You are correct.  I missed that one.  Oh well, no harm done.  Will
just have to add a second Sound Card and split apps/file types and
adjust volumes accordingly.

Al


--- In InspiredCodeUsers@y..., Robison Bryan <inspiredcode@i...>
wrote:
> >
> >
> >  So in short, It might be less code and more versatile to just
add a
> >volume control for files that churchbells, (.wav) will play
natively.
> >
> >
> I think real player and winamp both have an on board volume control
that
> does not seem to affect
> the wave volume of windows.

>
>
>  So in short, It might be less code and more versatile to just add a
>volume control for files that churchbells, (.wav) will play natively.
>
>
I think real player and winamp both have an on board volume control that
does not seem to affect
the wave volume of windows.

Funny you should mention that about the horns pointing up.  That is
exactly how the speakers in the tower are.  There are 2 of them.  One
north and one south.

   As far as the discussion earlier about the warning i posted...
Rather than try to have the MP2 and MP3 files play directly from
ChurchBells you might want to just add a volume control to
churchbells in the future.

   I like having them play under different apps because if you have
a "custom" file such as i, there are inherently volume differences.
In my case, My mp2 files are slightly lower than your files in
volume.  I would actually like to control the volume of ChurchBells
so it matches custom files.
   If my set of files were louder than yours for example, I could set
Win Media Player to a lower volume to match yours and then all of the
sounds would be the same volume.
   I had limitations on what i could input into the computer when I
remastered the tapes so my stuff came out a little softer but all at
the same level where your stuff is a tad louderbut also at the same
level throughout the collection.  (not a complaint just trying to
justify a possible future add on).
   Luckily my stuff is close enough where i have found a happy medium
so i do not blow the amp but others may not be so lucky.
   So in short, It might be less code and more versatile to just add a
volume control for files that churchbells, (.wav) will play natively.

   I know...  Give an inch, take a mile, lol...


Just a thought...

Al

aschroer2000 wrote:

>Well, promissed you an update on the audio side of the house so here
>it is....
>  Your not gonna beleive this setup!  Talk about cuttin it close on
>the audio side...  Beleive it or not, the existing 250 watt speakers
>in the tower are running off of a 12V 80 Watt car equalizer/booster
>amp.  Yep, You got it right!  An old sparkomatic power booster.
>
>  In the cabinet that used to house the Schulmerick tape system is
>now a computer, a monitor speaker, a three toggle switch speaker
>selector from radio shack, (to toggle between tower and test mode), a
>12V radio shack power supply and a sparkomatic power
>booster/equalizer.
>
>  That tower sounds WONDERFUL!  (not overly loud mind you but you can
>hear it for a block or two depending on where you are so that's good
>enough).
>
>Al
>

That's great.  I love to hear that kind of stuff.  Maybe I should write
to other customers and see
if they'd be willing to describe theirs.  Might even get a lively
discussion going.  I've thought a bit
about setups too.  I wonder if anyone has ever used a ring of small
horns, all aimed slightly upward,
so that it's not extremely loud in the center, but would reach outward
for a few miles, without ever
measuring very high DB at any point.  Just a thought.  I'm glad your
tower is up and running well.
Wish I could be there to get the full effect.

Well, promissed you an update on the audio side of the house so here
it is....
   Your not gonna beleive this setup!  Talk about cuttin it close on
the audio side...  Beleive it or not, the existing 250 watt speakers
in the tower are running off of a 12V 80 Watt car equalizer/booster
amp.  Yep, You got it right!  An old sparkomatic power booster.

   In the cabinet that used to house the Schulmerick tape system is
now a computer, a monitor speaker, a three toggle switch speaker
selector from radio shack, (to toggle between tower and test mode), a
12V radio shack power supply and a sparkomatic power
booster/equalizer.

   That tower sounds WONDERFUL!  (not overly loud mind you but you can
hear it for a block or two depending on where you are so that's good
enough).

