VOX Recorder Setup Instructions

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 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.

Important - The receiver must stay tuned to a specific conventional frequency and not scanning.

VOX Feed is available here

System Requirements

• Operating System - Windows 7 SP1 or above. Note: Only Win 11 tested so far
• Mouse
• Audio input device - Sound card or USB audio adapter
• Internet Connection

Getting Started

• Install VOX Feed
• 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
• Audio Setup
• Configuring VOX Feed
• Start the feed

Installing VOX Feed

• Download VOX Feed then open the compressed .zip file
• Click the .exe setup file and follow the prompts
• Choose a folder for the install

Notes

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.

Audio Setup

For reference, see the excellent articles; Connecting Radios to Soundcards and Setting up your Broadcasting Station.

• 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.
• 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, 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.
• 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.
• In VOX Feed, select the left or right channel.
• In VOX Feed, turn on the Loopback All The Time option with the Above Threshold box unchecked.
• Turn the receiver volume up until you hear distortion then back off about 10%.
• Close 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 Broadcastify Calls and recordings saved to hard drive is Mono, 22,050 samples per second, 32 kbps MP3 Bitrate, 16 bit

Configuring VOX Feed

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 - Frequency that the receiver is tuned to in the same system

Check boxes options should be self-explanatory

Click the Start Feed button

VOX Feed sends a keep alive poll at 10 minute intervals to prevent the Broadcastify Calls platform from showing offline.

Recorder

If the "Save Recordings" box is checked then the recordings are saved to the "Recordings" folder in the folder containing VOX Feed. 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.

The following ID3 tags are used

       TPE1 - Conv. Frequency (Artist)
       TCON, Scanner Audio (Genre)
       TPUB, ProScan (Publisher)
       TCOM, VOX Feed & version (Composer)
       TYER, Year created
       COMM, Actual date & time, System, Conv. Frequency (Comment)

Logging

The Logging tab will show all from the time VOX Feed started. Click the View Text Log to see the last 1000 entries.

Time Sync

This function is automatic and does not require any operator action. 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

Q: Can I run multiple copies of VOX Feed 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.

Q: How can VOX Feed 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.

Q: How can I stream multiple feeds at the same time? A: By running multiple instances of VOX Feed.

Q: Should I run VOX Feed as administrator? A: It's recommended that VOX Feed is not elevated to administrator.