Chapter 3

The computer based answering machine

3.0 General
3.1 System requirements
3.2 Shareware version and registration
3.3 Parameter adjustements for the voice operation
3.4 Parameter "Messages"
3.5 Accommodation of text (CoMa)
3.5.1 Recording with Zyxel Modem
3.5.2 Recording with Creatix LC144VF
3.6 Test the answering machine
3.7 Replay of calls
3.8 Insert remarks into call-list
3.9 Remote polling of answering machine


3.0 General


This part of the manual will explain the voice part of CoMa. Your 
computer will turn into a communication "happening" with the 
appropriate modem. It is then possible without any problems to 
receive telephone calls and fax with one line and also operate a 
mini-mail-box. You can leave messages in the mail-box for certain 
people which can be polled via a PIN. The differentiation between 
voice and fax will be made by the modem without needing any 
further hardware.

No more monotoneous answering texts. CoMa offers seven different 
possibilties with the voice part and six of those can be assigned 
to certain times. For instance you can have a certain text for 
the lunch break. The voice module of CoMa can be used intuitively 
again and has been programmed user friendly.

Tested Voice-Modem

Zyxel
1496E(G)(+)
Zyxel Elite 2864D (ISDN)
Zyxel Omni

ELSA
Microlink 28.8 TQV/TKR Tristar
Mikrolink ISDN

Creatix
LC144VF
LC288VF

USRobotics
Sportster 14.4VI
Sportster 28.8 VI

Dr. Neuhaus
Smarty 14.4 TI
Smarty 19.2 TI




3.1 System requirements


First we want to describe the necessary hardware. Any Atari 
computer with at least 1MB main memory (ST(e), TT or Falcon) can 
be used. The modem has to have a voice module. You find a list of 
modems tested by us at the beginning of the chapter. Many of 
those are marketed under different name as well.  Make sure when 
you buy your version that it is compatible with one of the tested 
modems. If in doubt use our hotline and you save a lot of 
frustration.
 The standard data transfer rate of 19200 Baud between modem and 
computer is not sufficient any more because of the quantity of 
data transmitted to the computer for the recording of incoming 
calls. The minimum DTE speed schould be 38400 Baud otherwise the 
recorded calls are of inferior quality in the lowest digital 
level. Users of ATARI ST or Mega ST need for the transmission 
rate hardware extension for the serial port if they do not want 
to work with the poor quality. The extension can be bought from 
Harun Scheutzow the programmer of HSMODEM.

3.2 Shareware version and registration

The fax programme CoMa has a limited shareware version of the 
voice modul included. You can configurate this part of CoMa and 
use all function. Calls are limited to arecording of 10 seconds. 
You need a new registration code to open up full operational 
status. This key removes all limitations.

Call up the window "Info" in the main dialog window of CoMa to 
get your registration. Choose the entry "registration" to get the 
window for entering  your personal details. Enter the details in 
the same way as entered for your original CoMa key. Now click on 
"OK" and print the order form. This you send to us with your 
cheque or postal order. The voice key will then be send to you.


3.3 parameter adjustments for the voice operation


First you have to switch on the answering function in parameter 
"General". This happens in "Connect" where you have to choose the 
entry "Voice". The answering machine is switched and by choosing 
"only Fax + data" it will be switched off again. If you want to 
continue to receive fax and data please choose the entry 
"Voice+Fax+Data".

The parameter for the answering machine have to be adjusted now. 
Choose function "Voice" in the parameter pop-up-menu, most 
adjustements take place in this dialog box.

	Chipset

CoMa is compatible with 5 different types of modem with different 
controller-ICs. Choose the modem relevant to you.

	Quality

		1. Zyxel modem

The quality of the recording can be adjusted in several steps in 
this pop-up-menu. You have to remember that higher quality is 
achieved with higher resolutions of the scanning value. Higher 
quality means the message needs larger memory on the hard disk. 
Adjustment ADPCM3 records with 3 Bit per scanning. This amounts 
to a need of space of 3600 Bytes/sec! It has to be considered if 
ADPCM2 can be sufficient for smaller hard disks. The need here is 
for 2400 Bytes per second only. The worst quality is in 
adjustment CELP, but his needs the smallest amount of space. It 
works with only one Bit per scanning and needs only 1200 Bytes 
for one second answering text.CELP exists in Zyxel-Plus-Models 
only. The port speed can be 19200 Baud (520 ST.Mega ST) in this 
digital level.

