Copyright: © 1998-1999 Megre
Citation: Power Phone Help


Introduction

Power Phone is a voice communications software program that lets you receive voice messages, answer calls with speakerphone, auto dial an unlimited amount of phone numbers in loop and much more.

•	Receiving voice messages

•	Flexible configuration to fit all your needs

•	Multiple configurations, automatically switched by time and day of the week

•	Stops playing greeting message when handset picked up

•	Full-featured speakerphone

•	Volume control

•	Set line on hold

•	Flash (conference) option

•	Auto dial out

•	Unlimited amount of phone numbers

•	Playing outgoing messages when caller answers

•	Full process information

•	Call log

•	Logs incoming and outgoing calls with CallerID information

•	Display result for each item

•	Stores incoming voice messages and memos

•	Flexible operations with messages

•	Plays and records messages "in place"

•	Records memo messages with a single touch

•	Plays and records messages from and to any available device

•	Compact and easy to use interface

•	History (10 last dialed numbers)

•	Quick dial menu (10 user-defined numbers)

•	Uses minimum screen area and memory

•	Interface language can be changed "on the fly"

•	Tray-based application

•	Global hot-keys


System requirements

Power Phone has been designed for Windows 95/98 systems with at least 8 MB of RAM. Not tested under Windows NT. HiColor video mode is recommended.

Supported modems

•	U.S. Robotics Sportster Voice

•	Modems with Texas Instruments (TI) chipset

•	Modems with Rockwell chipset (Acorp, GVC)

•	Modems with Cirrus Logic chipset


Contact information

E-Mail:

   Megre <megre@geocities.com>

Main WWW Page:

   http://megre.hypermart.net

Mirrors:

   http://megre.m8.com

   http://megre.virtualave.net


Technical support and feedback

Technical support

Registered users are entitled to technical support, should the need arise.  Please contact me by email.

Feedback

If you have a grand idea for a new feature, or a better way of doing something, please drop me a note.


Setting up modem

For proper voice operations all connections should be made as shown below.

In the current version recording from sound card is not available.


Starting the program

Run phone.exe to launch Power Phone main module. Also you can run monitor.exe for less memory usage. When Ctrl+Numpad 0 key combination is pressed or incoming call is detected, main program module (phone.exe) will be launched.

Command line arguments (optional)

First launch only:

/Minimized

Launch program minimized.

/Language:<name.lng>

See Multi-language support topic.

When program already loaded:

/Minimize

Minimize program to the system tray.

/Restore

Restore back to screen.

Switches working in both cases:

/Dial <Number>

Add <Number> to the queue.


Multi-language support

This program supports selecting one of the prepared languages to be used in program's user interface, and even preparing language files for currently unsupported languages. If you modify or make new language file, please let me know.

If, for any reason, you would like to switch back to default English language, and are unable to do so in the program because you can't understand or correctly display the currently selected language, you can run the program from command line with this special parameter:

 phone.exe /language:english

This will effectively run the program with English language, ignoring current

language settings.


Setting up the program

At first launch Power Phone will try to detect your modem model, sending commands like 'ATI3' and looking for a known string (e.g. 'Sportster'). If this fails, the program will try to issue known voice commands to the modem.

Then, try to playback any voice message (e.g. 'Primary greeting'). If you hear only noise, simply re-record all messages.

These steps are quite enough for the basic configuration. For further information, see Setup topic.


Speakerphone operations

If you answer a call manually with your standard telephone you can switch to talking with the speakerphone. In such a case, press the Pick up button. The speakerphone will access the telephone line.

Note: "ON LINE" indicator must be on.

In this mode you can:

•	Tone dial

Press appropriate button on the numeric keypad:

"0"…"9" 	- digits "0"…"9"

"*" 	- "*"

"-"	- "#"

•	Flash the line (Conference)

Press the "/" button on the numeric keypad:

•	Volume control

Microphone sensitivity.

Speaker volume

DAC volume

Mute microphone

Mute speaker

•	Place line on hold

Select "Hold" option from main popup menu or press "L" on the keyboard. Now the modem will go on-hook when the handset is picked up.

