NOTE: This is older manual, for software shipped with recorders prior to March 30, 2010
Follow this link for TCwL-B4 recorders with software V2.42.  
     TeleCorder Manual (TCwL-B4, with HDD, USB & LAN V2.42) — PDF

 
TeleCorder
Voice Logging Recorder
Model # TCwL-B4

6.   Using the Tele Corder

6.1   Managing and Playing the Recordings with a PC:
        Double click on the TeleCorder software icon  to open the program. The software will search for a TCwL-B4 recorder connected to the PC via USB or LAN and, if a recorder is found, the software window will display the most recent 2,000 recordings. The TeleCorder software can only connect to one recorder at a time.If more than one TCwL-B4 is found, select which one to access (maximum of four).

        The PC does not have to be ON or connected to the TeleCorder for it to function. Connecting the TeleCorder USB or a LAN cable to your PC and/or turning the PC power on or off will not stop the recorder from functioning. You can also disconnect the TeleCorder USB and or LAN cable from a PC and connect it to a different PC or LAN connection without interrupting the TeleCorder operation. The PC used for managing/playing must be equipped with an available USB or LAN port, sound card as well as speakers, and use Windows® operating system (Win-98/XP/Vista-32).

 
 
6.1.1     Using the Utility Software:
 
        You must install the supplied utility TeleCorder Manager/Player software from the provided disk to your computer prior to being able to manage the recorder from the PC or play recordings through the
PC control (see manual Section II). The first time that you connect your PC to your TeleCorder, you may be asked to install the USB device driver. This driver should have been copied to your PC during install. If not, use the CD supplied with your TeleCorder to install the required USB driver following the instructions displayed on your computer.
 
        After installing the software, place a short cut icon on the desktop for easy access (if it was not automatically installed during install). Click the software icon, or the short cut created during the install, and the recordings will be listed in the main window (as shown in the following screen image). The listed information includes the ITEM or sequential recording number, the PORT that was the source of the recording, CALLER # (if available when the recording was made) or DIALED # (if available when the recording was made), DATE (mm-dd-yy) of each recording in month, day, and year, TIME the recording started, and the DURATION of each recording in minutes and seconds.
        All records are listed in the reverse order so that the most recent recording is indexed as item number 1.
        You can drag the slider bar on the right side of the display window to view the un-displayed part of the list. On the lower part of the form, there are buttons for Refresh, Re-Order, Find, Files, Info & Settings, Security, and Exit. The recorders IP address will be displayed in the top of this window.

These buttons provide the following functions:
 

6.1.2     Refresh:    Refresh the list to display the latest recordings in the TeleCorder at any time.
 
6.1.3     Re-Order:    User can select one of the following ordering rules to re-order the list.
     1. Recorded – provides a list based on the time recordings ended.
 
     2. Starting Time – provides a list based on the time recordings started.
 
      3. Record Duration – provides a list based on the length of recordings.
 
     4. Channel Number – provides a list based on the channel number.
 
     5. Un-Answered List – provides a list of calls on phone lines that
             were not answered (Un-Answered Listing is not supported
          with TCwL-B4).

6.1.4     Find:     You can search the records using a specific caller number or dialed number and/or within a date range that you input.
        In the dialogue box, you can enter search conditions such as date range, digits from a phone number such as 010, 6256, etc. The searched results will display on the screen after you select “Start Search”.
       You may also enter only a start and stop date range and all of the recorded items during the date range will be displayed.
       The recorded items after a search can be played or used for further searching and for making Wave files in a batch job. Refer to the File Copy for more details.

 6.1.5     Files:     This button provides the following functions for the displayed files.

6.1.5.1     Conversion of Recordings to WAVE Files
                and Saving to PC:
          Wave Files are a widely used and supported multimedia File Format for the PC and other computer systems. Since the TeleCorder uses a unique format for saving the recordings in digital form, digitally converting them is a better way to exchange information with other systems that do not have TeleCorder software. You can use your PC to send audio recordings via e-mails or make backup CDs without worrying that others may not be able to play them.
          There is also an option to save individual recordings when they are selected for playback. Select the button with red dot “n” from playback menu, see section 6.2.
 
6.1.5.2     Browse --- Use the Browse button to select the folder on your PC hard drive where you wish to save the copies of the recordings.
 
6.1.5.3     All --- Copy all of the records listed in the form, including both the ones displayed and the ones not displayed. This button would be used to copy all recordings retrieved by a search.
 
6.1.5.4     Last Month --- The software will search again from all of the records in the TeleCorder within the 1^st and 31^st of last month, then perform a batch job to generate the wave files. This function is specially designed for users to make monthly backups.
 
6.1.5.5     Last Week --- The software will search again from all of the records in the TeleCorder within the last week, and then it will do a batch job to generate the wave files.
 
6.1.5.6      Help --- Produces a window with more detailed information about converting to wave files.
 
6.1.5.7    Use exclusive fast mode if possible --- Use this button to speed up the file conversion process.
 
6.1.5.8      File Range --- Use this button to select a range of files that will be converted to wave files from the list of calls. For example, files numbered between 1 and 100.
    
        All the generated files will be placed under the file folder of WaveFolder 00-99 using the present path. The last two numbers in the folder name will be produced automatically by the software. You can also browse the files within all the WaveFolder XX folders. The newest folder would be named with the highest number.
         Each file refers to a unique record. The name of each file contains date and time of the call, caller or dialed number such as File P2 10-26-08 09=11=10 DIAL TO 18609280377.WAV (recording made on TeleCorder Port 2 on October 26th, 2008 at 09:11:10, call was outgoing and dialed to 1-860-928-0377). The files are suffixed with “.WAV”. You can change the file names as required, but you should not change the suffix unless there are special requirements.
 
6.1.5.9     Volume Balance Setting (DAVA): Digital Automatic Volume Adjustment capabilities. This is done in software, not hardware. If the volume levels of the 2 sides of a conversation are different, or if the line quality is not well adjusted, the Digital Automatic Volume Adjustment (DAVA)) function will amplify the lower or far side to more closely match the level of the stronger or near side of a recorded conversation during playback. Since background noise will also be amplified together with the sound, there will be a compromise to permit weak voices to be played at higher levels without raising background noise levels to objectionable levels. There are 2 possible settings.
 
 USE DAVA (auto volume adjustment) for Volume Balance:   This setting is normally used to enable DAVA when converting single files or batches of files to wave files. It provides a medium amount of boost for weak audio.
 
 Deeper DAVA Mode (may have more noise): This setting provides a higher level of boost to weak audio but may also increase weak background noise levels.
 
6.1.5.10     Print and Save the List of Records: The displayed list on the screen can be printed or saved into a “.txt” file. No matter how the call list is re-ordered, the searched and sorted list can be printed.
 
6.1.5.11    Delete Recordings:   The recorded calls can be selectively or entirely deleted. To avoid unauthorized deletion, the password must be entered before deleting recordings. If no password has been set, you will need the master password that was supplied with your TeleCorder. Options are to delete the most recent recording, all recordings, or a selected range of recordings. Deleted recordings cannot be recovered. Un-answered is not supported with TeleCorder model TCwL-B4.
 
6.1.6      Info & Settings:   Use this button to access the recorders hardware and information settings. See Section 3.6 for additional information on configuring the various settings for your application.




6.1.6.1      Hardware Information:   From this sub-button you will gain information about the TeleCorder including version number, capacity, media usage, recorded call items, deleted call items, etc.
 
6.1.6.2     Date/Time Setting:   From this sub-button you can read and set the real time clock in the recorder.
 
6.1.6.3     Set Channels to VAR Mode Instead of Voltage Sensing Mode used for Recording from Phone Lines:  Each channel (Port) in the recorder can be set to start and stop recording using either audio activation (VAR) or voltage sensing. Channels showing a check mark in the boxes labeled Port 1, Port 2, Port 3, or Port 4, are set for VAR recording. Channels with no checkmark indicate they are set for phone line recording. For any channel you want to start/stop recording using the phone line voltage sensing mode, click on the box for that channel to remove the check mark, then click the Write Hardware button to confirm any changes.
 
6.1.6.4     VAR Voltage Threshold:  Set the threshold level to match the audio level on your audio source.
 
L0: Extra Sensitive, suitable for weak audio sources with low background noise level: (for example, with weak earphone or line-out recording).
   
L1: High Sensitivity, suitable for normal line level audio sources with low background noise levels: (normal phone handset earpiece audio or weak speaker of radio).
   
L2: Mid Sensitivity, suitable for higher than normal audio levels and/or higher background noise levels: (for recording from a noisy phone line when voltage sensing cannot be used due to non-standard voltages or with normal speaker audio from a radio).
   
L3: Low Sensitivity, suitable for very high audio levels, and high background noise levels. Recording may stop if audio levels are too weak: (phone recording with non-standard and very noisy DC voltages, or extra loud radio audio).
   
        After making changes, click the button labeled Write Hardware to confirm any changes. You may be asked to quit the program and try again. You may also need to un-plug and re-connect the TeleCorder power or USB cable to successfully change the TeleCorder operating parameters.
 
6.1.6.5     VAR Turn-Off-Delay:  If any channels have VAR selected for recording start/stop, also select one of the four turn-off-delay options (VAR Turn-Off-Delay): 4, 12, 32 or 100 seconds. This setting will help to prevent recordings from ending during quiet periods. Click the Write Hardware button to confirm any changes.
 
6.1.6.6     VAR Time Out:  If any channels have VAR selected for start/stop, set the timeout to one of the four choices: 20, 40, 60 or 80 minutes. This setting will limit the maximum length of a recording for easier management of long conversations or for when recording from broadcast radio where pauses may not be long enough to separate individual recordings using VAR for start/stop. If a recording reaches the maximum length of time that you select for VAR Time Out, that recording will end, and a new recording on that channel will begin. Click the Write Hardware button to confirm any changes.
 
6.1.6.7     Save VAR and Outgoing Calls Less than 8s or Outgoing Calls with Less than 3 DTMF Codes:  Click on this option to place a check mark in its box if you want to save recordings that are less than 8 seconds long. If this box is not checked, VAR recordings shorter than 8 seconds, and outgoing telephone calls (using voltage sensing for start/stop) with less than 3 DTMF digits, will not be saved.
         This setting is normally used if external noise causes frequent and unwanted false audio activated recordings, or if telephone line testing produces short off-hook conditions that are not associated with actual phone line usage. It is normal to record all activity on the monitored circuits. Use care when setting to delete short recordings.                                            

6.1.6.8      Recording Quality:     From this sub-button you can read or set the quality of recordings.
   
              Mode 0 --- Large file, Good audio.
                                  8bit linear PCM mode, 28.80 MB/hour
 
              Mode 1 --- Tiny file, Poor audio.
                                  2bit ADPCM mode, 7.20 MB/hour
 
              Mode 2 --- Small file, Good audio.
                                  3bit ADPCM mode.
                                  Default mode set from factory, 10.84 MB/hour
 
              Mode 3 --- Large file, Best audio.
                                  8bit nonlinear PCM mode, 28.80 MB/hour

6.1.6.9     Limitation for List Displaying:      From this sub-button, you can select the number of recordings that will be listed on the PC to speed up the list refresh process. The default setting is 2,000. This setting will cause your PC to display the most recent 2,000 recordings after a refresh. You can select a different number, such as 10,000, 32,768 or 65,536. This selection is saved in software, not as a hardware setting and will reset to 2000 if the software is closed and reopened.
 
6.1.6.10     Caller ID Detection Settings:   From this sub-button you can set (turn on/off) the caller ID detection features.
 
     Pre-Ring DTMF Detection:    If the local caller ID mode is DTMF and sent before the ring, you must turn this feature on. Otherwise, if erroneous caller numbers are sometimes received, you should turn this feature off.
 
     Pre-Ring FSK Detection:    If the local caller ID mode is FSK and sent before the ring, you must turn this feature on. Otherwise, if erroneous caller numbers are sometimes received, you should turn this feature off.
 
     Forced FSK Between Rings:    If your caller ID signaling is FSK and sent between the rings, you must turn this feature on. This is the normal setting for North America.
 
6.1.6.11     About TeleCorder PC Software:   From this sub-button, you can view information about the software supplied with the TCwL-B4 recorder.
 
6.1.6.12     Quit:   From this sub-button, you can Quit or Exit the Hardware Info & Settings window.

6.1.7      Security:     These buttons provide access to security settings for the recorder.
  
         Lock:   After the recorder is locked, it will ask the user to input a password each time a  user tries to access the recorder. A password must be entered to use this function.
 
         Unlock:   To unlock the recorder so that a password is not needed, the password must be entered.
 
6.1.7.1     Modify Password:    The recorder comes with a factory-set password which is in the machine code that is set by its hardware and cannot be changed. This password is written on a sheet that comes with the recorder and will be an effective password forever (keep this password in a secure place). The TeleCorder also allows you to set a second password that can be easier to remember. Use the Modify Password button to set a second password of 6-8 characters. You must enter the factory-set password prior to being given the opportunity to add a second password. After the second password has been set, it will have the same effect as the first password. The new password is also stored in the hardware of the recorder so that it will work even if the recorder is connected to, and used with, another PC. Use the Lock, UnLock, and Modify Password buttons with the 2^nd password. Handy Password button is not supported with the TCwL-B4 model of TeleCorder.
 
6.1.7.2   Setting passwords to prevent access via LAN and/or USB:

NOTE: To have password protection via USB and LAN you will need to setup password protection on each of these connections individually. The LAN password is numeric only, the USB password is alpha-numeric. This needs to be considered if you want the same password for both connections. Setting a password for one connection will not prevent access via the other. If you forget the LAN password it can be reset via TCwL-B4 Reflash Utility Application software. If you forget the USB password it can be reset using the Master Password to Modify the Password. Remember, the Master Password supplied will always unlock the unit (keep this password in a secure place).
 
Locking the unit from access via the USB only: Open the TeleCorder SW and select the SECURITY button at the bottom of the screen. You will have option buttons for LOCK, UNLOCK, MODIFY PASSWORD and HANDY PASSWORD (handy password is not used on TCwL-B4 recorders). Disregard the Handy Password as it is only for units with a Handy Display. To LOCK the unit from USB access only using the supplied MASTER PASSWORD, select the LOCK button and enter the supplied Master Password when prompted. The unit is now locked and will require the Master Password when the SW is opened.
 
     If you want to select a password of your own to use, select the MODIFY PASSWORD button and enter the supplied Master Password. When prompted, enter a 6-8 character alpha-numeric password you want. Select OK and EXIT the software window. Power the unit ON and OFF to lock your settings to memory.
     If you want to remove password protection via USB, select the UNLOCK button and enter either the supplied Master Password or the second Modified password that you created.
 
NOTE: Whenever settings are modified, the TCwL-B4 needs to be powered OFF and back ON to lock them into memory.

Locking the unit from access via the LAN only: To lock access via the LAN connection you have to use the TCwL-B4 Reflash Utility Application.
     Open the TCwL-B4 Reflash Utility and select Find the Device Over the LAN. This should enter all the current settings of the unit. Here you will see the IP address, Subnet mask, MAC address, TCwL-B4 ID (master password), Wanted second password, and WANT to LOCK ACCESS by PASSWORD with a check box.
     Enter a 6-8 character numeric password (numbers only), and put a checkmark in the box WANT to LOCK ACCESS by Password. Select the Change Device Settings As Wanted button, and EXIT the Software window. Power the unit ON and OFF to lock your settings to memory.
     When the unit is powered on and accessed via the LAN it will require either the Master Password or your second Modified password to enter the TCwL-B4 software.
 
NOTE: The TCwL-B4 Reflash Utility application should not be in a location that can be accessed by users. This application should be stored in an administrative folder.
     ANYONE HAVING ACCESS TO THE REFLASH UTILITY has complete access to the call data, and the ability to change or remove passwords!!! 
 
6.2      Play Recordings from List:    To play a recording using your computers media player and speakers, select a file using your PC mouse and click on it. Large files may take a few seconds prior to opening. When playing recordings, buttons in the lower part of the screen will be swapped to a new set of buttons that are used to control various playback functions, as shown in the following image. If it is a long recording, the playback function buttons will not show until the recording has been completely transferred from TeleCorder to the PC.
 
 

The functions of these buttons are:
 
       aVa1 & aVa2: The aVa buttons or “digital audio volume adjustments” are used to equalize unbalanced audio. While it will attempt to balance a call when there is difference in audio levels, it may not be able to bring extremely weak audio up enough to balance it. These volume adjustments only work in playback. Click the aVa1 button and the recorded audio will be processed and played from the beginning with a medium level of Automatic Volume Adjustment. Click the aVa2 button and the recorded audio will be processed and played from the beginning with a higher level of Automatic Volume Adjustment. You may also drag the horizontal slider bar to move the playback start point.
   
      Record ● : The record button is used to convert the current highlighted call or call you are playing to a wave file and save it to your PC. These .wav files can be burned to a CD and played in most players. The recordings will be saved by default with a file name containing port number, date and time of the call, and caller ID or dialed numbers. There will be an option to rename the file when converting to a wave file.