Zyxel offers ADPCM4 from firmware 6.13 as well. This resolution 
can only be used by a port speed of min. 57600 Baud.

You have to activate the button "Resync Bytes" so that re-wind 
and wind function properly in remote polling. The remote polling 
does not function at all with a firmware smaller than 6.11. The 
modem cannot synchronise the flow of data when trying to wind 
within a voice file.

		2. Creatix LC 144 VF. LC 288 VF

These modems present a cheap alternative to the Zyxel. It has a 
recording module with a higher recording quality as well! A 
microphone and speaker can be connected to the appliance which 
means recording and playing of text are more comfortable than 
with Zyxel.

Creatix offers following resolutions:

ADPCM2  1,8 kByte/s   (works with 19200 bps)
ADPCM3 2,7 kByte/s    (needs 38400 bps)
ADPCM4 3,6 kByte/s    (needs 38400 bps)

	Input, Output

With these two pop-up-menus you can choose if the input and 
output of the answering texts are made via a telephone line 
connected parallel to a modem or via a microphone-speaker 
combination (ext.Mic). If you choose the speaker for the output 
it will be done via the modem's build-in speaker (if the modem 
has got a connector for this), or via an external speaker.

The output via DMA-sound enables the replay of answering texts 
via a stereo unit connected to a STE, TT or Falcon. This output 
function works with Zyxel so far only. If you use a very fast 
ATARI you will be able to hear the recording with DMA-sound as 
well.

A telephone receiver with a Western plug can be connected to the 
line-entry of the Zyxel for the recording of the answering texts. 
You have to speak into the loudspeaker (adjustment handset). The 
quality is very bad.

For the best recording of a message connect your telephone into 
the parallel socket of the modem and use the telephone handset. 
This gives the best quality recording. 
Silence recognition during recording

For pure UK working it is not necessary to set a maximum timer 
record, unless that is, your modem is a Creatix or has a Rockwell 
Chip set. If you expect calls and/or messages from abroad it is 
safer to set a time limit for incoming messages. Alternatively, 
setting a maximum recording time saves you from "verbose" 
callers. As a suggestion, include the time in your announcement. 
In this way it is not necessary to adjust the "silence" 
recognition. But please try out! It is savly to give in a record limit about 
120 or 200 seconds. So Your Harddisk is not filled up to it's limit!


Path for the folder INCOMING/OUTGOING/SYS OUT

You have to indicate the path for the folder MESS-IN and MESS-OUT 
in these columns. Click on one of these lines and a file-
selection-box appears and you can adjust the path.

The folder MESS-IN contains incomming calls in future and  the 
folder MESS-OUT contains your messages.

You can define a separate folder in the column SYS OUT for the 
necessary remote polling of messages.

No announcements at remote

You can switch this function on and off depending if you want to 
hear the message about the number of recorded calls  and the 
recorded times during remote polling. Of course you can only hear 
recorded time announcements if you have recorded any answering 
texts previously.

Redirect incoming message to:
CoMa can redirect the recorded call to a different telephone No 
if you would like this service. You have to switch on this 
function and enter a telephone number. Only the recorded text 
will be redirected, not the connection itself.


3.4 Parameter "Messages"


The answering texts are administrated in this dialog box and 
assigned to certain time tracks or PIN.

You can assign an individual text to each MSN if you are in 
possession of an ISDN-modem. The modem reports the number called 
to CoMA and makes a telephone number specific text possible.

Only one text is played in this case though. You cannot assign 
text to times now. The time depending texts are assigned 
automatically to the other telephone number(s) if only one or two 
MSN's are chosen for a special text. Personal orientated texts 
via a PIN are not affected by this (Second Level messages). It 
does not matter on which telephone line a PIN is send, if it is 
valid the stored text will be played.

Unfortunately, the Zyxel Elite ISDN sends the receiver 
identification after the first ring tone only.  This function can 
not work if your computer switches on automatically with the help 
of a hardware extension (like our WAKE-UP). The computer has to 
remain switched on for this function in order to use a MSN 
specific message.

Adjustment of "First Level Messages" are described in the next 
part.