Uncheck "Hold" or press "L" again to un-hold the line.

Note: make sure that you plug the phone cord into the right modem jack (labelled with phone icon or with "Phone").

•	Hang up

When the call is over, press the Hang up button to release the telephone line.


Place speakerphone calls

Note: "ON LINE" indicator must be off.

There are three ways to place speakerphone calls:

•	 To enter the phone number manually:

1. Type in the number to be dialed with your numpad keys:

"0"…"9" 	- digits "0"…"9"

"*" 	- "*"

"-"	- "#"

"/"	- "w" (wait for dial tone)

"Del"	- "," (2 seconds pause)

  	2. After the telephone number is entered, press the Dial button.

•	To select Caller from Quick dial menu:

Press the "Del" key on the numeric keypad and select caller from popup menu.

•	To select number from history:

1. Select number by pressing key "[" (previous) and "]" (next).

2. Press the "Dial" button in program window or the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

After that, phone number will be added to queue and then dialed. See Queue for further help.


Answer call with speakerphone

1.   Press the Answer button or the Enter key.

2.	Start talking after short beep.

3.   When the call is over, press the Hang button or the Enter key again to release the telephone line.

For more information see Speakerphone operations topic.


Messages operations

•	To play/record system message:

1. Select System messages (press the F4 key).

2. Select Device for record / playback:

•	 Line – Phone line, make sure that you are in the online state.

•	 Modem – Modem microphone / speaker.

•	 Handset – Phone connected to modem jack.

3. Then you have 2 ways:

•	 To re-record old message:

1. Select message by clicking left mouse button on the current message's name (see image above) and selecting appropriate message from popup menu

2. Start recording current message by pressing Stop button.

•	 To record new message:

1. Click left mouse button on the current message's name (see image above) and select Create from popup menu.

2. Enter new name and press the Accept button..

4. Start talking after short beep.

5. Press Stop button when finished.

6. You can replay message by pressing Play button.

7. Press Save or Cancel button when done.

•	To rename current system message

Click left mouse button on the current message's name (see image above) and selecting Rename from popup menu. Enter new name and press the Accept button..

•	To delete current system message

Click left mouse button on the current message's name (see image above) and selecting Delete from popup menu.


Record greeting message

To re-record you primary greeting:

1. Select System messages [F4] if necessary.

2. Select Primary greeting from popup menu.

3. Select Device for record / playback:

•	 Line – Phone line, make sure that you are in the online state.

•	 Modem – Modem microphone / speaker.

•	 Handset – Phone connected to modem jack.

4. Start record by pressing Record button.

5. Start talking after short beep.

6. Press Stop button when finished.

7. You can replay message by pressing Play button.

8. Press Save or Cancel button when done.


Record voice memos

To record voice memos select appropriate device and press F10. Recording will start immediately. Press the Stop button to stop.


Keyboard shortcuts

Please note that almost all functions may be also called from popup menus, you don't have to remember all key combinations.

Key	Range	Function

ESC	Global	Minimize window

F	Global	Context-sensitive help

F4	Global	Select system messages

F5	Global	Select all messages

F6	Global	Select memo messages

F7	Global	Select new messages

F8	Global	Select old messages

F9	Global	Play all selected messages

F10	Global	Record memo message

E	Global	Connected to com port.

R	Global	Emulate ring (for testing purpose)

I	Global	Init modem

[	Global	Select previous dialed number

]	Global	Select next dialed number

S	Global	Select modem device

D	Global	Select handset device

F	Global	Select line device

H	Queue	Hold selected item in queue

L	Global	Place line on hold

:	Queue	Decrease pause

"	Queue	Increase pause

Z	Global	Previous message

X	Global	Start playing

C	Global	Stop

V	Global	Start recording

B	Global	Next message

N	Global	Mute speaker

M	Global	Mute (turn microphone off)

<	Queue	Decrease retries

>	Queue	Increase retries


Global Hotkeys

Please note that almost all functions may be accessed from the main menu.

