Difference between revisions of "VOX Recorder Setup Instructions"
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(Created page with "ROUGH DRAFT - NOT READY FOR RELEASE VOX Feed is a free application that is specifically designed for the Broadcastify Calls platform. Using a receiver and the receiver tuned...") |
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− | VOX | + | VOX Recorder is a free application that is specifically designed for the Broadcastify Calls platform. Connect a receiver tuned to a specific conventional frequency. The recorder starts when the audio level goes above the VOX Threshold. The recorder stops when the audio goes back below the VOX threshold (after 2 seconds of no audio). |
− | + | The recorded audio is converted to MP3 then ID3v2 metadata is inserted then finally sent to the Broadcastify Calls platform. The recordings are also saved to the hard drive if optioned. | |
− | VOX | + | VOX Recorder is available at [https://www.proscan.org/ proscan.org] |
− | + | ==System Requirements== | |
− | :*Operating System - Windows 7 SP1 or above. | + | :*Operating System - Windows 7 SP1 or above. VOX Recorder targets the NET 6.0 Framework |
:*Mouse | :*Mouse | ||
:*Audio input device - Sound card or USB audio adapter | :*Audio input device - Sound card or USB audio adapter | ||
:*Internet Connection | :*Internet Connection | ||
− | + | ==Getting Started== | |
− | :*Install VOX | + | :*Install VOX Recorder |
− | :*Apply for API Key and System ID - | + | :*Apply for an API Key and System ID - Submit an application here: https://www.broadcastify.com/apply/calls |
:*Audio Setup | :*Audio Setup | ||
− | :*Configuring VOX | + | :*Configuring VOX Recorder |
− | :*Start the | + | :*Start the Recorder |
− | == | + | ==Install VOX Recorder== |
− | *Download VOX | + | *Download VOX Recorder then open the compressed .zip file |
− | *Click the | + | *Click the exe setup file and follow the prompts |
*Choose a folder for the install | *Choose a folder for the install | ||
− | |||
'''Notes''' | '''Notes''' | ||
− | + | There is never a need to uninstall VOX Recorder if another version of VOX Recorder is installed prior to installing the new version. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | There is never a need to uninstall VOX | ||
− | |||
The existing configuration and logging files will be retained after installation provided the new version is installed in the same folder. | The existing configuration and logging files will be retained after installation provided the new version is installed in the same folder. | ||
− | + | ==Audio Setup== | |
− | For reference, see the | + | For reference, see the article; [[Connecting Radios to Soundcards]]. |
:*Use an audio cable with 1/8inch (3.5mm) stereo plugs. Connect the audio cable from the receiver audio output jack to the computer's audio input jack. | :*Use an audio cable with 1/8inch (3.5mm) stereo plugs. Connect the audio cable from the receiver audio output jack to the computer's audio input jack. | ||
− | :*Tune the receiver to a conventional frequency | + | :*Tune the receiver to a conventional frequency. |
:*Go to Windows Mixer Recording tab. To get to it easy, click the Win Mixer button on the main tab in the upper right corner. | :*Go to Windows Mixer Recording tab. To get to it easy, click the Win Mixer button on the main tab in the upper right corner. | ||
:*In the Win Mixer, check that the input is enabled and does not show as not plugged in. | :*In the Win Mixer, check that the input is enabled and does not show as not plugged in. | ||
− | :*In the Win Mixer, insure that the audio level controls are adjusted correctly. If using | + | :* If using the mic input with Win 10 or Win 11 then check the microphone privacy settings and allow VOX Recorder access. |
− | :*In VOX | + | :*In the Win Mixer, insure that the audio level controls are adjusted correctly. If using the mic input then the level control should be turned way down to minimize distortion unless it auto compensates. |
− | :*In VOX | + | :*In VOX Recorder, select the Input Sound Device. In most cases, this will be the Primary Sound Device which is the 1st item in the selection. |
− | :*In VOX | + | :*In VOX Recorder, select the left or right channel. |
+ | :*In VOX Recorder, turn on the Loopback "All The Time" option with the "Above Threshold" box unchecked for the next step. | ||
:*Turn the receiver volume up until you hear distortion then back off about 10%. | :*Turn the receiver volume up until you hear distortion then back off about 10%. | ||
− | :*Close Win Mixer. | + | :*Close the Win Mixer. |
− | |||
:*Adjusting the VOX Threshold, - When no traffic present, move the threshold slider a bit above the noise floor. | :*Adjusting the VOX Threshold, - When no traffic present, move the threshold slider a bit above the noise floor. | ||
