Hello All.....
I'm proud to offer VOICE CHAT to our list of Forum Features. I'll explain below what you need to do to join, but BASICALLY, it is very simple and allows you to communicate in full-duplex voice (assuming your sound card allows full-duplexing) with any other member using the same program. Here are the basics and then the setup info.
VENTRILO SOFTWARE 2.3.1
Here is a detailed DOCUMENT from the Ventrilo site to help you techies out, but the basic stuff is simpler than what this tech manual would suggest.
This version (the latest FREE release) allows up to EIGHT (8) people to communicate at one time - without laying out the money for a more detailed version, or for settling for the OLDER version, I've thought hard about the needs of our membership and feel that this version of Ventrilo will do until we find out if a larger version is definitely needed.
Ventrilo basically has TWO versions needed to chat. Version one is a SERVER version which is installed on MY COMPUTER and generally speaking, my computer is ALWAYS TURNED ON unless I'm updating software or other times when I'm doing system maintenance. During those times, Ventrilo may seem to be OFF-LINE, but I'll try to post messages mentioning any down time.
Part TWO of Ventrilo is the CLIENT software is called 2.3.0 version, this YOU need to download - it is a short and popular program used to allow you to communicate with ANY OTHER VENTRILO CLIENT (other members) through the SERVER. Think of my computer being the switchboard where your conversations travel through - it is similar to peer-to-peer networking to a small degree.
Once you download the Ventrilo Client Software (link to follow) you just add the info I'll supply and you will have access to all other members on-line using your microphone, speakers or headphone.
Here is the page for downloading the "CLIENT SOFTWARE" - do NOT DOWNLOAD THE SERVER SOFTWARE
http://www.ventrilo.com/download.php________________________________________
SETTINGS THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE ONCE YOU INSTALL THE VENTRILO CLIENT SOFTWARE:
You will get a VENTRILO WINDOW approx 4x4 in size - the top lines on the upper left say User Name, Server, Bindings.
User-name is YOU - CLICK the box that looks like this [->] choose new if needed and type a username (please use the MEMBER NAME from the forum. Below that you see a PHONETIC OPTION - please type your name phonetically so that it SOUNDS like your username when you click on the "PLAY" button to the right. The rest in this window, leave blank, choose OK to return to previous window.
SERVER This is me - type BEEMASTER here and click that [->] again to get to CONNECTION EDITOR WINDOW. Host IP needs to be added along with PORT NUMBER. The info on this page should read as follows (hang in there, you are ALMOST DONE - I promise)
Select: Beemasterforums
Host-name or IP: 68.39.144.142
Port Number: 3784
leave password and default channels BLANKReturn to previous page by hitting ok and LEAVE BINDINGS (NONE)
Lastly, some basic stuff needed under SETTINGS which is the fourth option on the right side of the main Ventrilo Window -
click SETUP.NOTE: these settings may be customised toy our sound card, so what I write may differ from computer to computer system. I can only suggest you choose your systems sound card from drop down lists when ever possible.
NOTE 2: the only screen you need to worry about is the VOICE TAB (upper left) the default screen here. The other tabs should not come into play, so it isn't as tough as it might seem.
FIRST: place a check in the upper left three boxes. enable outgoing voice messages, use push to talk hot-key and use direct input to detect hot key. Almost there.
SECOND: in the upper right corner of same SETUP PAGE:
where it says OUTPUT DEVICE (I have my sound card "Realtek HD audio rear output) yours should be different, but I assume you add your sound card here
THIRD: just below that it says INPUT DEVICE - I have LINE IN/MIC in
LASTLY you'll see below that HARDWARE INPUT MIXER (OPTIONAL) and right below that MIXER - I have REALTEK HD DIGITAL INPUT
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That is all the control settings there are EXCEPT adjusting your mic out and audio in which you will see just below the last line (still on the right under AMPLIFIERS, OUTBOUND and INBOUND.
I have my mic outbound at approx 1 and inbound 10 - you will adjust these with whom ever you are talking to, so that you get all your controls comfortable to listen to.
NOTE: you need a MIC-KEY BUTTON (it is called a hot key and found on the SETUP SCREEN middle/left of the screen - you click on the box to tell it you are setting up a hot key, then hit the key you choose to use as a mic - I use my left CTRL key as my mic key and you transmit as long as you hold down the key.
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Although I'm no pro on this, I think I can help you out if you show up. But remember, first things first, download and install VENTRILO CLIENT, remember to let virus software and firewalls allow it) add settings as shown above and HOPEFULLY someone will be around to chat with.
LAST NOTES. You know when you are transmitting when your NAME in the main Ventrilo window shows your name with a speaker next to it and the speaker turns GREEN as you speak - it is otherwise RED.
PLEASE GIVE THIS A TRY - EVERYONE wants to chat and text chat isn't so hot (although Ventrilo offer a great TEXT CHAT FEATURE TOO) but this version allows EIGHT (8) people to talk to each other, hopefully THAT will be enough for a while.
PLEASE GIVE THIS A TRY ASAP and LET ME KNOW MY SERVER FEATURE IS WORKING FINE - BEST WISHES to all, and talk to you soon.
PLEASE POST ANY QUESTIONS HERE!!!!!!!
NOTE: if it asks for a PASSWORD" type booboo (all lower case)