Al

aschroer2000 wrote:

>Ignore my question regarding licensing.  I found the link and will
>try to get the paster to take care of it today.  How long is the turn
>around time?
>
>Thanks Again so much!
>
>Al
>
>
The very act of successfully paying for the organization license grants
permisson to deploy outdoors.
There is a temporary unlock code given right away to facilitate doing
so.  Then it's in most cases just
a few days, often a few hours.

You're very welcome, and thank you.

Robison

aschroer2000 wrote:

>Bravo!  Thankyou for a very fast AND Successful Fix!  Got up early
>this morning to take the components down to the church to start
>putting things together and saw your post.  Updated system and all
>works great!
>  (We will of course leave churchbells shut down until we get the
>license).  We'll use Task Scheduler until then...
>
>  One word of caution - If using only 1 sound card and you are
>playing around with testing sounds swapping between mp2/3 and those
>that are rolled "native" into the package, make sure you stop the
>external application before choosing a native file.
>
Good point.  I'll see what I can do about that; at least a notice to the
person scheduling sounds.

>  ex:  My mp2's play through windows media player.  If you test a
>file and accidently choose a "native" file while the other is
>playing, the 2 apps will fight over the sound card.  If win. media
>player has control, it will freeze ChurchBells.  This is not a big
>deal, just something to be aware of to save you some head scratching.
>
>Many MANY Smiles!
>
>How do I obtain an organizational license?   :)
>
>Al
>
Good question.

To order any InspiredCode.net product, you can go to

http://nstarsolutions.com/1406.htm

(has a catchy ring to it, eh?)

Thanks for the tip and the question.

-Robison

Our setup is to be a modest one indeed.  The computer is a basic hp
vectra 500 series business machine.  32MB ram.  Not 100% sure of the
speed but it is holding up nicely thus far.

   As far as amp and speakers well, i hope to use the exsisting
loudspeaker from the Schlumerick system but need to check it's rating
and the amp will depend on that.  Will know more this afternoon.  At
least the most difficult part is over and that was having the ability
to use the old tape files as they are important to some members of
the church and all of the tapes are "in memory" of somebody.

Al

Ignore my question regarding licensing.  I found the link and will
try to get the paster to take care of it today.  How long is the turn
around time?

Thanks Again so much!

Al

Bravo!  Thankyou for a very fast AND Successful Fix!  Got up early
this morning to take the components down to the church to start
putting things together and saw your post.  Updated system and all
works great!
   (We will of course leave churchbells shut down until we get the
license).  We'll use Task Scheduler until then...

   One word of caution - If using only 1 sound card and you are
playing around with testing sounds swapping between mp2/3 and those
that are rolled "native" into the package, make sure you stop the
external application before choosing a native file.
   ex:  My mp2's play through windows media player.  If you test a
file and accidently choose a "native" file while the other is
playing, the 2 apps will fight over the sound card.  If win. media
player has control, it will freeze ChurchBells.  This is not a big
deal, just something to be aware of to save you some head scratching.

Many MANY Smiles!

How do I obtain an organizational license?   :)

Al


--- In InspiredCodeUsers@y..., Robison Bryan <inspiredcode@i...>
wrote:
> Hi Folks.
>
> Welcome. And thank you for two wonderful suggestions.
> As of the post I am uploading right now, ChurchBells can
> play MP2 and MP3 files, as well as the standard waves.
>
> Also, it has a Funeral Tolling Sound.  There is a menu item
> to set how many bell strikes it will do whenever you trigger
> the funeral sound.
>
> I'd be interested also in what amplifiers and speakers you might
> use.  I know that ChurchBells has run on everything from the
> latest and best down to a 486/66 playing through a stereo from
> the 1970's and speakers patched and painted with silicone RTV.
> (Oddly enough, it gave the speaker paper better thermal
dissipation.)
> I've heard of class D and digital amplifiers as well, and am curious
> if anyone has tried these new efficient technologies.
>
> I'm glad you came aboard the group, and this is exactly the kind of
> advancement we can make by talking it over together.
>
> Robison Bryan
> InspiredCode.net

Hi Dennis.