+ | The audio format sent to the Broadcastify Calls platform and the recordings saved to hard drive are Mono, 22,050 samples per second, 32 kbps MP3 Bitrate, 16 bits | ||
− | + | ==Configuring VOX Recorder== | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
API Key - Assigned by the Broadcastify Calls administrator | API Key - Assigned by the Broadcastify Calls administrator | ||
Line 62: | Line 55: | ||
System Name - This box is read only and is linked to the API Key and System ID | System Name - This box is read only and is linked to the API Key and System ID | ||
− | Conv. Frequency - | + | Conv. Frequency - Enter in the frequency that the receiver is tuned to and it needs to be part of the same system |
+ | |||
+ | The check boxes options should be self-explanatory | ||
− | + | ==Operation== | |
+ | After the audio has been setup and good audio levels and the VOX Threshold is set then click the "Start Recorder" button. | ||
+ | The recording will upload after the audio goes back below the VOX threshold after a 2 second delay to ensure that the conversation has ended. The last 2 seconds of audio will delete as that is dead air. | ||
− | + | If continuous audio is detected for 2 minutes due to noise, open mic, etc then the recording will stop and not upload. | |
− | VOX | + | VOX Recorder will send a keep alive poll at 10 minute intervals to prevent the Broadcastify Calls platform from showing your feed offline. |
− | + | ==Recorder== | |
− | If the "Save Recordings" box is checked then the recordings are saved to the "Recordings" folder | + | If the "Save Recordings" box is checked then the recordings are saved to the "Recordings" folder under the folder containing VOX Recorder. |
The recording are named using the Epoch time format. | The recording are named using the Epoch time format. | ||
− | + | ID3v2 Metadata is inserted in the MP3 file. Any Media Player that supports reading ID3v2 tags should show the metadata. | |
The following ID3 tags are used | The following ID3 tags are used | ||
TPE1 - Conv. Frequency (Artist) | TPE1 - Conv. Frequency (Artist) | ||
− | TCON | + | TCON - Receiver Audio (Genre) |
− | TPUB | + | TPUB - ProScan (Publisher) |
− | TCOM | + | TCOM - VOX Recorder & Version (Composer) |
− | TYER | + | TYER - Year Created (year) |
− | COMM | + | COMM - Date & Time, System, Conv. Frequency (Comment) |
− | + | ==Logging== | |
− | The Logging tab will show all | + | The Logging tab grid will show all errors, e.g., duplicate calls, no API key specified, 2 minute timeout, etc. The logging grid clears when the app starts. To see the last 1000 errors, click the "View Text Log" button. |
− | + | ==Time Sync== | |
− | + | At 10 minute intervals, TimeSync will retrieve the actual time from a time server and compare it with the computer time. The result is an offset variable that is used to calculate the recordings actual start time. | |
− | At 10 minute intervals, TimeSync will retrieve the actual time and compare it with the computer time. | ||
− | The offset is used to calculate the | ||
− | + | ==Frequently Asked Questions== | |
− | '''Q: Can I run multiple copies of VOX | + | '''Q: Can I run multiple copies of VOX Recorder on one computer? |
− | A: Yes. Many instances of VOX | + | A: Yes. Many instances of VOX Recorder can run on the same computer. 1) Copy and paste an existing folder and rename the new folder. 2) Run from the new folder and change the options specific to that instance. |
− | '''Q: How can VOX | + | '''Q: How can VOX Recorder automatically start streaming after the computer reboots? |
− | A: Add a VOX | + | A: Add a VOX Recorder shortcut to the Windows Startup Group. Ensure the option 'Start Recorder When Program Loads' is checked. |
− | '''Q: How can I stream multiple | + | '''Q: How can I stream multiple Recorders at the same time? |
− | A: By running multiple instances of VOX | + | A: By running multiple instances of VOX Recorder. |
− | '''Q: Should I run VOX | + | '''Q: Should I run VOX Recorder as administrator?''' |
− | A: It's recommended that VOX | + | A: It's recommended that VOX Recorder is not elevated to administrator. |
<br><br> | <br><br> |
Revision as of 15:28, 12 June 2022
APP NOT READY FOR RELEASE
VOX Recorder is a free application that is specifically designed for the Broadcastify Calls platform. Connect a receiver tuned to a specific conventional frequency. The recorder starts when the audio level goes above the VOX Threshold. The recorder stops when the audio goes back below the VOX threshold (after 2 seconds of no audio).
The recorded audio is converted to MP3 then ID3v2 metadata is inserted then finally sent to the Broadcastify Calls platform. The recordings are also saved to the hard drive if optioned.
