There is a dedicated menu for this, few lines are offered:
- clear board (to start from scratch, if that is convenient)
- a single line of pieces symbols, alternatively white & black pieces --> you just move a brackets cursor on the piece you want, then press the square(s) you want this piece to be (repeated pressure on the square sets/removes the piece, materialized by the square's red LEDs on or off)
- select the side to move and you are done; unless you would like to change the castling conditions or the move number, which are part of the very same menu.
Maybe worth pointing out you can also setup a position using the USB PC connection and Millenium's PGN Tool. This assumes the position you are interested in is part of an existing pgn file (eventually, create the pgn using any chess application).
Help with error on Millennium M382 Electronic chess set
M382 looks to be the "Talking chess school" model number, is that correct?
If so, I think part of the above (PGN tool or more) would not apply. I don't own the M382, neither can I find the manual online (make sure you are using the relevant one). Most usually, an error message when trying to leave the setup process is indeed a non rule-compliant position (you are aware, saying your positions are valid). OK, I trust you, but most probably the position as entered in the computer memory is not the one you expect. I would advise: locate in the manual how to erase the board within the setup process. Then only add 1 white King and 1 black King (of course not on adjacent squares), no other piece. Make sure you apply the process indicated in the manual to switch color, before placing the second King. Now leave the setup process, chances to have any error are very low, it "should" work fine without this ?? error.
If so, repeat the process carefully adding other chessmen... Hope this helps.
@justbefair - I think some of these instructions aren't applicable to the M382. eg there is no 'bracket cursor', or a square's red LED light etc.
@kiwimotard - yes, that's right. It's the Talking Chess School model.
I found a manual online and have followed the set up steps to the letter. They never work for any position I try. It lets me set up and confirms that I am placing them all correctly, lets me switch colours and set up for that too, but it's always at the last step. You're right, I think it thinks something is invalid, but like I say, I've tried it with numerous different positions (from textbooks of famous documented games) and it doesn't accept any of them. I like your suggestion of only 1 white king and 1 black king, and adding more - I'll try that. Thanks.
@kiwimotard - OK, tried with just a white and black king - got the "??" error again.
I don't own that model either but if I correctly found the manual online that you are describing it says that you can verify the position during the setup process. Does the position verify to what you enter? The two kings idea is an excellent suggestion but just in case the computer doesn't like only two kings you might try also adding a rook.
I am trying to set up and play from positions on a chess set I've been given. I have found the instructions on the net and followed them to the letter, but after setting up the position which seems to be fine at each step, when I go to the very final step which is pressing "set-up" to end the setting up, I get the "??" error on the panel. All my positions are valid, it happens on every position I try, and none of the 'invalid criteria' which may cause the "??" error are ever met.
I have had a most frustrating cyclical exchange with a member of staff at Millennium support in Germany, who keeps referring me to instructions for other machines, steps I have told her I have already tried, and she refuses point blank to ask any technicians or anybody else in Millennium if they could help.
Does anyone know what might be going wrong? I have also reset the machine (at least I put something as far down as I could reach) but that does not appear to have helped.