	1. Timed assignment of "First Level Messages"

CoMa offers the possibility to use time orientated First Level 
Messages and to leave spoken messages for certain  people which 
can be called upon via a PIN. Such messages are called "Second 
Level Messages".

Call up the entry "Messages" in the pop-up-menu "Parameter" to 
determine First and Second Level Messages.

You can assign up to seven messages (Message1 to Message7) to a 
certain time. The text in the slot "else" is used always when no 
other slot is assigned for the actual time.

Press the  button on the right next to the time entry to get the 
file-selection-box.

Sometimes it might be necessary to differ from a given time for a 
message. In this case you can put a text in the slot "always" and 
activate the button with a click.

The chosen text will now be used till you switch off the button 
"always".

	2. Second Level Messages  (PIN protected messages)

CoMa has got a small voice-box integrated, as explained before. 
You can record personal messages for friends, protected by a PIN 
password, which can be polled by authorised people. Rules and 
limitations are the same for the selection of PIN as for Remote 
PIN (explained later). 
You can make your Second Level Messages generally available as 
well. Use just one number as PIN for this. We use our 
Communication Manger to give callers further information. If the 
caller presses "1" he will receive an overview of available 
information. Key "2" might give him a message about prices of our 
products etc.

This option has been greatly increased in CoMa professional. Here You can 
create as much folders as You desire with messages. The messages in the 
folders can be composed from 99 recording files. It is possible to adjust 
various messages easily without having to record the whole message again.
CoMa professional offers furthermore the possibilty to provide 
fax pages as well as first level and second level messages in 
these folders (fax-on-demand).

The caller will hear first an announcement with the advice to get 
the faxmachine ready for the reception of X pages and CoMa 
professional then send the fax pages. You will find more 
information about CoMa professional in chapter 5 and 6.

	Remote PIN (personal identification number)

It often happens that one would like to know - while in transit- 
if any messages or calls have been received during ones absence. 
If you are in possession of a tone-dialer you can call yourself 
and after input of PIN the calls are replayed. The PIN makes it 
impossible for outsiders to have access to the calls.

There are some rules to consider. The PIN has to start with a 8 
always. Do not use the same number consecutively to make sure 
identification cannot be confused. The last limitations : do not 
use a 8 in the number sequence. Every time the programme 
recognises the 8 it goes back to the beginning and takes the 8 as 
the first number of the PIN.


3.5 Recording of messages (OGM)


The programme voice contains only two little messages as 
example. We are convinced that you would like to make use of the 
possibility to record individual messages. We do not know which 
recording quality you prefer and this means you will have to make 
your own messages. The next chapter shows how easy it is to 
create Outgoing messages.

We will explain with two very popular types of modem how you can 
record your messages.


3.51 Recording with Zyxel modem


Before you start recording do not forget to adjust CoMa to the 
type of modem "Voice" (Parameter General:Connect). 
Having done this press the button "Record" in the main-dialog-
box. The recording start when the LED RXD on Zyxel flashes, or 
the recording beam on the monitor is displayed. Speak your 
recording text either into the connected telephone or into the 
microphone. You finish recording by pressing the Alternate key.

The file-selection-box opens now and you can enter the name for 
the file.

The names for the seven messages in the folder MESS_OUT is left 
for  you to decide, but do not forget to record a message for the 
end of an announcement with the name END-MESS.ZY?. PERHAPS LIKE 
"THANK YOU FOR YOUR CALL"

	Messages for the remote poll (folder Sys Out)

You will need the following messages if you would like to listen 
via remote polling to your answering machine. CoMa creates from 
these building blocks the announcement about the number of calls 
and fax. Recommendations for the text are given in "". The 
numbers should be assigned to no other texts of course! You can 
store these texts in their own folder. Please define under path 
Sys Out in the Parameter box "Voice" a folder for filing the 
texts.

NUM-00.ZX?     "NULL"
NUM-01.ZX?     "ONE"
NUM-02.ZX?     "TWO"
ETC.
NUM-24.ZX?     "TWENTYFOUR OR MORE"
THEREARE.ZX?   "THERE ARE"
IN-MESS.ZX?    "MESSAGES AND"
FAXES.ZX?      "FAX FOR"
DATA.ZX?       "DATA CALLS"
CLOCK.ZX?      "CLOCK"
ERROR.ZX       "ERROR MESSAGE"

The third character indicates the quality with which the 
recording was made and is displayed in the file-selection-box.

