Penpal Queries

Is the PENpal and ClassroomPEN compatible with Chromebooks?

Submitted by admin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 11:49
Unfortunately not. In order to retrieve audio files from our FreeLINK service to add to the PENs, you will need a Windows PC or Mac.

What's the life of the battery?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:17
This varies from battery make to battery make. The Energiser batteries which come with the PENpal will recharge without deterioration 500 times. One charge will last for 3 to 5 hours of continuous usage: tapping a sound spot at the rate of 50 taps a minute for 3 to 5 hours.

Can I use normal AAA batteries?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:06

Yes, the pen will run on normal AAA batteries, but in the long run this is an expensive route, not only for your pocket but also for the environment.

How can I increase the volume on the pen?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:05

The power button doubles as a volume control button. Hold the power button for 3 seconds and the pen will either switch on or off. Press the power on/off button quickly and the volume will increase to maximum and then, on continued clicking, will decrease to minimum.

When I touch a sound spot there is no response.

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:04

Check that the PENpal is switched on. If yes, it most probably needs a boost charge. Charge for 1.5 hours and try again. You charge by connecting the USB cable to the pen and then to a PC or Mac. The computer will charge the pen in a maximum of 1.5 hours. If you connect to a wall plug with a USB adaptor, the charging time is 1 hour. 1 hour's charge will keep the pen going on our continuous run testing system for at least 3 hours at the rate of one sound syllable spoken 50 times per minute - i.e.

My Computer does not recognise the TalkingPEN?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/10/2017 - 15:03

Sometimes old Windows machines fail to recognise the PenPAL and show the message that an unrecognised USB device has been attached. In this case, please contact your System Administrator. They may need to update the PC drivers or the chipset.

You can also try removing the batteries from your Penpal and connect it to your PC. This helps PC and Mac's identify the Penpal.

FreeLINK is not working? Proxy or Firewall Error!

Submitted by admin on Mon, 10/09/2017 - 13:19
There are two ways to fix this 1) You can go to FreeLINK Live and download the files you want www.talkingpen.co.uk/freelinklive. You will need to register separately here. Or 2) If you want the software to do all the download management: 1) Get the IT department to add exception to these sites: www.mantralingua.com and www.talkingpen.co.uk.