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PictoChat Troubleshooting

Because PictoChat uses the wireless feature of the Nintendo DS Lite, the following general troubleshooting steps may solve any problems that you are having.

  • Make sure you are near enough to the others you are trying to chat with. The range of the Nintendo DS Lite is up to 65 feet.
  • Check for any other devices nearby that could possibly cause interference, such as wireless LAN, microwave ovens, cordless phones, computers, etc.
  • Make sure there are no obstructions between the systems, and that the systems are facing each other.
  • If you are experiencing difficulty with the accuracy of the stylus and touch screen, try recalibrating the screen.

If these general steps did not solve your issue, try using the troubleshooting steps below for the specific problem you are having.

 

 

  • Can't select PictoChat from the main menu
    If you are unable to access the menu to setup PictoChat, you may have your system set to "Automatic Mode." Click here for information on changing this setting to "Manual Mode," which will allow you to access the Nintendo DS Lite's main menu, and PictoChat, after turning on the DS Lite.

    If you are still not able to access PictoChat from the main menu, your system will need to be repaired. Click here for repair options.

    If the problem is that you cannot see or chat with others in a PictoChat chat room, try the steps below.

    If your touch screen displays chat rooms A through D, and you are having problems connecting with other players, please scroll down and read the remaining troubleshooting steps on this page

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  • "Communication Error, Please Re-Enter the Room" or other messages

    • For wireless connections, players must be no more than 65 feet away from each other and have a relatively unobstructed view.
    • If you are within range of the other player (see above), make sure there are no other wireless devices nearby that could possibly cause interference, such as wireless LAN, microwave ovens, cordless phones, computers, etc.

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  • Room Shows People, But No One is Inside
    This indicates a weak signal. You will need to move closer to one another and try not to have any objects blocking the signal like walls and doors.

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  • All Chat Rooms are Full
    PictoChat is capable of supporting up to four simultaneous chat rooms, each with a maximum of 16 users (64 total), within a 65-foot radius. If all of the chat rooms are in use, you will need to move to another area before you can access an empty chat room.

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  • Cannot communicate with, or see, others who have selected the same chat room
    If you have selected a chat room with others, but cannot see them or communicate with them, it is likely the signal is being blocked or interfered with by other wireless devices.

    • Players should be no more than 65 feet away from each other. Begin with the distance between systems of 30 feet or less and then move closer or farther apart as desired.


    • Make sure there are no obstructions between you and the people you are trying to chat with.


    • Other wireless devices nearby (such as wireless LAN, microwave ovens, cordless devices, and computers, etc.) could be causing interference. Move to another location or turn off the interfering device.


    • Try a different chatroom. Different rooms make use of different wireless frequencies, and the room you are trying to use may be the only one being affected. Switching to another room should solve this issue.

  • Can't draw or type using the Touch Screen
    • Make sure you are touching the lower screen using the stylus. The upper screen is not touch-sensitive and using fingers is not recommended.
    • Use only licensed Nintendo DS Lite Styluses.
    • Try recalibrating the touch screen (click here for information).

    If the above tips did not solve your problem, the system will need to be repaired. Click here for repair options.