.ZX1 CELP
.ZX2 ADPCM2
.ZX3 ADPCM3
.ZX4 ADPCM4 (see chapter 3.3)

With  function "Play" the  messages can be replayed after 
recording. The file-selection-box is displayed again and you can 
chose the text you would like to hear.


3.52 Recording with Creatix LC144VF


Recoring of messages is more sophisticated with Creatix 14400 if 
you also have the record-play-set belonging to the voice-part. 
This includes a loudspeaker and a microphone which only need 
plugging into the appropriate sockets.. You can then speak 
directly into the microphone for recording.

Resolutions are assigned to following file-endings:
.RO2 ADPCM2
.RO3 ADPCM3
.RO4 ADPCM4

Tell CoMa in "Voice-parameter" the Chipset "Creatix" and 
everything will function! Enter Micro for Input and Speaker for 
Output.


3.6 Test the answering machine


You do not have to buy a telephone card and call from a phone 
box to make sure that the answering machine functions correctly. 
The main-dialog-box has got the entry "Takeoff". CoMa simulates a 
call and asks the modem to answer. You will hear your message and 
you can record yourself on the phone. The text can be replayed 
via the function "Calls" just as it would be in a real message.


3.7 Replay of calls


Having made all the adjustments the communication manager can 
start operating. The first call comes in and you would like to 
listen to it. This takes place in the "Calls list" which you find 
in the main-dialog-window by clicking the button "Calls". Fax, 
Calls and data all entered here. Differentiation between fax, 
call etc is made with appropriate entries in the list. All new 
entries are without a hook. Command "Play all New" will play all 
messages one after the other. Afterwards they are marked with
a hook automatically. Click on calls you do not want to store and 
get rid of them  with the command "Delete" in the pop-up-menu 
"Calls". This removes the entry from the list and the file from 
the hard disk.

The ISDN net makes a beautiful function possible.If you receive a 
call from another ISDN telephone and the number is listed in the 
number adminsitration you will see the name of the caller 
immediately. Always assuming he does not want to stay anonymous
and has not switched of the caller identification.

For wind and rewind during recording use the key 2 and 3 of the 
number block. The keys correspond to the numbers of the remote 
polling.

1    repeat whole message
2    10 seconds rewind
3    10 seconds wind
*    interrupt message
4    Jump one call back


3.8 Insert remarks in the Calls-list


Normally the calls list shows the time and the date of a call 
(exception see ISDN). If you want to save a message it would 
be nice to be able to add the name of the caller or some remark. 
Activate the entry with a click of the left mouse key. Chose the 
entry "Edit" in the pop-up-menu and you receive an entry window 
for a text line.
You can also include a remark, i.e. you can enter the name and 
the reason for the call.
The entry file name carries the name under which this call can be 
found in the Incoming folder.


3.9 Remote polling of the answering machine


Just like with many normal answering machines it is possible to 
listen to your calls by remote polling. You need a tone-dialer or 
a telephone that can be switched to tone-dial (DTMF-tone). CoMa 
also offers the possibility to change your message via DTMF-tone.

Call your telephone number and wait till the answering machine 
starts with your text. Enter your PIN and press the keys approx. 
1 second for each number.

The answering machine starts now with the report of the recieved 
voice-calls and fax giving the time of the recording. Only the 
full hours will be mentioned though. All calls between 17.00 and 
17.59 h receive the time "17,oo h",

If you do not want to hear the time intensive announcements 
switch on the button "No announcements at remote" in parameter 
box "Messages". You will only hear the messages then.

Make sure that the chosen PIN starts with the number 8 and that 
no number is used twice consecutively.

Following functions are available for remote polling:

    key        Function
     *         interrupt message, jump to next call
     1         return to the beginning of message
     2         rewind 10 seconds
     3         wind 10 seconds
     4         jump back a call
     6         send fax
     7         recording of new announcement message
     8         finish recording and replay
     0         reset of button "always"

The announcement text for remote polling will always be stored 
under the name NEW-OGM.XXX and put in the slot "always". This 
text will be used till the button "always" is switch off again. 
You can do this by remote (DTMF-KEY 0).

IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE MESSAGE YOU CAN GET BACK INTO RECORDING 
MODULE BY PRESSING KEY 7.