I’m the VP of Operations at Makoto USA. These are my hands. They helped to build your arena. I know your arena. The hardware, firmware and software in your Makoto Arena has all been rigorously tested before it was sent to you. Each arena was set up with your actual cables and accessories and tested for a minimum of 48 hours before we shipped it. We have a service mantra here at Makoto – “it’s always a connector”. That means that we sometimes jump to conclusions that a board has gone bad, or the software has failed, but it fact, almost all of the time, the simple act of unplugging and plugging the cables and shutting down the system and starting it up again solves most of the problems our users experience. I hope that that bit of advice alone helps with your frustrations, If not, let’s continue. Together, we’ll get you up and going as soon as possible. Now, look at the chart starting on the next page and let’s figure this out. What’s the problem?
Makoto USA, Inc.
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Symptom
Solution
This screen came up and won’t let me play any games.
This typically only happens in the original set up. The service personnel have access to the codes for solving the problem. It’s a normal part of set up. It shouldn’t happen after the arena is set up. However, if it does, don’t worry. It just means that the computer can’t find a tower in the same way that your desk computer sometime can’t “find” your printer or some other peripheral. You know the drill - , shutdown the system (properly) and start it up again. This will usually fix the problem. If not, call your distributor or us – we’ll walk you through the fix. First, shutdown the system and start it up again. This will usually fix the problem. If that doesn’t work, problem is caused by a one of two connections. So, shutdown the system again and take the panel off of the back of the main tower and any tower that does not have sound. Unplug and re-plug the USB connectors on the PC boards (Hint: it slides out sideways to your left)
I have no sound coming from one or more of the towers
While you’re here. Let’s take care of the other possibility. There are two, black and red power cables coming off of this board. One is right by the USB cable and goes into the leg – leave that one alone! The other is smaller and on the lower right hand side of the board. It goes up to the speaker. Unplug and re-plug that cable. Start up the system - your sound should work now.
Makoto USA, Inc.
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Adjust the volume on the front screen. Simply touch the volume icon and then touch the volume level you prefer.
The sound is too loud or too soft
Yea, this happens sometimes. Sorry, it’s a Windows 7 thing – and it a pain! Shutdown the system and start it up again – it should be fine.
The pop-up keyboard does not come up when I touch the data input box
If you’re having this problem as you’re trying to sign in for the first time, I know that you’re not going to be able to shutdown properly. It’s OK. Remember, you can always plug a regular keyboard in if you want to.
One of the targets isn’t lighting when it’s supposed to
Hmm, That shouldn’t happen. First, shutdown the system and remove the back panel. Check to be certain the connectors for that target are all properly connected. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call your distributor or us OK, sometimes this happens in the first few hours of operations. This most likely is a bad board.
One of the target lights is partially lit all of the time.
We “burn in” all of the electronics for 48 hours before the arenas ship. That’s the timeframe in which most components will fail – if they’re going to. But, sometimes even after being “burned in” a component on a board will go bad. But first, check the connections (especially if you’ve been “messing” with it recently). If that doesn’t solve the problem, call your distributor or us. We’ll get it replaced.
Makoto USA, Inc.
303-766-3971
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Two types of keyboards exit in Windows 7 – a normal keyboard and a handwriting keyboard.
A different-looking keyboard comes up when I touch the data input box
One entire tower is not working at all
If the handwriting keyboard appears as shown below. Simply select the icon in the upper left corner that will switch you back to a standard keyboard.
One of the cables is not making proper connection. Unplug and plug both the power (red and black) and the USB cable both at the tower end and the main tower. If not, call your distributor or us – we’ll walk you through the fix.
I don’t seem to have power at all.
Remember, you have TWO power switches. Check the power switch on the surge suppressor as well as the power switch on the main computer.
On startup, I get a Windows screen that says windows was not properly shutdown last time. What do I do?
If the system was not shutdown using the “System Shutdown” option under the “TOOLS” menu, this will happen. Try not to make a habit of this. If you’re tracking scores or individual patient or athlete information, you run the risk up corrupting the database. (Hint: that’s a bad thing) In the meantime, just let it go through the 30 second countdown and the software will start up normally.
I don’t like this pop up keypad in the software
If you are uncomfortable using this touch screen, you may plug in any standard USB keyboard and mouse in the USB slots located near the power switch
Electro-Static Discharge sensitivity warning: Components on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) are sensitive to ESD and can be damaged if not properly handled. Before handling any PCBA make sure you are properly grounded using a wrist strap connected to earth ground. ESD grounding equipment is available at electronic supply stores including Radio Shack.
Makoto USA, Inc.
303-766-3971
makoto-usa.com