Key	Function

Ctrl + numpad 0	Bring up / hide program window.

Ctrl + numpad 1	Refers to first button in program window.

Ctrl + numpad 2	Refers to second button in program window.

Ctrl + numpad 7	Bring up program main menu.

Ctrl + numpad 8	Bring up program Quick dial menu


Normal view

Click on areas on the image above to find out more about interface.

Please read first: Setting up modem, Setting up program

See also chapter Using Power Phone.

Main menu items

Port open

Connected to communication port. Uncheck if you need to use other communication program.

Hold

Place current call on hold. Select this item from menu or press the L key in online mode (HANDSET indicator will be yellow color). Then if you pick handset up, modem will release line.

Ignore ring

This options switches auto answer off

Microphone off

Turn microphone off. You can also click on the microphone icon

Speaker off

Mute speaker. You can also click on the speaker icon

Messages

Messages operations menu.

Exit

Close Power Phone


Dial out

Dial out window used to make list of phone number, select message that will be played and display statistical information.

Item status

  	Idle	Item not added to queue

   	In queue	Item placed in queue

   	Line busy	Line was busy last time

  	No answer	Calling party not answered last time

  	Done	Dial out for this item is complete.

How to start dial out sequence.

1.	Add phone number to dial out list.

•	Right click on the free area and select Create or press the INS key.

•	Enter phone number and description (i.e. name of organization or person).

•	Press INS again to add next number.

•	Press Tab to move back to list.

2.	Select message to play.

3.   Select queue limit: how many phone numbers can be in the queue at the same time.

4.   Press Start button.

Stop / suspend dial out.

1.   Press Stop button.

  All dial out items will be removed from the queue. Items [image] (Line busy) and [image] (No answer) in the list will be marked as  [image] (Idle), so you can start the dial out sequence again any time.

Technical background

For proper dial out operations your modem should detect the moment when the line is picked up. There are a few ways to do it:

1. Detect line voltage or polarity change. This method is most preferable, because the modem reports as soon as remote picked up. ZyXEL modems have this option.

2. Detect "Ringback never came" or "Ringback goes away" events. If ringback is not

detected within user-defined of time, the modem assumes that the remote has picked

up the line. This method is slightly worse, because the modem will play the outgoing message only after a user defined period of time has elapsed since the last ringback. Almost all voice modems, e.g. Rockwell, US Robotics and others  have this option.


Queue

Queue contains phone numbers, selected for dialing. Each item has its own independent timer, which waits some time before redialing, if the called party was busy or did not answer.

Queue item status

   On timer (waiting for redial)

   Timer stopped

   Ready to dial

   Dialing

   On line

You can apply for selected item following actions:

Force 	[Space]	Force number to be dialed (set [image] state)

Hold [H]	Stop item's timer (Switch between [image] and [image] state)

Hold all [Ctrl+H]	Same as above for all items

Dec. pause [:]	Decrement pause between retries

Inc. pause ["]	Increment pause between retries

Dec. retries [<]	Decrement maximum retries

Inc. retries [>]	Increment maximum retries

Delete [Del]	Delete item from queue

Queue will be automatically restored upon next launch. Items on timer will be stopped to prevent dialing if Power Phone was launched automatically at Windows startup.

You can add unlimited phone numbers to the queue. For further help, see Place Speakerphone Calls topic.


Event log

The Event log keeps a history of incoming and outgoing calls. Double click left mouse button on item with phone number to redial.


Setup - Index

Incoming calls

Outgoing calls

Messages

Options

Modem


Incoming calls

The following options are available:

•	 Play sound file ring.wav after ring (Play "Ring")

•	 Restore program window from tray bar when a call is detected (Popup)

•	 Number of rings before auto answering

•	 Play to the phone line first greeting (Primary greeting by default)

•	 Play second greeting message if necessary

•	 Record message (60 seconds by default)

•	 Messages will be played through the modem's speaker while being recorded (Monitor)

It's possible to create several such configurations, including automatically switchable at set times.

Creating new configuration

Select Create from popup menu and enter Name of the new configuration.

Setting configuration type

 Time-dependent configuration. To set, select from popup menu Activate - Auto. To define time period, select Time from popup menu. Enter string in format

D.HH:MM-D:HH:MM. For example, specify 1.08:00-7.23:00 as time period from Sunday to Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 Time-dependent configuration. Activated when other time-dependent configurations are not in use.

 Fixed configuration.

Turn on auto configuration

Press the Fixed button to activate approaching time-dependent configuration. Press this button again to select configuration constantly.


Outgoing calls

In this section you can specify options for outgoing calls.

Tone dial 	- use tone dialing

Speaker Off 	- Turn modem speaker off when dialing

Detect	- Hang up / redial on busy

BUSY	  (Recommended)

Detect	- Wait for dial tone before dialing.

NO DIALTONE	  (Recommended)

Detect	- Enter speakerphone mode only when remote has picked up the line

NO ANSWER 	  (Recommended for ZyXEL modems)

Attempts max.	- Maximum attempts for redial. When not checked, attempts is unlimited!

Dial speed 	- Tone dial speed

Ringback	- After dialing no ringback was detected - remote has picked up the line

Never Came	  (Used only when Detect NO ANSWER is checked)

Ringback	- After dialing ringback not detected any more - remote has picked up the line

Goes Away	  (Used only when Detect NO ANSWER is checked)

Default pause	- Default pause between redial.


Messages

You can specify when and which messages will be played.

•	At hold

Default: Music

This message is played when you place the line on hold.

•	After quiet in line

Default: Message saved

This message is played if quiet is detected on the line when recording incoming messages (assuming that the caller stops talking).


Options

Port section

Direct Scan

In idle state program not used with the communication port, which lets other program access it. When an incoming call is detected or the program needs to send commands or data, the modem port will be opened. (Doesn't work in Windows NT)

Always Open

Always connected to communication port. Check this option if the modem cannot determine ring in Direct Scan mode. You can disconnect and free com port any time you need.

Ring detection section

Hardware Ring

Ring detected when a RI hardware signal comes from the modem. When Direct Scan is selected it's the only way to determine a ring.

Wait for "RING"

Wait for "Ring" string from modem. Default and only option in Always Open mode.

Hint: Check both options to prevent false ring detection.

Run at startup section

Modem monitor

Launch monitor.exe at Windows startup. Recommended for less memory usage (~60 KB).

Power Phone

Launch phone.exe at Windows startup. Recommended for faster response on first ring.

Interface section

Language

Switch to one of prepared languages to be used in the program's user interface.

Global Hot-keys

Enable / disable global hotkeys.


Modem

Modems installed in the system

At first launch Power Phone selects the first modem found in the system. If you have more than one modem, select it from the drop down list.

In some cases Power Phone is not able to find modem's com port number in the registry, and will query COM1-COMa automatically.

Communication port baud rate

Increase value if messages are playing badly. Press Done button to apply changes.

Read timeout (left track bar)

Decrease value for faster commands operations. Press Done button to apply changes.

Write timeout (right track bar)

For debug purpose. Press Done button to apply changes.

Modem voice commands set

Refer to your modem manual to find out what chipset is used and select it from the drop down list.

Edit voice commands

You can edit any voice command in the list, just select it and press Enter key. Press Enter again when finish.


What is registration?

Power Phone is "Shareware".  You are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 14 days. If you use this software after the 14-day evaluation period a registration fee of $25 US is required.

Shareware (non-registered) version of Power Phone is a "full-featured" release.  This means that the same capabilities available in the registered software are present in the non-registered software.  This allows you to try out all the features in Power Phone to confirm that they work to your satisfaction.  The non-registered software includes a bonus feature - the shareware reminder screen.  This is an added incentive for users to register the software rather than continue using it indefinitely without paying.

Why should I register

How can I register?


Why should I register?

For many people, the most pressing reason to register is to get rid of the annoying reminder box which pops up at the most inconvenient times.

But besides this, registration entitles you to free technical support and minor upgrades to the software.  I will also send you information bulletins by email to let you know about what's happening with Power Phone.

Finally, by registering the software, you provide me with the resources and incentive to support the software with updates and to develop additional quality shareware products in the future.

How can I register?


How can I register?

You can order the fully licensed version of Power Phone over the Internet from PsL, a credit card ordering service (Power Phone product number on PsL is #15986).

The registration fee for Power Phone is $25 US.

CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY

You can order with MC, Visa, Amex, or Discover from Public Software Library, Ltd. in the following ways:

Online: Go to Web site at http://megre.hypermart.net and click on "Order Online".

FAX: To 713-524-6398 and ask for product #15986 . Please type or block print very plainly.

Email: To PSL at "15986@pslweb.com"

Mail credit card orders to PSL at P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705.

Phone: PSL's operators are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST

Monday-Friday at 800-242-4775 Ext.15986 or at 713-610-1432 Ext.15986

THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS ONLY.

THE AUTHOR OF THIS PROGRAM CANNOT BE REACHED AT THESE NUMBERS.

Any questions about the status of the shipment of the order, refunds, registration options, product details, technical support, site licenses, non-credit card orders, etc, must be directed to megre@geocities.com

To insure that you get the latest version, PSL will notify me within one business day of your order and I will email the registration code directly to you.


License / Copyrights

License Agreement

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software. Unless you have a different license agreement signed by author (Oleg Smirnov) your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES YOU MAY REVERSE-ENGINEER, MODIFY OR ALTER IN ANY WAY FILES OR PROGRAM ITSELF IN THIS DISTRIBUTION PACKAGE.

Shareware Version

Evaluation and Registration

This is not free software. Subject to the terms below, you are hereby licensed to use this software for evaluation purposes without charge for a period of 14 days. If you use this software after the 14-day evaluation period a registration fee of $25 USD is required. Registration fee grants you the right to use this software for unlimited time. When payment is received you will be sent your own personal registration code.

Unregistered use of Power Phone after the 14-day evaluation period is in violation of international copyright laws.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU LICENSED TO DISTRIBUTE REGISTERED VERSIONS OF Power Phone OR TO DISTRIBUTE GIVEN REGISTRATION CODES BY ANY MEANS.

Registered Version

One registered copy of Power Phone may either be used by a single person who uses the software personally on one or more computers, or installed on a single workstation used non-simultaneously by multiple people, but not both.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.

Because of the various hardware and software environments into which Power Phone may be put, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it. The user must assume the entire risk of using the program. ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF PURCHASE PRICE.

Distribution

Provided that you verify that you are distributing the Shareware Version you are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the Shareware version of this software and documentation as you wish; give exact copies of the original Shareware version to anyone; and distribute the the software and documentation in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above.

You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made; and from distributing the software and/or documentation with other products (commercial or otherwise) without prior written permission.

Development of Power Phone

Power Phone was written utilizing Borland Delphi 3.0 (© 1993-1997 by Borland International) and following components:

RX Library

    URL: rx.demo.ru

    Fedor Koshevnikov

    E-mail: fkozh@usa.net

    Igor Pavluk

    E-mail: ipavluk@usa.net

    Serge Korolev

    E-mail: korolev@usa.net

TALed v1.03

   Original by Chang-Ting SU

   E-mail: ctsu@ms12.hinet.net

   Modified by H.J. Harvey

   E-mail: hharvey@dove.net.au

TBitCheckBox v1.0

   Copyright (C) 1996 Bill Menees

   E-Mail: bmenees@usit.net

   URL: www.public.usit.net/bmenees

TCommPortDriver v1.08

   Copyright (C) 1997 by D3K, The Artisan Of Ware. All rights reserved.

   Copyright (C) 1997 by M. Cocco. All rights reserved.

   E-mail: d3k@mdnet.it

   URL:  www.mdlive.com/d3k

TCOMMStatus v2.1

   Copyright (C) 1998 by TRSOFT  All Rights Reserved.

   Thomas Radtke Software Entwicklung.

   URL: www.abcnet.de/TRSOFT

TGradientFill v1.20

   Copyright (C) 1995, Curtis A. White.  All rights reserved.

   E-mail:  cwhite@teleport.com

TGradBtn

   E-mail:  harmdog@ne.uswest.net

TMp3Remote

   Copyright (C) 1998 by MindBlast Software.

   E-mail: louw@gcs.co.za

   URL: www.gcs.co.za/mbs/mbs.htm

TTrayIcon v1.3

   Original by Derek Stutsman

   E-mail:  dereks@metronet.com

   Modified by Pete Ness

   Compuserve ID: 102347,710

   E-Mail:  102347.710@compuserve.com

   URL:  ourworld.compuserve.com\homepages\peteness

All mentioned Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

Oleg Smirnow aka Megre, Russia, 1999.


Quick dial

The quick dial list consists of 10 user-defined phone numbers.

Tip: You can move item up and down by pressing left and right arrow keys.


Status image

This image shows current program status. Click left mouse button to bring up the menu with a list of the user-defined phone numbers.


Online mode

Modem in off-hook state, ON-LINE indicator is on and right button is yellow.


Status Line

Shows program current status.


System buttons

Allows you minimize, maximize, restore or close program.


Speaker volume

This option allows you to easily change the volume level when talking with speakerphone.

Hot-key: +/-


Microphone sensivity

This option allows you to easily change the microphone sensitivity when talking with speakerphone.

Hot-key: Shift +/-


DAC Volume

This option allows you to easily change the volume level when playing or recording voice files.


Microphone off

Click to mute microphone when talking with speakerphone.

Hot-key: M


Mute Speaker

Click to mute speaker when talking with speakerphone.

Hot-key: N


Modem monitor bar

The Modem Monitor is used in the same way status lights are used on an external modem.

RI: Hardware Ring

Flashes whenever a RING is detected by the modem.

DTR: Data Terminal Ready

The modem/computer is ready to send and receive commands.

DSR:	Data Set Ready

The modem is powered on.

DCD: Data Carrier Detect

A connection has been established with the remote modem.

QUEUE

Flashes when there are items in the queue.

PORT OPEN

The communication port is open.

OFF HOOK

The modem has picked up the telephone line.

HANDSET

The telephone handset is picked up.


First button

This button has different functions depending on the current program status.

Global hot-keys: Ctrl+Numpad 1.

Hot-keys: Space.


Second button

This button has different function depending on the current program status.

Global hot-keys: Ctrl+Numpad 2.

Hot-keys: Enter.


Panel 2

This field shows misc information, e.g. number of retries.


Panel 1

This field shows misc information, e.g. pause between retries.


Toolbar

This field shows current time period and checked options from incoming call setup.


Message duration

Current message duration in seconds.


Message position

Shows current play/record position in the voice file.


Messages count

Current message number and total messages count.


Device

Select the device you wish to use when recording or playing messages. Click left mouse button for popup menu and select appropriate device:

Modem

   Hot-key: S

   Record from microphone (modem).

   Play to speaker (modem).

Handset

   Hot-key: D

   Select telephone handset for playback/recording.

Line

   Hot-key: F

   Select phone line for playback/recording.


Messages

Displays current message, selected for playback / recording. Click left mouse button for popup menu and select appropriate message.


Messages type

Displays messages type. Click left mouse button for popup menu and select on of the following options:

System

   Hot-key: F4

   System messages. You can record new messages from any available device.

All

   Hot-key: F5

   All voice messages except system.

Memo

   Hot-key: F6

   Memo messages.

New

   Hot-key: F7

   New messages

Old

   Hot-key: F8

   Old messages


Play

Press this button to start playback.


Previous

Press this button for previous message.


Stop

Press this button to stop recording or playback.


Record

Press this button to record message.


Button next

Press this button for next message.


Help

Press F1 for context-sensitive help.


Caption

Click and drag to move window.