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Frequently Asked TechnoK'NEX Questions

How do I set an Interface ID # for my Leonardo Interface the first time I use it?
Carefully follow the instructions on the flyer marked- IMPORTANT INFORMATION - USING A LEONARDO INTERFACE FOR THE FIRST TIME

Make sure the computer cable is securely inserted into both the computer's serial port and the Interface. Be sure to hold the Select button down until the process is complete. A message will appear on the screen indicating that a new ID # has been set.

If this does not work and you have a more than one Interface, replace the computer cable with a new one and try again. This process will verify if you are dealing with a cable problem or an Interface problem.

If you still are unable to initialize your Interface with an ID #, please contact K'NEX Education at (888)ABC-KNEX or technoknex@knex.com for assistance.

My Interface has an ID # but the Software cannot find it to initialize the Interface. What do I do?
First, make sure the Interface has power through either fresh batteries or Power Supply Adaptor. If so, the Software will search for the ID # of the last Interface attached to the computer for several cycles before it begins a general search for any interface. Allow time for this process to be completed. Then turn off the interface for a few seconds and turn it back on again.

If the Software still cannot find your Interface ID #, check that the computer cable is securely inserted into the computer's serial port and the Interface. If you have another computer cable, replace the present cable and try again. This process will verify if you are dealing with a cable problem or an Interface problem.

If you still are unable to initialize your Interface, please contact K'NEX Education at (888)ABC-KNEX or technoknex@knex.com for assistance.

Will TechnoK'NEX operate on my network?
Please send an email to technoknex@knex.com with the details of your network system. We will provide installation instructions in a return email within 72 hours.

Where can I get a cable to increase the length of the computer cable that connects the Interface to the computer?
You can purchase extension cables from your local electronics store that will allow you to control models directly from the computer at distances up to 12 feet or more.

What do I do if the wire comes out of the plug on my TechnoK'NEX Motor/Light/Sensor?
The plugs on the TechnoK'NEX Motors, Lights, and Sensors are easily repairable with a small screwdriver. If a wire comes out of the plug, snap off the gray casing, unscrew the small screw in the plug, insert the wire and tighten the screw.

Do I have to purchase a site license to use the TechnoK'NEX Software on more than one computer?
No, you may feel free to use to use it in a classroom environment on more than one computer without any additional fee.

Will the security software installed on the computers in my district interfere with the operation of TechnoK'NEX or vice versa?
Please send an email to with the details of your security system. We will answer your question in a return email within 72 hours.

How are the electronic components for my Set packaged? What do I do if I am missing some of the electrical components?
Leonardo Interfaces boxes contain the Interface, 25-pin/9-pin adapters, PC and MAC cables.

78510 and 78520 Sets- White box(es) marked Leonardo Electronics Pack 1 contain 2 Motors and 2 yellow Lights.

78530 and 78540 Sets- White box(es) marked Leonardo Electronics Pack 2 contain 4 Motors, 2 yellow Lights, 1 each red, green and blue Sensors, 2 extension cords.

Power Supply Adapters come individually boxed.

PC and Mac Software disks come boxed together- 7 disks: 3 for Mac, 2 for Windows 3.11 and 2 for Windows 95-2000.

If you are missing any of these components, please contact K'NEX Education immediately at (888)ABC-KNEX or technoknex@knex.com for assistance. We will quickly send you whatever is missing.

What do I do if a K'NEX piece or electronic component breaks or is lost?
Please contact K'NEX Education at (888)ABC-KNEX or technoknex@knex.com for replacement pieces or components.

Can I operate my model if it is not attached to the computer with a cable?
When you download a procedure to the Interface, you can disconnect the Interface from the computer and operate the model from any location you choose as long as the Interface has power (either from batteries or Power Supply Adaptor.)

If you purchase a TechnoK'NEX Radio Frequency Transmitter, you can operate models remotely from your computer as long as the model is within the transmitter's 10 meter range.

How do I ensure that students do not have access to other students' work?
One of the security features of TechnoK'NEX Software is that it allows the procedures developed by one team of students to be stored in a password-accessible folder. The team should agree upon a password they will use each time they begin a TechnoK'NEX session. This password will allow them to access only those procedures developed by their team.

Each time students begin a TechnoK'NEX session, they will see the TechnoK'NEX Mode Select Screen (pictured on page 6 of the Software Manual). This is where they enter their predetermined password. As long as the students protect their team password, the chance of interference by other students is greatly reduced.

TechnoK'NEX Software stores the last password used on the system and displays that password the next time the Software is used. At the end of each TechnoK'NEX session, we recommend that the teacher or student restart the program and enter a ficticious password for increased security.

How should I maintain my Leonardo Interface?
Remove batteries before storing the Leonardo Interface. The Leonardo Interface contains many electronic and computer components. Treat it with care! Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the back panel to add or replace the batteries.

I am trying to load the Software onto a Macintosh OS and it reported a system error. What do I do?
This error is commonly encountered when you install TechnoKNEX directly onto your Macintosh Desktop. To avoid this error, install TechnoKNEX to any other folder (for example, to the "Macintosh HD" folder). You should see a shortcut icon appear on your Desktop when the installation is finished. Choosing/changing the installation folder is done in the third installation dialog (the one that comes after the License information).

What is the memory size for the storage locations on the Interface? What happens if I download a procedure that exceeds the storage location's memory?
The memory size of each storage location is about 100 bytes size. The command buttons are, on average, 2 bytes. When downloading a procedure that exceeds this size, you receive the following message- "Downloaded procedure might exceed the current procedure size. This procedure will override the next." This means that your procedure will continue to be stored in the next storage location in order to accommodate its size. Your procedure will run according to plan but will override whatever was stored in these locations.