LapLink MN-LGD011-XX-US Checklist for Voice Chat, Adjust your microphone to a comfortable level

Checklist for Voice Chat

Use full duplex sound card drivers on both ends of the connection

Voice Chat is easiest to use over a full duplex connection; you can hear and be heard at the same time, as on the tele- phone.

For full duplex, both ends of the connection must have sound cards with drivers that support full duplex. Contact your sound card manufacturer to determine whether your sound card supports full duplex; and find out whether drivers are available.

When using half duplex, wait for the other person to fin- ish talking

A common problem in half duplex conversations is knowing when to start talking. Use the stoplight icon in LapLink as a guideline for when you can talk and when you can’t. In some cases, a verbal signal that you are finished speaking (saying “over,” for instance) might be helpful, or it might help to sim- ply pause a few seconds when you are done speaking.

If you’re using Manual mode, be sure to release the walkie- talkie button; you might not be able to hear the other person otherwise.

Adjust your microphone to a comfortable level

Many microphones require adjustment in order to send clear speech. Make sure your microphone is placed at a good dis- tance from your mouth—not too far and not too close—and

then adjust the microphone level using the Levels tab (Voice Chat Options).

Adjust your speakers or headphones to a comfortable level

Most speakers, and some headphones, have a manual con- trol that you can use to adjust volume. It is recommended that you leave the manual controls at a medium level, and adjust the volume of speakers and headphones in LapLink (or in Windows).

Minimize background noise, if possible

Try moving your microphone away from telephones, loud computer power supplies, radios, and so on. Move your speaker and microphones farther apart.

If the person you’re talking to hears a lot of noise in your background or doesn’t hear your voice, you might want to re- set your environment level using the Levels tab (Voice Chat Options).

Tips for improving Voice Chat performance

Perform the tests on the Levels tab (Voice Chat Options) to get the best performance. Adjust transmission quality to match the conditions of the connection: On the Advanced tab of Voice Chat Options (Options menu) click Low if you are talking over a modem or other slow connection. Click High if you are talking over a network or other fast connec- tion.

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