No worries about babbling.  I'm glad you shared with us about Church Bells as
you have experienced them.  It is just such an effect upon me as I hear them,
that led me to create these sounds and this program.  These are the hymns I
grew up singing, and they still move me today.  I also remember telling the
time by the bells, and hearing the carillon at Christmas time from the other
end of town.

Before I forget to mention it, the Harmonious Bells CD has about three verses
per hymn, with a variety in the orchestration (all on bells), and some extra
Carols besides those in the download.  If space is a concern, there is a
freeware MP3 converter called CDEX that I like very much.

-Robison

Hi Folks.

Welcome. And thank you for two wonderful suggestions.
As of the post I am uploading right now, ChurchBells can
play MP2 and MP3 files, as well as the standard waves.

Also, it has a Funeral Tolling Sound.  There is a menu item
to set how many bell strikes it will do whenever you trigger
the funeral sound.

I'd be interested also in what amplifiers and speakers you might
use.  I know that ChurchBells has run on everything from the
latest and best down to a 486/66 playing through a stereo from
the 1970's and speakers patched and painted with silicone RTV.
(Oddly enough, it gave the speaker paper better thermal dissipation.)
I've heard of class D and digital amplifiers as well, and am curious
if anyone has tried these new efficient technologies.

I'm glad you came aboard the group, and this is exactly the kind of
advancement we can make by talking it over together.

Robison Bryan
InspiredCode.net

MP2 is the format the files are currently in.  The HD space is
limited as this is very VERY low budget and it's all i have to work
with.  The machine is powerfull enough according to your site and it
does play the files just fine.  Spent the day with wintask sched. and
loaded it up with a heafty schedule.  right down to the 2-3 minute
mark playing for a good 8 hours straight both the CB files you
provide and my own remastered files.  No problems there.  Even threw
in a scheduled reboot.
   The files I have were recorded to a laptop using "RecordIt"
software from the late 90's.  From what i see now MP2 is usually
associated with video...???

   At any rate, Since I have done the leg work already with these tape
files, I would be more than happy to share them except for one.  I
say that because the one has copyright info on it and I am not sure
how that applies today.  The rest do not.  I am not even sure if
Schlumeric is still in business or what legal stance they have now.
The tapes date back to the early 70's.

Al

--- In InspiredCodeUsers@y..., Robison Bryan <inspiredcode@i...>
wrote:
> aschroer2000 wrote:
>
> >  I was able to install and run C.B. (ChurchBells) however before
we,
> >(my Church) purchases the organization license, I have a
question.
> >It states somewhere in the instructions the ability to "import" or
> >use other audio files.  It states a mono 16bit sample i beleive.
Is
> >this the limit?  I need to be able to play old schlumeric tape
files
> >that i remastered to MP2 format.  Will this work?  I know the
ability
> >to use "other" files is limitted to the organizational license,
just
> >want to make sure before we spend money we really don't have.
> >
> >  I am in the final stages of this thing and need to get a license
so
> >i can install it.  If MP2 is not capable and there is no easy
> >relatively quick way to convert these files then i will have to
> >resort to Windows "scheduled tasks" as my carilon timer.  Really
do
> >not want to convert the files to .WAV files as they are large
enough
> >already and i do not have much disk space.
> >
> >Sincerely -
> >
> >Al E. Schroer
> >
> >
> This is the first time this has come up.  I'll look into what it
taskes
> and reply soon.
> If your drive is pretty small, that also usually means that the CPU
is
> older and slower.
> Can it correctly play the files if you double click on them?

Rodgers organ Group is where i too heard about this!  It has awesome
potential and the more i play around with it, the more i like it's
scheduling scheme.

Al

--- In InspiredCodeUsers@y..., "Dennis Goethe" <dengoethe@h...> wrote:
>
> Greetings, all --
>
> Robison, I found ChurchBells from a message posted on the Rodgers
> Users Group message board (Rodgers Organ owners), downloaded the
demo
> version and have just purchased the Organizational License.
Perhaps,
> soon, we'll be sounding the chimes over Ballwin, Missouri from the
> coupola on our funeral home ...
>
> Which reminds me: A tolling bell could be a nice addition to your
> already wonderful program. A tolling bell at a few-seconds interval
> that plays for 5 minutes or so could be useful for many situations,
> not just funerals. There have, sadly, been a few times in recent
> history when church bells across the country tolled for lives lost.
> The peals are just a little too happy for that.
>
> I'm glad I stumbled across this group, another great idea! I'll
look
> forward to hearing what equipment, amplifiers and speakers others
> have used for ChurchBells, and other user's experiences.
>
> Years ago I lived in Fulton, MO, home of Westminster College (where
> Churchill delivered his "Iron Curtain" address). Westminster's
bells
> sounded across the community every day and you never really needed
a
> watch, you just listened for the quarter hour chimes. A few years
> later I lived near a large Catholic church in St. Louis with
> bells. Every morning I awoke to the Angelus and there, too, you
> always knew what time it was. You also always knew when there was a
> wedding or a funeral from the peals or the tolls. I look forward to
> that being a part of my life again.
>
> I've babbled enough for now. Looking forward to visiting with
others
> here!

Greetings, all --

Robison, I found ChurchBells from a message posted on the Rodgers
Users Group message board (Rodgers Organ owners), downloaded the demo
version and have just purchased the Organizational License. Perhaps,
soon, we'll be sounding the chimes over Ballwin, Missouri from the
coupola on our funeral home ...

Which reminds me: A tolling bell could be a nice addition to your
already wonderful program. A tolling bell at a few-seconds interval
that plays for 5 minutes or so could be useful for many situations,
not just funerals. There have, sadly, been a few times in recent
history when church bells across the country tolled for lives lost.
The peals are just a little too happy for that.

I'm glad I stumbled across this group, another great idea! I'll look
forward to hearing what equipment, amplifiers and speakers others
have used for ChurchBells, and other user's experiences.

Years ago I lived in Fulton, MO, home of Westminster College (where
Churchill delivered his "Iron Curtain" address). Westminster's bells
sounded across the community every day and you never really needed a
watch, you just listened for the quarter hour chimes. A few years
later I lived near a large Catholic church in St. Louis with
bells. Every morning I awoke to the Angelus and there, too, you
always knew what time it was. You also always knew when there was a
wedding or a funeral from the peals or the tolls. I look forward to
that being a part of my life again.

I've babbled enough for now. Looking forward to visiting with others
here!

aschroer2000 wrote:

>  I was able to install and run C.B. (ChurchBells) however before we,
>(my Church) purchases the organization license, I have a question.
>It states somewhere in the instructions the ability to "import" or
>use other audio files.  It states a mono 16bit sample i beleive.  Is
>this the limit?  I need to be able to play old schlumeric tape files
>that i remastered to MP2 format.  Will this work?  I know the ability
>to use "other" files is limitted to the organizational license, just
>want to make sure before we spend money we really don't have.
>
>  I am in the final stages of this thing and need to get a license so
>i can install it.  If MP2 is not capable and there is no easy
>relatively quick way to convert these files then i will have to
>resort to Windows "scheduled tasks" as my carilon timer.  Really do
>not want to convert the files to .WAV files as they are large enough
>already and i do not have much disk space.
>
>Sincerely -
>
>Al E. Schroer
>
>
This is the first time this has come up.  I'll look into what it taskes
and reply soon.
If your drive is pretty small, that also usually means that the CPU is
older and slower.
Can it correctly play the files if you double click on them?

I was able to install and run C.B. (ChurchBells) however before we,
(my Church) purchases the organization license, I have a question.
It states somewhere in the instructions the ability to "import" or
use other audio files.  It states a mono 16bit sample i beleive.  Is
this the limit?  I need to be able to play old schlumeric tape files
that i remastered to MP2 format.  Will this work?  I know the ability
to use "other" files is limitted to the organizational license, just
want to make sure before we spend money we really don't have.

   I am in the final stages of this thing and need to get a license so
i can install it.  If MP2 is not capable and there is no easy
relatively quick way to convert these files then i will have to
resort to Windows "scheduled tasks" as my carilon timer.  Really do
not want to convert the files to .WAV files as they are large enough
already and i do not have much disk space.

Sincerely -

Al E. Schroer

Terry wrote:

> Hello, Robison,
>     I'm thinking of eventually getting Metris, and have tried out the
> demo version.  One thought I do have, though, is that it might help in
> playing if the top notes for each column could be played during the
> scan, or at least the top note(s) of the column towards which the
> falling note is headed.

Hi Terry.

The very first version I posted had an error in it causing the ground
cover not to play.  That lasted one weekend, and was replaced quickly by
one that plays the top two notes in each column as it was meant to do.
  In addition to that, the latest version plays in stereo, making it even
easier to hear what is going on.  Thanks for writing.  If I
misunderstood what you meant, let's talk off list and if I can come up
with anything about it I'll post the results to the list.

Thanks.

-Robison

The accessible audio game Metris is now in Stereo, which
should make it easier to perceive what is going on.
It uses the same old codes so there is not need to
register it again. If you're not able to try it because
the old version timed out, please email me off list.

Thanks.
Robison

Yeah, Marvin, that would be cool!
----- Original Message -----
From: "marvin hunkin" <marvkin@...>
To: <InspiredCodeUsers@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 27, 2002 2:28 AM
Subject: [InspiredCodeUsers] Accessible Software Sugestions From marvin


>
>
> Hi Its Marvin here.
> I would like to see two new software packages for the vip communtiy.  they
> are:
>
>
> a speech software package which would give the user a full speech
interface
> when installing a operating system from a fresh hard drive or boot up
disk.
> so that when you turn on the machine, put a cd in and at the bios have it
> talk to you, so i can install windows indpedently.
> Also a acessiable drawing package which would allow us to draw dfd
diagrams
> using the keyboard and getting speech feedback where the drawing is on the
> screen.
> Any ideas.
> Cheers Marvin.
> Ps:  E-mai8l me privately
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> InspiredCodeUsers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>

Note From Robison:

I'll be emailing Marvin aside as he requested.
Anything I can come up with will be announced here.

Hi Its Marvin here.
I would like to see two new software packages for the vip communtiy.  they
are:


a speech software package which would give the user a full speech interface
when installing a operating system from a fresh hard drive or boot up disk.
so that when you turn on the machine, put a cd in and at the bios have it
talk to you, so i can install windows indpedently.
Also a acessiable drawing package which would allow us to draw dfd diagrams
using the keyboard and getting speech feedback where the drawing is on the
screen.
Any ideas.
Cheers Marvin.
Ps:  E-mai8l me privately

_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

Hi Joshua, and welcome.

As you can see, this list is not often jumping with activity.
It is young, and we are few.  It is basically about using the
products made by InspiredCode, any problems found and
any fixes posted, as well as announcements of new software.

Speaking of which, there is a new program on the web site
called Metris.  It is a Musical version of Tetris.  With the
Visually Impaired in mind, it is designed to work seamlessly
with screen readers such as Jaws and Window Eyes.

It does not conflict with or depend upon any speech mechanism
in the computer.  It does want to use the midi for as long as it
is running.

You are the first person to post, other than myself.  A few have
joined.  I invite users comments about the programs, suggestions
to me or other users on how to make or use them better.

Now, by way of introduction, I'll mention to the other members that
Joshua is a member of a group for Visually Impaired Computer Game
Enthusiasts called BlindGamers, aka audyssey.

Since many VI users had shown such an interest in ChurchBells,
InspiredCode has taken a decisive turn in the direction of accessible
software for the Visually Impaired.  That is not to say that I will not
be producing other titles for the church/religious community. I like to
go like the spring rain,  filling in wherever it is most needed or
useful.

I hope this gives a good indication of the group's nature and purpose.

Thanks for your time.

Robison Bryan
InspiredCode.net

PS I'm still trying to get my hands on a clone of a machine where
4BlindMice is able to be caught in a hang, so I can troubleshoot
that elusive glitch.  As I've said before, I'll let you know when the
problem has been isolated and solved.

Hi Folks.

There's a new version of ChurchBells posted.
It will now mount for use any wave file you
put in the ChurchBells directory. (No more
having to mess with odd little text files.)
Also, many thanks to Mike for spotting a glitch
affecting seasons and holidays; the glitch has
been fixed.

That's all for now (unless you have something
to share).

-Robison

Hi Folks.

(Still waiting on that other thing, but in the meantime...)

My home DVD Player plays MP3 CDs.  Sort of.  It actually requires a
very specific format for all MP3 files on such a CD.  If yours is that
particular, here's a freeware utility I made that converts MP3 & Wav
files so you can burn and enjoy MP3 CDs on your DVD player:

http://InspiredCode.net/Fix_MP3.exe

That's all for now.

(Don't worry; I don't make software or record albums too very often.)

Robison Bryan
InspiredCode.net

PS If you have questions or suggestions, I'm here.

Hi Folks, again.

Before settling down into one of those long periods of inactivity I
mentioned (in the group description), I'd like to say for the record
(pun intended) that I've added a page that lists the musical CDs
available from inspiredcode.net.  The address of that is
http://InspiredCode.net/Records.htm.  I've also added a 4BlindMice
survey to the web page.  We are few now, but hopefully more will join
soon and read this in the archives.  I will always welcome your
feedback on all programs, and it's never too late to fill out the
survey.  As I said, this group is mainly about what you have to say.
I'll break the silence once I get my hands on a machine where 4BM
hangs and I can post a fixed version.

Until then, wishing you the very best.
Robison Bryan
InspiredCode.net

Hi Folks.

      Thanks for joining InspiredCode Users.  This is Robison Bryan,
the author of the InspiredCode software and music.  I've been working
on things that I hope will enhance peoples' lives.  I'm very grateful
for the emails I have received, whether simply to encourage or also
to let me know of needs and suggestions, all of which I take dearly
to heart.  I hope to make our communication more efficient and
convenient by getting us all together here in the same room, so to
speak.  So this group is mostly about what you have to say.  And I
can use the same channel to answer questions or let you know when I
post updates to improve/fix things (especially things about which
you've been concerned).

      To start the ball rolling, I'll let you know about some
improvements and also some concerns.  (I appologize in advance for
the length.  You can ignore any section that does not particularly
interest you.)

ChurchBells:  ChurchBells now installs and runs in Win95 through XP.
If you've had either good or bad experience with older NT, please let
me know.  Many thanks to an observant user, I've posted a note about
how to clear out the "shave and a haircut" tune after licensing:
http://InspiredCode.net/GotCode.htm tells how.

SayPad:  SayPad works with Sapi5.1  There is now a version for Win98
thru XP.  Although it is not listed for use on older NT, I'd like to
know if anyone has gotten that going.  The XP SayPad does not put in
Sapi5.1 because XP already has Sapi.  It merely adds Mike and Mary to
go with the existing Sam.  (SayPad has for some time now been able to
convert text files into MP3 file sets for making books on MP3CD.)

4BlindMice:  (Sigh,)  I thought it was fine since I can't get it to
fail on any of my machines.  But I hear it can hang on some systems.
I'm working on getting my hands on one where it fails so I can catch
it in the act and fix it.  I'll post to this group as soon as it is
fixed.  It could be helpful if you email me privately and let me know
what your reader is (Jaws, WE, both) and what your speech is
(DecTalk,
Sapi etc), and of course, whether 4BM worked for you.  I've added a
warning onto the site but I've not pulled it because it does work on
many systems.  The price is now $75.  If you payed more, please write
to me for free additional license.  If you run a school yours is free.

Harmonious Bells Record:  The music from ChurchBells can be gotten on
a CD with more Christmas tunes and where each tune is longer and more
fully orchestrated (still all on bell sounds).
http://www.inspiredcode.net/BellCD

That's it for now.  I invite your questions, experiences, etc...

Robison Bryan
InspiredCode.net