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ElseeMore Amateur Radio Client Application for Echolink Using Text to Speech.
Written by Tony VK3ZTR
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Tony Wakefield (Software) by VK3ZTR

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BREAKING NEWS! EchoShack the enhanced version of ElseeMore is now available from http://echoshack.com my new website. Please read below then visit new site to download. This version now has 40 callsign button's and is designed for a larger monitor.

If you are a Radio Amateur (Ham) then download and take a look at this new ElseeMore or EchoShack client application to enhance Echolink© Amateur Radio application used by more than 200,000 registered users in 163 of the 193 world nations. At any time over 4000 users are online. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) combined with  Radio Links, Repeaters, Hand Held Mobile Radio and Computers form a network, that in times of world disasters can combine to rapidly depoy emergency communications to almost any area.
Operators who have recently lost vision quality and find it difficult to navigate or learn the keyboard, will find this program easy to use allowing them to easily connect to stations, The remote commands will allow a 'buddy' to set up 10 favourite call pre-set buttons.
Description:

Supporting variable dynamic font sizes and Text to Speech (TTS) announcements of connecting stations, Messages and Button Navigation.  Designed to assist all, including the visual impaired, white stick, white cane operators.  With added user selectable optional Text To Speech output of message text.

NOTE: This program can be used even if you have 100% vision(EchoShack is your best choice)! It comes in very handy in a conference with lots of text messages, you can sit back from the computer screen and listen to the text being spoken by the Microsoft SAPI Text To Speech software. Just zoom up the font so you can still read at a distance. If you leave the shack, just toggle the 'away message' to be sent if someone connects and they can send you a text message. When you get back call them back.

  • Sit back away from the screen with a large font.
  • White Stick Cane operator, the latest version includes support for you with TAB & Enter Key to Navigate and Action. Space Bar to toggle TX/RX.
  • Good eyesight then use the Mouse to Navigate.
  • Poor eyesight then maybe a larger Font. Dynamic Font Size (8 - 30 pitch).
  • Selectable speech features on / off.
  • 10 User editable Callsign Buttons.
  • Remote 'Buddy' commands to change options and button call signs by remote control.
  • Command input using Chat text box to edit Callsign Buttons.
  • Voice announcments of 'Alarm Window' changes. Call signs announced in Phonetics.
  • Away from computer then hear who is connecting.
  • Leave an auto send text message. When a station connects this message will be sent. The message can ask the connecting station to please call back and indicate that the operator may have some impairment that makes it difficult to place calls. Apart from the 10 preset call buttons.
  • Connected to a conference then Talking station is Highlighted at bottom of list.
  • Type in Node number, or Callsign, in Message / Chat Text box then press 'Enter' to connect.
  • ReConnect Button will connect. Also re-connect to last connected station. Just missed a call then one click or Enter Key to re-connect.
  • Starts Echolink © if not running. Button to Re-start Echolink © if it terminates.
  • Background color Red for Transmit Green for receive. Easy to see.
  • Large Digital Clock. ALT T will speak the time.
  • Cut and Paste Text into the Station Information window press F2 and you can use the Text To Speech software to read out aloud.
  • New - Screen Layout suitable for 800 X 600 and greater.
  • The remote commands will allow a remote operator to Edit the options, providing both ends are using ElseeMore. This will help avoid the visually impaired from having to edit the INI file or type in the commands. The F9 function key on the remote station will enable/disable the access, with a 10 minute security time out to disable access.
  • Repeat speak the current connected call sign. [User Request]
  • Repeat speak the last text message received. [User Request]
  • PC Shutdown/Power Off. F12 will Shutdown the PC and Power off if supported(you have 15 seconds to cancel by pressing F12 again). This function makes it easy to set the PC up to Power up, Auto Startup ElseeMore and at end of session Shutdown and Power Off the PC. [User Request].
  • Most settings are saved each time the program is closed.
  • Go to Low Vision Download Menu for easy download or visit http://echoshack.com for new EchoShack version.
  • Have your say, pass on ideas to enhance this program [User Request]. If you are visually impaired and this does not provide all you require then Please provide feedback via "Contact Us" Menu or via the webmaster @ the same address as site URL.
  • Program tested with Supernova/HAL computer access from DolphinUK http://www.dolphinuk.co.uk/ Works fine. Tested by Colin 2E0RIG white stick operator.
  • The Author, Tony Wakefield, VK3ZTR would like to give recognition to Colin 2E0RIG for being chief of test for the Blind Usability features of ‘ElseeMore’. Colin has provided many ideas to refine the product. Colin has been totally blind since birth. Thanks Colin.
  • Thanks also to Manfred OE7AAI for the German translation (ElseeMore version only).
This program is written in Delphi 2006.
In memory of 'Jim' Wright VK3CFB. Jim inspired me to write “ElseeMore” when his vision failed. Sadly he passed away peacefully on 18th June 2007 aged 87.  RIP Jim.
Visit http://www.echolink.org/ to find out more about Echolink © Amateur Radio Communication.