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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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ROUGH DRAFT - NOT READY FOR RELEASE
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APP 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 to a specific conventional frequency, when the audio level goes above the VOX Threshold, the audio starts to record and stops when the audio goes back below the VOX threshold after 2 seconds of no audio. The recorded audio is MP3 encoded then ID3v2.3.0 metadata is inserted then finally sent to the Broadcastify Calls platform. The recordings are also saved to the hard drive if the option is set.
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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).
  
Important - The receiver must stay tuned to a specific conventional frequency and not scanning.
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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 Feed is available [https://www.proscan.org/ here]
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VOX Recorder is available at [https://www.proscan.org/ proscan.org]
  
===System Requirements===
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==System Requirements==
:*Operating System - Windows 7 SP1 or above. Note: Only Win 11 tested so far
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:*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===
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==Getting Started==
:*Install VOX Feed
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:*Install VOX Recorder
:*Apply for API Key and System ID - To get a System ID and API Key issued, submit an application here: https://www.broadcastify.com/apply/calls
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:*Apply for an API Key and System ID - Submit an application here: https://www.broadcastify.com/apply/calls
 
:*Audio Setup
 
:*Audio Setup
:*Configuring VOX Feed
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:*Configuring VOX Recorder
:*Start the feed
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:*Start the Recorder
  
===Installing VOX Feed===
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==Install VOX Recorder==
*Download VOX Feed then open the compressed .zip file
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*Download VOX Recorder then open the compressed .zip file
*Click the .exe setup file and follow the prompts
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*Click the exe setup file and follow the prompts
 
*Choose a folder for the install
 
*Choose a folder for the install
 
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
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There is never a need to uninstall VOX Recorder if another version of VOX Recorder is installed prior to installing the new version.
VOX Feed targets the NET 6.0 Framework so it should be compatible with Win 7 SP1 and above but not all OS's are tested yet.
 
 
 
There is never a need to uninstall VOX Feed if another version of VOX Feed 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.
 
The existing configuration and logging files will be retained after installation provided the new version is installed in the same folder.
  
===Audio Setup===
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==Audio Setup==
For reference, see the excellent articles; [[Connecting Radios to Soundcards]] and [[Setting up your Broadcasting Station]].
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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. Turn the receiver volume up.
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:*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 a microphone input then the level control should be turned way down to minimize distortion.
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:* If using the mic input with Win 10 or Win 11 then check the microphone privacy settings and allow VOX Recorder access.
:*In VOX Feed, select the Input Sound Device. In most cases, this will be the Primary Sound Device which is the 1st item in the selection.
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:*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 Feed, select the left or right channel.
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:*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 Feed, turn on the Loopback All The Time option with the Above Threshold box unchecked.
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:*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.
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:*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
  
The audio format sent to Broadcastify Calls and recordings saved to hard drive is Mono, 22,050 samples per second, 32 kbps MP3 Bitrate, 16 bit
+
==Configuring VOX Recorder==
 
 
===Configuring VOX Feed===
 
 
 
  
 
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 - Frequency that the receiver is tuned to in the same system
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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
  
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.
  
Click the Start Feed button
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If continuous audio is detected for 2 minutes due to noise, open mic, etc then the recording will stop and not upload.
  
VOX Feed sends a keep alive poll at 10 minute intervals to prevent the Broadcastify Calls platform from showing offline.
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VOX Recorder will send a keep alive poll at 10 minute intervals to prevent the Broadcastify Calls platform from showing your feed offline.
  
===Recorder===
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==Recorder==
If the "Save Recordings" box is checked then the recordings are saved to the "Recordings" folder in the folder containing VOX Feed.
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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 ID3 tags should show the metadata.
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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, Scanner Audio (Genre)
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         TCON - Receiver Audio (Genre)
         TPUB, ProScan (Publisher)
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         TPUB - ProScan (Publisher)
         TCOM, VOX Feed & version (Composer)
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         TCOM - VOX Recorder & Version (Composer)
         TYER, Year created
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         TYER - Year Created (year)
         COMM, Actual date & time, System, Conv. Frequency (Comment)
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         COMM - Date & Time, System, Conv. Frequency (Comment)
  
===Logging===
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==Logging==
The Logging tab will show all from the time VOX Feed started. Click the View Text Log to see the last 1000 entries.
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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===
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==Time Sync==
This function is automatic and does not require any operator action.
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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 epoch time
 
  
===Frequently Asked Questions===
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==Frequently Asked Questions==
  
'''Q: Can I run multiple copies of VOX Feed on one computer?  
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'''Q: Can I run multiple copies of VOX Recorder on one computer?  
A: Yes.  Many instances of VOX Feed 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.
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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 Feed automatically start streaming after the computer reboots?
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'''Q: How can VOX Recorder automatically start streaming after the computer reboots?
A: Add a VOX Feed shortcut to the Windows Startup Group.  Ensure the option 'Start Feed When Program Loads' is checked.
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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 feeds at the same time?
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'''Q: How can I stream multiple Recorders at the same time?
A: By running multiple instances of VOX Feed.
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A: By running multiple instances of VOX Recorder.
  
'''Q: Should I run VOX Feed as administrator?'''
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'''Q: Should I run VOX Recorder as administrator?'''
A: It's recommended that VOX Feed is not elevated to administrator.
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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

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

  • 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.