VOX Recorder is available at proscan.org
Contents
System Requirements
- Operating System - Windows 7 SP1 or above. VOX Recorder targets the NET 6.0 Framework
- Mouse
- Audio input device - Sound card or USB audio adapter
- Internet Connection
Getting Started
- Install VOX Recorder
- Apply for an API Key and System ID - Submit an application here: https://www.broadcastify.com/apply/calls
- Audio Setup
- Configuring VOX Recorder
- Start the Recorder
Install VOX Recorder
- Download VOX Recorder then open the compressed .zip file
- Click the exe setup file and follow the prompts
- Choose a folder for the install
Notes There is never a need to uninstall VOX Recorder if another version of VOX Recorder is installed prior to installing the new version. The existing configuration and logging files will be retained after installation provided the new version is installed in the same folder.
Audio Setup
For reference, see the article; Connecting Radios to Soundcards.
- Use an audio cable with 1/8inch (3.5mm) stereo plugs. Connect the audio cable from the receiver audio output jack to the computer's audio input jack.
- Tune the receiver to a conventional frequency.
- Go to Windows Mixer Recording tab. To get to it easy, click the Win Mixer button on the main tab in the upper right corner.
- In the Win Mixer, check that the input is enabled and does not show as not plugged in.
- If using the mic input with Win 10 or Win 11 then check the microphone privacy settings and allow VOX Recorder access.
- In the Win Mixer, insure that the audio level controls are adjusted correctly. If using the mic input then the level control should be turned way down to minimize distortion unless it auto compensates.
- In VOX Recorder, select the Input Sound Device. In most cases, this will be the Primary Sound Device which is the 1st item in the selection.
- In VOX Recorder, select the left or right channel.
- In VOX Recorder, turn on the Loopback "All The Time" option with the "Above Threshold" box unchecked for the next step.
- Turn the receiver volume up until you hear distortion then back off about 10%.
- Close the Win Mixer.
- Adjusting the VOX Threshold, - When no traffic present, move the threshold slider a bit above the noise floor.
The audio format sent to the Broadcastify Calls platform and the recordings saved to hard drive are Mono, 22,050 samples per second, 32 kbps MP3 Bitrate, 16 bits
Configuring VOX Recorder
API Key - Assigned by the Broadcastify Calls administrator
System ID - Assigned by the Broadcastify Calls administrator
System Name - This box is read only and is linked to the API Key and System ID
Conv. Frequency - Enter in the frequency that the receiver is tuned to and it needs to be part of the same system
The check boxes options should be self-explanatory
Operation
After the audio has been setup and good audio levels and the VOX Threshold is set then click the "Start Recorder" button. The recording will upload after the audio goes back below the VOX threshold after a 2 second delay to ensure that the conversation has ended. The last 2 seconds of audio will delete as that is dead air.
If continuous audio is detected for 2 minutes due to noise, open mic, etc then the recording will stop and not upload.
VOX Recorder will send a keep alive poll at 10 minute intervals to prevent the Broadcastify Calls platform from showing your feed offline.
Recorder
If the "Save Recordings" box is checked then the recordings are saved to the "Recordings" folder under the folder containing VOX Recorder. The recording are named using the Epoch time format. ID3v2 Metadata is inserted in the MP3 file. Any Media Player that supports reading ID3v2 tags should show the metadata.
The following ID3 tags are used
TPE1 - Conv. Frequency (Artist) TCON - Receiver Audio (Genre) TPUB - ProScan (Publisher) TCOM - VOX Recorder & Version (Composer) TYER - Year Created (year) COMM - Date & Time, System, Conv. Frequency (Comment)
Logging
The Logging tab grid will show all errors, e.g., duplicate calls, no API key specified, 2 minute timeout, etc. The logging grid clears when the app starts. To see the last 1000 errors, click the "View Text Log" button.
Time Sync
At 10 minute intervals, TimeSync will retrieve the actual time from a time server and compare it with the computer time. The result is an offset variable that is used to calculate the recordings actual start time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run multiple copies of VOX Recorder on one computer? A: Yes. Many instances of VOX Recorder can run on the same computer. 1) Copy and paste an existing folder and rename the new folder. 2) Run from the new folder and change the options specific to that instance.
Q: How can VOX Recorder automatically start streaming after the computer reboots? A: Add a VOX Recorder shortcut to the Windows Startup Group. Ensure the option 'Start Recorder When Program Loads' is checked.
Q: How can I stream multiple Recorders at the same time? A: By running multiple instances of VOX Recorder.
Q: Should I run VOX Recorder as administrator? A: It's recommended that VOX Recorder is not elevated to administrator.