TEAMSPEAK3 via INTERNET SET-UP Used for CW NET and BOD Meeting. The TEAMSPEAK Client software is free and can be downloaded at:

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1 TEAMSPEAK3 via INTERNET SET-UP Used for CW NET and BOD Meeting The TEAMSPEAK Client software is free and can be downloaded at: Select the client software appropriate for your computer. You may also check out the quick start if you wish at: The installation is very straight forward, just follow the basic software installation instructions. This program is used for both the VWS CW NET, and the VWS Board of Directors meetings). Set up a separate Bookmark for each as desired. The only thing different between the two bookmarks is the Default Channel login see below. Of course the VWS Board of Directors meeting is simply an audio conversation and does not require the CW key. The microphone and speaker, or headphones are required. Set up Bookmark: Bookmark, Manage Bookmarks or Add Bookmarks window

2 Bookmark: (Use a Label of your choosing to identify the bookmark) Address: teamspeak.ralphsmith.org (This is the server address assigned for the VWS CW net and BOD activities) Nickname: callsign-name (Recommend you use your call sign-name for your "userid" since that will be simpler for others to identify, and keeps it short. This is what appears in the list of users when you are connected. Password: k4hta Set up separate bookmarks for the desired channel. For the CW Net login: Default Channel: CW Net Channel Password: k4hta (type exactly as shown) For the BOD login: Channel: VWS Board of Directors (type exactly as shown) Channel Password: k4hta

3 When you first run the program you should have your microphone, and speakers or headphones, connected and go through the setup steps outlined at the beginning and adjust your gain and pc audio settings as necessary. It is recommended that you use the PTT method of microphone control instead of VOX (voice activated microphone control) to eliminate feedback from the sending station being retransmitted back to the sender throughout the network, and will eliminate inadvertent transmissions due to background activity at your station. If you need to change the settings: Microphone checks: For the Windows version use the Settings, Options, Capture window. For Apple Mac version use the Teamspeak, preferences, Capture window. (Recommend: Use PTT mode and select a convenient non-printing key to use for push to talk. Note: PTT in this system means that you hold the selected key down (with one hand) while you send your CW transmissions or when talking with the other hand, then release the key when finished with your transmission.) For Windows machines the "ALT" key works well. For Apple Mac machines the "Command" key works well. Not recommended that the Space bar be used since it is used for other purposes within the program. You can use the Notepad or some other programs to type text that you receive

4 if desired, so avoid some of the keys that you would use for taking notes, or copying code. Check boxes are at the bottom of the window. [ ]= unchecked, [x]= checked [x] Echo reduction [ ] Echo Cancellation You can click the: [x] Advanced Options (box near the bottom of the window to open up other items) [ ] Voice Activation Detection with Push to Talk [x] Remove Background Noise [ ] Automatic Voice Gain Control (This is optional, as it will vary the microphone gain during use.) [x] Delay releasing Push to Talk [ 0.3 sec] (default setting) Echo Reduction reduces playback by [ 10dB] (may be adjusted if necessary) Speakers or headphone audio checks: use the Settings, Options, Playback window. Typically you use a microphone on your computer to pick up the audio from a nearby code practice oscillator, or side-tone from your radio. Select some key on the computer

5 to use for the computer push-to-talk, as described above, while you use the other hand to operate the Morse Key. Release the PTT key when you are just listening to others. The advantage of this set-up is two fold. One it eliminates feedback from one users tone being echoed through the system, and the microphone can be used to simply talk when you need to. If your set-up is causing feedback issues, then using headphones can be a help in avoiding audio from the speakers being picked up by the microphone. If you desire to try a direct connection to the audio I/O you can experiment with this but is not necessary. Try to avoid pushing your PTT key while someone else is talking or sending code to avoid feedback issues.

6 Some useful operational notes: -When on the net you will see all the people that are logged in. Everyone will see the same list. The list is alphabetical and not the order logged in. -There is a blue dot next to the various users. When the dot is dark, they are simply listening. When the dot is light (or appears to light up) it means their microphone is active (either they are holding down the PTT key, or they may be using VOX mode and their microphone is picking up local noise (not good)). -If you want to simply standby and just listen to activity you can select the icon on the far left of the top screen that looks like a clock. That is the "away" symbol. You remain logged in but your microphone will be disabled. -There is also a mute microphone icon (picture of microphone with X through it) that just toggles as you hit it to mute your microphone. -The other icon to the right toggles both the microphone and speakers off, which is useful if you need to silence the system in you house to answer a phone or such. -The server is available anytime to try out, not just on the CW net night. -From time to time the software is updated. If it asks to update the program it is OK to do this to keep it current. -If you have two computers in your house and some assistance, you can experiment with the system during times when the CW net is not being used to see how your CW and voice are coming through. You can use two different userid's for this purpose so you know which computer is which. Keep the two computers separated so you don't have feedback issues. This is often helpful especially when experimenting with software settings and audio levels. -For the CW Net is very useful to have the Notepad program open to use to type the text as you decode the CW messages. This has been found to be a good aid to achieving higher speeds. Just have to remember to set the Notepad as the computer "focus" (as the active window) before typing. -If you wish to switch between the CW Net and the BOD channel simply select the bookmark for the desired channel. You will be automatically logged out of one channel and logged into the one selected.

7 Example of main screen when logged in: