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note: This tutorial is currently being updated
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Voice conferencing can be a very handy feature of any instant messenger program, in this part we will look at how to use this feature in Yahoo!® Messenger.
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Before you follow this tutorial you must read the terms of our disclaimer.
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If you use a dial-up connection then the chances are that the number you dial to connect to the internet is a local call (or included in a monthly fee such as broadband), this means that if you use the voice conferencing feature of a program like Yahoo!® Messenger instead of the phone it can save money with any long distance calls.
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In part four:
Setting up your mic & sound.
The Voice conferencing Toolbar.
Setting up the sound levels.
Back to course menu.
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Setting up your mic & sound
To set up your microphone ready for use plug it into the mic socket at the back of your PC, fig 1.1 shows a common set of sound inputs/outputs and we have pointed out the mic socket.
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The next step is to open the messenger program and contact the friend that you want to talk to, when you have sent them a message you will see the main instant message window, one of the icons visible is the voice button.
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Clicking on the voice button adds a new toolbar with some new areas of interest within the message window, these extra buttons/indicators (see fig 1.2) are what you will use to control the voice conferencing.
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The Voice conferencing Toolbar
Above in fig 1.2 we have pointed out the main areas that are used to control the voice conferencing:
A - This is similar to the hands free feature on a normal telephone, allowing the user to talk without pressing the Talk button, when selected a certain volume triggers the hands free feature.
B - The Talk button is what you press and hold to speak, for better results this button should be pressed and held 1 second before you start to talk.
C - This is a level indicator, it indicates the input level of your microphone.
D - This is another level indicator, this one indicates the level of the incoming voice (your friend's voice).
E - The mute facility is much like the mute on your TV, when selected it mutes all sound.
F - This is a level indicator which indicates the level of the sound output.
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Setting up the sound levels
Now you are familiar with the voice toolbar it is time to test and set up the sound levels including the input level for your microphone, this is achieved by opening the volume control on the Windows taskbar (bottom right of your screen by the clock).
In fig 1.3 to the left is a standard volume control window, yours may vary with different controls for different devices.
The one we are interested in is the Mic control, if you cannot see the mic in your volume window then click on options, properties, and then put a tick next to the Mic option in the dialogue box that appears.
Normally your mic will be muted so we need to untick the Mute checkbox (as in fig 1.2), now move the slider for the mic about halfway up for now, we will test the settings in a minute.
Also notice the Volume slider, this should be set according to your PC's speakers.
Now it is time to test the mic, when you enable the voice conferencing (clicking the Voice button) your friend will receive a message asking them if they would like to enable voice as well, presuming they do accept then you would see a message appear in the message window along the lines of your friend has enabled voice conference.
Press the Talk button and say something into your mic, you should see your mic level indicator (C in fig 1.2) light up, the ideal level is shown in fig 1.4 below
Having the mic any louder than the level shown above can cause distortion, adjust your mic slider (fig 1.3) to set the level accordingly, always ask your friend how it sounds at their end too.
Once you have set your levels you are ready to go, just press the talk button or use the hands free feature to talk.
To stop the voice conference simply click on the Voice Off button as seen below
note: If you experience feedback (a humming noise) while talking then adjust the volume and mic sliders until the humming disappears, another cause of feedback is having the mic too close to the speakers.
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Back to top | Part 5 coming in the next few days - © Copyright 2001-2008 helpwithpcs.com
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